I leave for Rio soon and my itinerary will be the first two nights and the last six in Rio during our three week trip. I have made reservations at a hotel for the first two nights but none for the last six. We may stay in Rio all six nights, or we might take a side trip...haven't decided yet. My question: If we just show up in Rio without a hotel reservation, how difficult will it be to find a hotel?

Thanks, Chris

Hi Chris,
You haven't said how soon are you going. Please remember that the last week of February will be Carnival in Brazil so all the hotels will be booked in advance. I'd go for a side trip on your second visit to Rio. My suggestion would be Buzios, a nice beach city very close to Rio. Besides Carnival, I'd book my hotel in advance anyway to go there on summer time.

Dova, sounds like your last 6 days in Rio might be coming up on the real high season in Rio. If I were you I would play it safe this time of year. Maybe when you first get to Rio you can scout around and see if there is something available when you return. There is an American in Rio who has a travel agent in Copacabana, you can go visit him and he can help you out: www.blameitonrio4travel.com for Buzios check out www.buziosonline.com many hotel choices on both sites. Also www.ipanema.com they have many hotel listings also. My question to you is if you just show up in Rio where are you going to find a hotel, are you going to have a taxi take you from hotel to hotel? Have you been to Rio before? Do you know all the different hotels to go to? Do you think you will get a bargain this way? This is high season now, after March 1st you may be able to just show up but not until then.

Thank you for your great replies. This really helps! I arrive in Rio this friday, the 23rd and then I will be going back to Rio on Feb 6. Sounds like I should already have those reservations when I return. I think I will scout around the first time there and book the first two nights for the return trip, and then take a side trip to Buzios and/or somewhere else. By the way, we are staying at the Sol Ipanema our first two nights. That wasn't my first choice but they still had a room availabe as of two days ago. I hope I like it. This is my first trip to Brazil.

Thanks, Chris

Chris,

I don't know the Sol but I've checked its address and you'll be well located. This is very important in my opinion. Have a great trip!

I stayed at the Ipanema Sol many years ago, if it has been refurbished then it will be fine because it is in the best location right on Ipanema beach near all the best restaurants and bars. If you prefer Ipanema than you might also want to take a look at the Ipanema Plaza which is newer in a good location but not as good as the Sol Ipanema.