I will be visiting Rio solo for 5 nights next month for . I have booked a room at the PROMENADE PALLADIUM in Leblon. Any info such as notes on the hotel, transportation from/to airport, restaurants and other entertainment venues in Iponema or Leblon would be very appreciated. Thanks, Nico

We just took a regular taxi (not radio which are considerably more expensive) to and from the airport both times we flew in/out of Rio. It's easy and not expensive. Here's our trip report which includes 7 nights in Rio:
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-to-brazil.cfm

Marija,

I really enjoyed reading your Rio report. Well-written and informative. We hope to try a couple of your suggested restauants next month when we are there. Thanks!
Eileen, Tucson

You will love Rio. Leblon is a terrific location. Good restaurants, stores and the hotel is a short walk to the beach. You can rent chairs and umbrellas all along the beach. In addition to Leblon, if you want a busier location head over to Posto No. 9, across from the Cesar Park, and plop yourself there for a few hours and watch the world go by. Make sure you try some of the kilo restaurants, great selections. You will probably want to visit a churrascaria, a good option is Porcao in Ipanema. For a more upscale steak spot look to Esplanada Grill, also in Ipanema. If you walk down Visconde de Piraje, a very long street heading through Ipanema you will find good stores and spots for snacks, etc. There is one spot, Chaika, which is well known, juice bar and simple sandwiches, desserts, that is also great. Known well by locals. If you ask anyone they should be able to point you in the right direction. Have fun.

Marija and Tengohambre,
Thank you for your info. It is/will be very helpful.

Marija, although I have hotel reservations, I will look into the travel agency you have mentioned. BTW, I am also from Chicago.

Once you make it through Customs, etc., head on out, and obtain your taxis from one of the women from one of those booths. The taxi ride from airport to hotel should cost you around R$70 reais-- about $30US which is reasonable as well as very safe. Ignore the men who probably will want to solicit your business; also I've been ADVISED as well as ADVISE NOT to travel in taxis that don't have a meter.

Even if taxis outside of the airport area have meters-- make sure that it is turned on. It happened to me right outside of Sugar Loaf one time, and I was pissed after I became aware of being taken.

Try Marius Restaurant for steak and other great meats in Copa; or go to their seafood restaurant which is right next door. Beautiful place-- superb service-- not too pricey but comparable to what's offered. I've eaten in the seafood one twice.

Check out: www.concierge.com/travelguide/riodejaneiro. This is one great site. I'll list a few others later when I locate them amongst the 300+ favorites that I have on my computer.

Sorry to tell you Eddwarm but 70.reais is now over $41.USD.
I would recommend taking a Yellow Cab. One of the best ways I have heard of for finding one cheap Yellow Cab is to go to the departure level at the airport and try and snag one just dropping off another passenger. You should be able to get one for about 35-50.reais to Leblon depending on traffic.. Make sure he uses the meter..