Looking at different accomodation options in Rio, apartment versus hotel. Going to be staying there for ~ 5 days during the second week of January.

Looking for recommendations (or even accomodaitons) on an area that is close to one of the beaches, yet away from the hustle and bustle that is inevitably RJ. Is this possible?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks!

The Sheraton is probably your best bet. I find it a bit too removed from the chaos of Rio but it sounds like you want to escape all that. Have fun.

The Le Meridien is at the quiet end of Copacabana. You can be in the "heart of everything" in a minute, but it is quieter over there - not like you are on some deserted island or anything, but then, it is Rio.

Thanks for the tips.

Isn't the Sherton smack dab up against a favela?

I remember reading that somewhere about one of the big chain hotels, and I swear it was a Sheraton (though my memory is dodgy).

The Sheraton has its own beach and is somewhat distant from the rest of Rio. It is however located right by one of the city's largest favelas, the inhabitants of which may share the beach with the hotel guests.

My partner and I have stayed at the Sheraton Rio four different times, 3 times during Xmas to New Years and once during Carnival. Although the favela is behind and above the Sheraton we haven't had any problems. During the day we walk from the Sheraton down to Impanema which is a great 20 minute walk. At night we take cabs but again, never had a problem.

We are staying there again next year during Carnival. Personally, we like the hotel although sometimes not everything goes real smooth there.

Late night/early morning there are frequent police road blocks along the route between the Sheraton and Copacabana. They have been known to give tourists a hard time for not having visa/passport (or a certified copy) on hand ... though most of the time the taxi just rolls down your electric window for you so the police can see your face and your on your way without stopping.

Also consider Barra (the Hilton there used to have good rates) for a nice upscale place to stay. Note that in Barra you'll have the same issue noted above with this location if transiting to Impanema/Copacabana/Centro at night.

What is acceptable for a certified copy of your visa/passport? What "certification" is needed?

This is second hand info for the most part (casual conversation with other travelers): Apparently, there are offices around that are the equivalent of a notary public in the US that will do this for a small fee.

Now the first-hand info: The only thing I have ever done in Rio is keep a NON-certified copy of the photo page and Brasil visa page of my passport. I've asked in the hotels before and they have told me that is good enough ... but I have heard that the certification is technically required and that some folks have been given a hard time before. After over a dozen trips to Rio no one has ever asked me for my passport (after clearing at the airport of course).

Of course your real passport should be in the hotel safe at all times locked up ... IMO anyway.

A simple colored photo copy has been accepted when such a thing happens on the roads there. But if you don't have it, it's usually no big deal. Even a foreign accent saying "passport, hotel" has always given a pass when it comes to someone I know who has gone through it.

Has anyone stayed at the Sheraton Barra? It looks like it might be the right spot, although it is a good distance from the main beaches.

The Sheraton Rio Hotel & Towers was less than impressive when I saw the "Candid Traveler Photos" on TripAdvisor. That and a review stating a running gun battle occurred outside the hotel has caused me to strike it off the list.

The Sheraton Barra is in fact located right on the beach. Thirty years ago Barra da Tijuca was basically empty � just a few vacation homes along a beach that stretched for miles. Now it is an upscale mostly high-rise suburb � sort of a Brazilian Miami Beach. It is significantly quieter than the rest of the city, but traveling from Barra to Ipanema or Copacabana or downtown Rio can be difficult and time-consuming. There is a lot of traffic and roadblocks are fairly common. The minimum taxi travel time between Barra and the rest of Rio is about half an hour.

The Sheraton Barra opened 2 years ago - great property, all rooms have a nice balcony with beach view. The "other" Sheraton in Rio is backed up against the favela, and there is nothing else but favela for several blocks, making even the smallest trip out of a the hotel a bit of a nuisance, and a long walk or short taxi ride to ANYWHERE.

Regarding a copy of your passport, best bet is to take a color copy of your photo / signature pages together, as well as a copy of the page that has your visa, and one more of your page with the entry stamp for good measure. If you do encounter police that want to go so far as to question if you have your passport, (almost always Military Police who are just looking for a few $R) - then this will show that you're prepared and be more than what is required. Many times tourists who do have a copy of the photo/signature page are questioned as to if they are beyond their visa stay, having the above 3 pages would quickly end this line of questioning.

However, on the road between Barra and Copa, if stopped by police, usually just stating that your a tourist on vacation (in English!) will get you waved on.

*Edited to add the following*
As the original poster was asking about apartment vs. hotel - if it is your first visit, I would definitely recommend that you stay in a hotel. The location really should be based on what type of vacation you're here for. Relax / beach / watersports can be great in Barra, with some nightlife. More on the side of nightlife and clubs, Ipanema. As for Copa, well Copa is Copa......

Just got back. Rented a nice 2 Br apt 2 blocks from Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. Safe, pleasant area, a/c, high speed internet. Agent is gringomanagement.com. I can give more details if you want.

My vote would be for the Intercontinental. Out of the way in Sao Conrado, but just 10 minutes taxi from Ipanema. Next door is the chicest Rio shopping mall. Across the road is the beach.