Am in the process of booking an April Rio trip and am looking for hotel advice. My usual sources recommend the Sheraton or InterContinental.

I'm looking for something ON the beach with great ameneties (I'm trying to turn a business trip into a mini-vacation).

Any advice or suggestions from the peanut gallery???

Thanks in advance!!!

It has been about 10 years since I was there.
There is more than one beach..Ipenema(sp?)
and another one..so check the maps!

At least the currency has "settled" down. I took American Express traveler's checks...not
all that easy to convert at that time. I did
on the "gray" market..AMEX office sent me to
a place, they did not do it.

Have a good one. Rio is a fascinating place.

Matt-haven't been there, but the Intercontinental web site shows the IC right on a beach. IC's are usually fantastic. If you are going to stay there, definitely sign up for the Six Continents Club well in advance of going. You will get fantastic room upgrades, welcome gift, fruit basket and bottled water in your room, AND a certificate good for one free weekend night at any IC. Good deal for about $100. Renewal years are just $35, and you get another certificate each year. IC web site also lists e-mail addresses for each GM at each hotel. Have found it never hurts to e-mail them ahead of time, let them know you are coming, and have had the hotel highly recommended by friends. They will not want to disappoint you. IC is a great chain. Again, haven't been there, but that's where I'd stay.

Okay...

I guess this is my first post.... but I happy is something I can add some value to.

I have enjoyed reading the threads for a while and should be more participative in the future...

AS FOR THE INFO YOU REQUESTED:

Ceasar Park is right there, middle of the ipanema beach. very nice hotel, 5 stars if I am not mistaken.

Other nice hotels include the Meridian at the end of copacabana beach/begining of Leme.

Rio Palace is also good.

Moderate hotels is the Rio Atlantica and Othon (so-so) but all of the above have great locations and view the beach

Praia Ipanema and Sol Ipanema are cheaper but also really well located and beautifull view.

Sheraton is nice, has a private beach and all, BUT.... in my opinion is a little out of the way.. the inter is nicer, because you can walk to the fashion mall.... a nice little shopping center with some good rests, and etc...

(obviously I am Carioca... but live in NYC now.... UA PREMEX!)

rgds....

"Red" Robin

IMHO although the Sheraton is a little out of the way --It has a nice private beach -and I wouldn't want to be right on the Beach at Copacabanca, it's dirty and crowded and not safe! Upgrade to the Consierge Service and floor - it is excellant! And Sterns (right in the lobbly) will drive you into town anytime you want,and back again, you don't have to buy anything (although bet you will!!)They will also give you wonderful day, private car w/driver and guide, all over and to the Tourist spots, just stop in their main store and do the "Jewelry" Tour when you get back - It's interesting anyway!
We walked all the way into town - it isn't that far - Be sure to try the Hang Gliding - the Consierge will recommend someone to take you up - the ONLY way to really see Rio! Have a ball! Renee

I can undersigne all the hotel-advices given above.

The Sheraton has an hourly shuttle to Copacabana (and back) - you don't have to take the "Stern"jewelry-bus. The Sheraton is the only hotel in whole Rio directly at the beach. With all other hotels you have first to cross the busy road (not busy on Sundays - then the road is closed).

Diners has a lounge at the check-in-level, outside the transit-area - at the very left end (coming out from customs) - free entrance with a Diners Card and a FREE hourly Mercedes limousine transfer to the Copacabana area (100 meters behind the Meridien hotel) - and back if you reserve the day before.