Sorry for starting a new thread on this ...

We are planning to stay in Rio for 3 nights next March and I am thoroughly confused by hotel ratings and pricing. There are apparently very expensive hotels which are close to dumps according to trip advisor and others have 5* ratings on one site and the other one gives 3*

This is the best I could find:

Sheraton Barra: $182 (w/o bf)
Porto Bay Rio Internacional: $156
Iberostar Copacabana: $152
Promenado Casa del Mar: $115
Merlin Copa: $99
Marriott or Sofitel: $259
Atlantico Copa: $91


All rates are incl. tax/service charges and bf (except the Sheraton). The Marriott and Sofitel are definitely very nice, but kind of pricey (although apparently a good discount) ... I wanted to stay in $150 area if possible.

Just to put this in context: we are NOT beach folks ... we are more into city/culture.

I was wondering if anyone can comment on any of the hotels above or maybe other suggestions.

In case it helps, check TripAdvisor for customer reviews if you haven't already.

thanks, I check Tripadvisor for most of my foreign destinations, but some of the reviews are not very helpful and just because I get a dump really cheap doesn't qualify for 5* IMO.
I was hoping someone might have some personal insight into one of the hotels, or might be able to suggest alternatives. We are looking for an affordable (~$150) hotel with US/Europe standards.

If you're not beach people, forget about the Sheraton Barra (or any other hotel in the neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca). This one is closer to the best beaches in Rio, but quite far from Ipanema and Copacabana and other areas that will fit you better.

Iberostar has a good location, right at the beach at the end of Copacabana. This used to be a Meridien till a couple of years ago, and has a great view of the beach. You should have no problems during daytime, but at night be careful. Nothing really interesting within walking distance though, unless you dont mind walking 5 or 8 blocks.

Rio Internacional is a couple of blocks from Iberostar, still at Copacabana beach. Closer to some good restaurants, and only a block from the best hotel in Rio (Copacabana Palace).

I'd suggest you stay in Ipanema instead of Copacabana. Lots of good restaurants and art galleries within walking distance (Copacabana has some as well, but more "touristy"). Good hotels not too expensive in Ipanema are the Sol Ipanema and the Everest Park, both right at the beach. You also have Caesar Park, but I'd guess that is above $150. A great hotel that just opened in Ipanema is called Fasano, but that one is expensive as well.

Isn't the Iberostar the old Meridien. If so, I understand that it will remain closed for renovations until 2009?

Definitely choose Ipanema over Copacabana as an area to stay.

We stayed at the Everest in Ipanema a couple of years ago and liked it very much. (There are two Everest hotels in Ipanema, you want the more expensive of the two.) Terrific location, right next to/behind, the Cesar Park, arguably the hotel with the best location, at Posto No. 9. The Everest has an Ok size pool on the roof (no Rio hotels, save for the Copacabana Palace really have large pools - some are tiny, tiny) and good views from the pool/bkfst area, looking out to the beach in one direction and to the Christ statute in the other. Have fun, Rio is great.

Yes, that is the one. I thought it had reopened already, but I may be wrong, haven't been in that area for a while now.

I tried to make a fake reservation online and it showed closed or no rates. I understand that the whole building is undergoing quite a profound renovation.

Whilst Copa is definitely "edgier" than Ipanema IMO it has improved saftey wise over the 10 years I've been going down there so I wouldn't rule it out at all. Ironically the only two daylight assaltos I've seen in Rio both occurred slap bang in the middle of Ipanema. I would probably recommend Ipanema over Copa for a beach holiday scenery wise but in the OP's case being in Copa may have its advs as he would be closer to the Metr� for getting into to places like Centro and Niteroi. Even if taking the bus it can knock 10/15 mins off the journey at certain times.

In terms of hotels I can't add much as I generally rent apts. Hotels in Rio IME represent poor value vs say Sao Paulo. I personally wouldn't stay in Barra as it's too far out (distance wise) and way too bland IMO. I'd rate the Marriott ahead of the Sofitel but agree both are pricey for what you get. Around your price range I'd mention the Portinari at $150 a night. It gets decent reviews as long as you don't mind small rooms. It's convenient for Ipanema but bear in mind Francisco S� is a major route for buses so if you're overly sensitive to traffic noise avoid. Finally, obvious I know but check the previous threads on here.

thanks for these great suggestions! I found the Iberostar to be bookable somewhere, but will have to confirm that this is not fake Some of the Hotels which were mentioned also came across my search and I will now re-consider them!

here comes my problem with all of the hotels in Rio ... both hotels are ~ $150 .. I presume you are talking about the Everest Park (small, 25 rooms)? That has mediocre reviews on tripadvisor.
Some hotels must roll the dice to make/adjust their pricing; it is almost impossible to get somewhat an overview

If you interested in visiting the cultural attractions in Rio de Janeiro the best for you is to stay in Copacaba, close to the Metro, which will make it easy for you to navigate to the city center, where most museums are located. The Metro is the easier way to go around in Rio, and you will avoid the traffic.

Apart from the hotels already mentioned, I would also add the following in the mid-range category:

http://www.hotelportinari.com.br/
Portinari Design Hotel

http://www.southamericanhotel.com.br/en-us/default.asp
South American Hotel

Both are located between Copa and Ipa, and are excellent options.

Finally, if you prefer Ipanema, my suggestions are:

http://www.ipanemaplazahotel.com/pt-br/
Ipanema Plaza Hotel

And the more expensive, luxury option:

http://www.caesarpark-rio.com/
Caesa Park

Ad the newly open Fasano Design Hotel, located in Arpoador, the best hotel in Rio in my view:

http://www.fasanovieirasouto.com.br/

Rgs,

I believe the Portinari may already have been mentioned.

New Palladium Hotel in Leblon, nice area, next to several restaurants and one block awayfrom the beach
http://www.barraleme.com/hoteis/Pall...iumEnglish.htm

thanks again for all these great suggestions! I will decide soon where we are going to stay ... I will report back if it was a good or bad choice