I'm considering going to Rio next August. How is the weather at that time of the year ?? Can you still lay on the beach and get a tan ??? Any advice for hotels or restaurants ?? Thanks in advance

Restaurants--Porcao is a chain of chiaruscarios (all you can eat steak house, Brazillian style). There is another at the north end of Copa that has a sister restaurant for seafood. Expensive by Brazilian styles but a bargain for you. If you go to Porcao, I recommend the one in Ipanema.

There is a new Marriott--try that. Copa is more colorful, Ipanema is more upscale but more calm.

We loved the food at Alfredo's in the Intercontinenaial, very good Italian food, though you probably can't do that bad no matter where you go. Even the tourist snack bars had some incredible offerings.

Well.. as a resident I think I can fill you in some.

Aug is great in terms of weather. It's warm but not the 100+ degree normal summer. It's actually the tail end of winter at that time. It's not unusual for it to get in the 50's at night though. Bring a light jacket.

There should be plenty of sun during the day for you to lay on the beach and get a tan.

The Marriott is probably the most expensive hotel in Copa. It also has the distinction of being the newest. It's actually a "JW Marriot" property. Its right in the center of Copacabana though.

For a taste of old brazil you can try the "Copacabana Palace". Quite a grand hotel. When anyone famous comes here they stay there. Its comparably priced with the Marriot and they're both "beach front". (There's a large ave between the beach and the hotels.. so remember that they're really not "on" the beach).

The only hotel in Rio that is actually "on" the beach is the Intercontinental in Sao Conrado. Its pretty far from everything though.

Porcao in ipanema is a good little restaurant. Also someone mentioned "Marius". That's in Leme (the end end of Copa to the north). That's probably one of the best places to eat in Rio. It'll cost about $20-$40 per person depending on how much you drink.

There are tons of great restaurants here, you really can't go wrong.

Flip

What about the Sheraton?

Thanks for all your help !!! Seems like it's still a good time to go... I would rather stay in a Starwood property. Any advice ???

Sheraton is nice hotel, yet a nice 10 minute walk or short bus or collective ride from Ipanema. If you are fine with busses and collectivos stay there. If not stay in Copa or Ipanema. I will be down there in AUG have an apartment, contact me and I will give you my # and give you a tour for a day

Marius is the one I was thinking of. Its pricey by Rio standards but still a good value. I enjoyed Porcao in Ipa better--mostly locals. A father was celebrating his birthday with his extended family there, and we got a good taste of Brazilian culture.

Not sure about Starwood properties. In my experience, the Marriatt and Copa Palace are 4 star properties, and there are many properties that claim to be 3 star and have 3 star prices but are close to 2 star quality. So either go budget or luxe. I stayed at the Prahia Ipanema and for the price (3 star) I was disappointed.

I went for 2001 labor day weekend.

We drove from Rio to S Paulo on the coast road through Parati and Ihlabela. I would strongly recommend this drive!

Rio: Othon Palace Hotel
Parati: Pousada Do Ouro
Ihlabela: Mecedes Hotel

I would not stay at the Sheraton...far away.

The water was very cold...but you could get in it if you tried hard enough.

I thought you could do the main things in one full day in Rio, but as you can see I get a lot done in a 3 day weekend.

ahh. . .porcao in ipanema. good memories. great meal.

you'll absolutely love Rio in august. you'll love it there anytime.

and yes, you will still be able to give yourself a cancerous burn on the beach.

The Sheraton is out of the way, and the beach is rocky.

Copa is not the best area generally to stay and walk around, especially at night. Ipanema is enjoyable all the time, and has all kinds of local restaurants. It is somewhat European. I personally though Copa was more like Mexico, but other I know will differ. The Sofitel is good to stay in while in Copa. It is at the end of the beach near the fort and almost in Ipanema. The Golden Tulip Ipanema Palace was fine in Ipanema.

Rio in August is delightful. It is winter time, but weather is tropical so you can have very warm days without the high humidity. You may have beach weather but beach will be less crowded because it is "Carioca" winter. There is new Porcao on the bay in Flamengo, great for lunch, spectacular views and good food.

The Palace is still the most expensive - JW is actually not that bad $$-wise -

For restaurants - Experience Marius Churrascaria in Leme