Eastbay1K

It sounds like the mold is living in the AC system - they can dehumidify until the end of time, but until this is resolved, it will be a recurring problem.

claes059

I recieved a mail/letter from the manager of the hotel, mrs. Sintia Gomes. She appologised for the maintainance issues and moldy rooms and the problems it may have caused me. The hotel will have all their efforts to solve this problem with the moldy air.

The hotel offered compensation with Starpoints, equal to one night.

I emailed back regarding the other issues, f.i. the ATM issue.

Thanks for your advise!

claes059

The air in the new Clublounge was not moldy. The personnel did tell me they do open the doors very frequently for fresh air.

uxb

It is quite possible you're are right. Hope there is no legionella bacteria in the ducts.

zpaul

I just returned from a three-week stay in Rio and was introduced to the Sheraton Barra thanks to LAN's IRROPS last week - 07 Nov, actually. It was, in a word, fantastic.

Usually I stay with family in Noterói or Copacabana, but when LAN offered us a stay at the Sheraton Barra how could we say no? We were in room 716, a club level king suite and there was so little wrong with it that it didn't matter. The one-night stay turned into three nights (my choice), and we didn't want to leave.

Being November there was no need for the air conditioning, so we slept with the balcony doors open and had no problems with bad smells or mildew. The room was comfortable and offered space to relax without being on the bed, a decently-sized desk area, speedy and strong WiFi all throughout the property, including the pool, and a host of trainees at the reception desk who appeared to have a contest going on for who could be the most helpful.

If you have any problems at all, talk to Alberto at the front desk. He fixes almost everything, and has a huge amount of patience.

I was very surprised by the food prices at the pool-side cafe...really quite reasonable for a Sheraton. Too bad they're not open for dinner.

There were some difficulties with the meal vouchers that LAN issued, and the Food and Bev manager fixed everything in one go. I don't think we ever had to ask for something twice.

Driving back to the airport taking the coastal route into LeBlon I saw the other Sheraton...I'm sure it's a nice property, but Barra has my vote!

3544quebec

If you like the Sheraton Barra and the facilities it offers the following might be of interest especially for long stays:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p376367

Works out at about $US100/night for a 1 month stay and $190/night for a 1 week stay and $220-$240/night for the minimum 2 night stay versus the hotel's typical rate of $330/night.
I wonder what the hotel would be prepared to negotiate down to for a 1 month stay?

BlissWorld

For first timer to rio during carnival, which Sheraton do you recommend? Barra or Rio? We want to be closer/easier to get to carnival, but it seems like both properties are far from the city anyway. Any recommendations?

C010T3

Sheraton Rio is much closer.

kneemuh

Any recent reviews? Trying to decide between Sheraton Barra and Sheraton Rio. Solo vacation with no real set plans yet.

claes059

Just stayed in the Sheraton Rio recently and in Sheraton Barra last year. Sheraton Barra is out of the city, and you will find yourself in trafficjams in the morning and in the evening.
Sheraton is close to the city and offers a beach and much more. Ok, the rooms need desperately renovation but they will start this year. I think they just have started. The rooms are spacious and most offer a beautiful view.
If you want to be into Rio, you do not want to be in Barra.

kneemuh

Great info! Thank you so much!

jk2

I am visiting Rio for 5 nights with my family (first time in Rio) in March. Am I right that it is better to stay in Sheraton Rio instead of Sheraton Barra? I am holding a reservation at Sheraton Barra currently. Our plans are relax on the beach and go to city for sightseeing.

Another question is: what is the better (safe and cheap) way to reach a hotel - use a taxi at airport or use hotel's transportation options?

zpaul

If you want to experience the city, Sheraton Rio is the way to go. Sheraton Barra is a more beach-centered property quite a way outside of Rio.

Hotels usually have good and safe transportation options. If you use a cab at the airport, MAKE SURE it's a licensed cab via a reputable counter agency. Don't just go with a guy with a sign in his hand (though they seem to have cut down on those my last few visits...).

stimpy

My alternative opinion is that La Barra is a much better choice for a family as well as beach relaxing and you can always take a taxi to Ipanema, etc. if you want. It's not that far really.

zpaul

That's a very good point. ^