korofo

Looking to come to brazil (Rio) later this month for 10 days with my wife and 9yr old daughter.

Is the weather still good around this time?

Also heard so many horror stories about crime - is this overstated or is this really the case.

Wondering if 10 days is too long for a first timer - and where is the best place to stay?

Any help will be most appreciated.

Thanks

mari_manso

Hi! I live and Rio and have to say that depending where you go the city is very safe, specially now after Pan american games. I think 10 days is a lot, but you can also visit places around the city like Buzios and Paraty (the first is a beach and the 2nd a historic city). You should stay where most tourists stay, Copacabana or Ipanema are good options. There's also some nice hotels in Barra (it is safer also).
I guess the stories are overstated, just be careful where you go noy coming back very late.
The temperature right now is not the best, it's a little bit chilly. But depending where you come from it will not be a problem,it's around 17 -25c.
Rio can be a wonderful city, just choose carefully where you visit!

korofo

Hi Mari

I live london so temperature around 25C should suffice.

Are they any resort type hotels in Brazil or just the std hotels in ipanema and copacabana - if not which is the best hotel to stay?

Thanks

Dondiega

There are 2 resort type hotels in the Rio area: The Sheraton and the Intercontinental go to the Caribbean or take a cruise with your family on Royal Caribbean from Bayonne New Jersey to the Caribbean. August is low season; maybe you'll get some beach weather.

mari_manso

You're lucky! The weather is just getting better and hotter! You Can choose any hotel in Copacabana or Ipanema by the beach, they are all good. There's a marriot in copacabana and a ceasar park in Ipanema. I don't know how much you're planning to spend, but they are definitly good options. Check the site
http://www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br/pt/ There's an English version of it. Good luck! By the way, Forget the caribbean... It's low season because of the hurricanes!! Brazil is wonderful!! There are also nice resorts close to Rio, in Angra dos Reis and Buzios.

gypsyluce

hi, right, regarding the weather you'll prob experience a bit of everything when you're here, cold, hot, and possibly a bit of rain. It's around 27o here during the day at the moment, but drops to around 16 at night, but has dropped to 10o at beginning of week at night. I would suggest you stay in ipanema so you can get out easily at night, there's better restaurants etc than in copacabana, more nightlife, better shopping and is safer. As for crime, well, there is like in any big city. Things here were quiet during panamerican games and many of the police are staying on. You do have to be careful and take sensible precautions. Cesar park in ipanema is nice but expensive, the praia ipanema is good, ipanema plaza good location, all depends on how much you want to pay. I wouldnt stay in Barra, although there are good restaurants you'll be more cut off from the sites etc. I would def get a guide to show you around for your first main day to tell you about the city, give you ideas of what to do, see , where to go . options etc. You can visit Parati or Buzios for 2-3 days, Petropolis, the tropical islands on a schooner for a day etc. There's lots to do in the city. There's a club med,and a blue tree hotel resort not too far away from rio also as an option, about 2 hours, near angra, and nice hotels in buzios, but these in Buz dont offer so many things for children. If you need any more help please ask, if you want contacts for guides, restaurants, trips etc. Have a great time.

korofo

Many thanks for all your comments and advice. So I am looking at either Caesar Park or copacabana palace - which is the better choice?

mari_manso

Copacabana Palace is one of the best hotels in Rio, if not the best! Very nice looking and service, famous people usually go there!

gypsyluce

hi, right, the copacabana palce is more traditional, was one of first hotels in Rio, first in copacabana, has good service, great pool, breakfast is included in neither but think slightly cheaper in Copa Palace. There are places nearby where can go instead for 5th of price. I prefer the cop. pal but prefer Ipanema as a place to stay. Cesar is more modern, also right on sea front. Have you looked at their websites ? May help you make your mind up. Will be more shops and restaurants near cesar, of nicer quality. Let me know if can help more.

gypsyluce

have a look at this web site for cop palace http://www.copacabanapalace.com.br/w...o_a2a_home.jsp
I love this hotel but you may want to check if they're having any major balls, parties etc as can be quite noisy and go on till late. Don't get a room with balcony at back, is not worth it, you'll have view of street and wont want to use balcony really, more expensive for nothing.

for cesar park
http://www.caesarpark-rio.com/
check it out and let me know if I can help more.