Hi,
We are a couple and planning to spend about 3 nights in Rio in early July. Any recommendations for the hotels? We are thinking between Copacabana and Ipanema - which area would be better? Anyone has info on Excelsior Copacabana, Pestana Rio and Ipanema Plaza hotel? These hotels seem to have good reviews. Welcome any suggestions. Thank you in advance!

Stayed at the Sheraton on Ipanema Beach.
This is the only hotel that is right on the beach.

I had a nice ocean view,so I cannot complain.

Percy

pestana rio is a great hotel, right on beach front apart from crossing the road, most rooms have balconies, staff are friendly and breakfast is one of the best. Excelsior is also good but much nearer beginning of copacabana beach. further from Ipanema. Ipanema Plaza is good too and in a great location in ipanema, near restaurants etc. Best are in ipanema. Must just warn you though that Ipanema Plaza is GLS friendly. It's also one block from beach. The other 2 are on front. DONT stay at Sheraton, although has own private beach is cut off from everything else. Any more help I can give, guides, driver, restaurant tips, what to see etc let me know. Have a great time. Oh Rio is hosting Panamerican games in July. Hotels have all put prices up so beware.

Book your rooms now as the 2007 Pan Am Games are taking place in Rio from July 13 on.

I lived in Rio for 10 years and know Rio like the back of my hand, but even so I would be VERY cautious while if I were to go there and where I would stay. I recommend the Copacaba Palace, which is one of the safest hotels and areas of Rio. The Ipanema Plaza shoudl be fine, too. It would be best to get a travel agent to help you and to get an organized tour while you are in Rio. Do not venture out alone is my recommendation. Do not wear any jewlery that is gold tone or anything that looks like it has any value while you are in Brazil. Brazil in general is one of the more dangerous places to go nowadays. If you stay in an organized tour group you should be fine.

hi again, have heard that MarIpanema has not increased price much even though Panamerican games are on, it's not on the sea front but is a good location. Prefer Ipanema plaza though, depending on cost. You do have to be careful but you would in any main city where there are inequalities. I can recommend guides or drivers if yo'd like. I live in Rio at the moment and can also recommend restaurants etc to you if you like and things to see, do etc. Depends on your ages, interests, what you like to see, eat etc. Have fun and dont hesitate to ask.

I would definitely recommend staying in Ipanema over Copacabana. Ipanema is safer and is a nicer neighborhood for visitors. Good shopping on Rua Visconde de Piraja' and great restaurants. For a nice mid-range hotel I would recommend Praia Ipanema Hotel. For an upscale option The Marina All-Suites Hotel or the Caesar Park. But only worthwhile at the Caesar Park if you pay for the front ocean view rooms.

hiya
yes Ipanema is a good option, has less hotels, ipanema plaza as said is fine, praia ipanema is good, further down beach, nearly at leblon, good to and on sea-front but not sure if have increased price for panamerican games.
Better restaurants in ipanema but the sea front is not so well lit at night as copacabana. The first street up from beach in ipanema is quiet, but the 2nd, visconde de piraja, the shopping one is nearly always busy.
Cesar park is ok but im not so keen on the staff, not very friendly, and breakfast is not included and all food there costs a fortune. Better marina if want to go for tops. Or Marriott.
Let me know if want more tips.

The lighting on the beach at night should not be a priority when choosing a hotel in Rio. No tourist should be walking on the beach at night. Ipanema is more of an upper class area and has better security. Copacabana is a more congested and frenetic neighborhood and can be overwhelming to the first time visitor to Rio. I have always found the staff at the Caesar Park to be excellent and always friendly.

hi, dont misunderstand me, im not intending you walk on the beach, its the sidewalk next to it that is lit and the copacabana one has many kiosks with drinks, snacks etc. Dont forget here is winter and it gets back around 5:30pm. Bring warm clothes, . and a rain coat. It's not cold but if its windy you'll want something. LET me know if i can help more. You msut try out the cafe colombo at the fort, open tues-sunday 10-8pm, cafeina also good cafe, terzetto great restaurant, also zaza .

gypsyluce - we are doing an audit in Sao Paulo for 2 wks in Dec and are looking for a place to go for the weekend. Would you fly to Rio?? Are there any chain hotels right on the beach in Rio that you could recommend? (Hilton, Marriott)?

There is a fairly brand new Marriott hotel on Copacabana, very nice hotel. Flight time from SP to Rio is 40 minutes or by bus 6 hours. There is also a Sofitel in Copa.

A great hotel the Copacabana Palace.

hi, wondering if you have decided on a hotel. There's a marriott on copacabana beach, nice, Pestana, good too, Sofitel, also. Of course, also the Copacabana Palace owned by orient express. Or in Ipanema there's a cesar park, which is very business like and hasnt got much charm, great location though, and also brand new, expensive Fasano hotel. Try and stay in Ipanema, if want lower price go for Ipanema Plaza or Praia Ipanema. Nicer area, better restaurants, more people around, safer.
If can help you any more or you want recommendations for restaurants, things to do, guides, help with transport, etcId be more than happy to help.
Re flying, yes, fly to Rio from congonhas to santos dumont, varig, tam, gol, they all do it, book early so is cheaper. Try not to fly into and out of galeao in Rio(GIG) much further away from city centre.
Have fun