I've stayed in a triple in the Hotel Marina Palace, a real nice hotel. ^

All -
I've had some PM help (thanks again to those that replied ^) with finding a place to stay in Rio but my g/f now insists that I ask about Santa Teresa,. I've looked at the B&B's on http://www.camaecafe.com.br/ but there really doesn't seem to be enough info. Plus the reviews from other sites aren't all that good. Anyone have a suggestion for staying in Santa Teresa?
some places we've looked
Altos De Santa Teresa
Casa MangoMango
Castelinho38
Casa Beleza

One other question: Our flight arrives early in the morning and we leave late at night. Do any of these places have day rates? (or a day rate combo early check in late check out?). Is this something that is negotiable? I would hate to have to lug around our bags for 5+ hours coming and going.

Thanks all

When is your trip? I'll be staying in Casa Beleza in the second week of July, I can give a review after that. My contacts with Bindu (the owner) have been very pleasant so far.

One other question: Our flight arrives early in the morning and we leave late at night. Do any of these places have day rates? (or a day rate combo early check in late check out?). Is this something that is negotiable? I would hate to have to lug around our bags for 5+ hours coming and going.

Thanks all[/QUOTE]

I have always found that Hotels/B&B will hold bags for you before check-in and after check out. Sometimes you may even be able to negotiate the use of a room just before your flight so that you can change/shower but it will depend on the availibility. It never hurts to ask when making a reservation.

I have always found that Hotels/B&B will hold bags for you before check-in and after check out. Sometimes you may even be able to negotiate the use of a room just before your flight so that you can change/shower but it will depend on the availibility. It never hurts to ask when making a reservation.[/QUOTE]

The majority of hotels in Rio have day rates or room use only (shower/change), it is negotiable and will depend on availability of hotel.

Rgs,

Thanks all.

Since it is our first time in Rio, we're playing it a bit safer and going with a hotel (again - thanks to the PMers that gave advice on that). We will check out the Santa Teresa area for our next trip - those 10 year visas will come in handy. (PM me in a couple weeks if you need info - maybe I can help)

Cheers

I just booked 4 nights at the Promenade Visconti, in Ipanema. I've stayed at the excellent Ipanema Tower right next door, but never there. Expedia offered the 4th night for free, and I couldn't resist...

.... or motel

Particularly if you need a room with numerous mirrors on the walls, doors, ceiling etc.