v_sapi

We (3 couples in mid thirties) are planning to visit BA and Rio in late February, early March. We are also thinking of visiting Buzios. The possible itinerary is:3 days in BA, 3 days in Rio, and 3 days in Buzios.. I'm looking for suggestions for Hotels, in BA, good, and central area, Ipanema beach area in Rio, and in Buzios, we would like a hotel that is both close to the beach and close to nightlife..We are not really into budget hotels, but reasonably priced, conveniently located properties.

Anyone else with something to share, restaurants, nightlife places, beaches, anything that was fun, please feel free to chime in...

Dondiega

Keep in mind that Carnival in Rio is Feb 24 so that 5 day weekend in Rio is out. In Buzios try Collana Park Pousada, In Ipanema try the Ipanema Plaza or take a look at www.gringomanagement.com he has some apartments luxury in Ipanema.Im not sure if the spelling id www.gringo or wwwgringoe, give both a try.

Dondiega

This is the correct spelling:
http://www.gringomanagement.com/onebedroom.html

v_sapi

Thanks, I'll check out the website..I guess we will try to hit rio during the first week in march, do you think it will be better? Does anyone have any idea how is the city right after the carnival?

Dondiega

Also for Buzios check out www.buziosonline.com or for Rio my friend Bobby at www.blameitonrio4travel.com and www.ipanema.com

Dondiega

Lately I have been going to Rio in March either 1 to 4 weeks after Carnival. Some say it is the rainy season and I have been there in March and it has rained and other times not a cloud in the sky all week. I was just there the first week of December and 7 out of 9 days it was either cloudy rainy and cold and I have been there in other Decembers and it has been 110 degrees.

Nino

As a Brazilian I hope I can help you with this one. Try to be in Salvador for the two oficial Carnival days that are Monday and Tuesday. Stay at the Pestana Bahia or the Transamerica. Both hotels are nice and have great ocean views. Do not stay downtown - it's ugly and the hotels are not nice. 2 great places to dinner in Salvador are the Yemanja (try all kinds of seafood moquecas) and Trapiche Adelaide (my favorite restaurant in Bahia). Buy a "mortalha" that is a shirt that allow you to follow one of the Carnival parades. Once you have the mortalha you can play and dance inside a circle surrounded by security people. The Wednesday right after Carnival is dead all over Brazil so use this day to visit public places or to relax by the pool. The wheater in Salvador is supposed to be good but you might found some rain in Rio - although it will be really hot. A nice hotel in Ipanema is the Caesar Park, just in front of the beach and close to many restaurants. Don't miss the Antiquarius (seafood) and the Porcao (rodizio steakhouse).
Have fun!