Choosing the right hotel has the potential to make or break a vacation. We have all heard plenty of horror stories of hotel stays gone awry with nightmare maids, unsightly sheets and less than pleasant aromatic smells. If you plan on booking a trip to Rio De Janeiro anytime soon, avoid the potential disaster and stay at trusted hotel where you can be sure to avoid a catastrophe.
Below are the top three hotels in the Rio area and just what makes them so outstanding.
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Perhaps one of the highest reviewed hotels in the area, the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana offers some of the best service around. Even for those of us who are a bit rusty on our spanish, the Sofitel employees have no problem communicating in English. This makes asking questions or simple requests much easier (and a heck of a lot less awkward). If you are lucky enough to get a room facing the front of the hotel, you can wake up each morning to the beautiful beach-scape that is Copacabana. All rooms come Wi-Fi equipped but, as per Sofitel policy, requires a small fee to use. This can be a bit of an annoyance when coffee shops and other business provide the same amenity free of charge.
The hotel also offers some wonderful beach service giving you and your travel companions the ability to relax and lounge on the beach, all while enjoying one of the many cocktails or beers that the hotel’s bar offers. If you are not in the mood for the beach, the hotel also has to large pools on its grounds that offer the same beach side service.
Prices range from $275 a night to $375 depending on the time of the year and how soon you book in advanced.
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
If you’re looking for a hotel on Ipanema beach and don’t want to worry about the quality of your stay, then you need to look no further than the Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro. Located at the top of the hotel is an opulent lounge pool that overlooks the entire Ipanema beach. The food at the Fasano is highly praised with many guests lauding over both its quality and tastes.
The hotel houses a gym, night club, Italian restaurant as well as a full service spa. These amenities are of course not going to be as wonderful if you were to seek them out individually but the fact that they are just a short walk away, the convenience more than makes up for it.
The hotel is relatively new so all of the sheets, beds and furniture are in top shape. Prices for the Fasano are a bit spendy, on average one night will set you back about $700, but hey, it is Rio.
Copacabana Palace
The Copacabana Palace certainly has time on its side. Since its opening weekend in 1923, this hotel has been one of the most iconic places to stay in all of Rio. With a list of celebrities who have stayed within its walls almost as long as the years it’s been in existence, the quality of the experience has never been compromised,
To say the interior is nothing short of amazing would be an understatement. Lavish vaulted ceilings and beautiful architecture abound as you make your way around the 216 room establishment. Each room comes equipped with its very own espresso machine, ensuring that each cup will be just the way you like it. A quick swim in the pool allows you to gaze up at the either the eight story main building or the 14 story annex.
The hotel is perfect for couples and offers a four story spa with all of the extras you could think of. While not as expensive as the Fasano, a night’s stay at the Copacabana will set you back about $600 but for all of the rich history and the amazing aesthetics, it’s well worth the price.
Of course there are plenty more hotels to stay at in the Rio De Janeiro area and everyone has a budget to adhere to. Regardless of how much you are willing to dish out never short sell yourself on quality. Do a little sleuthing around. Read reviews, see what people have said on Yelp and nose over some pictures. That way on your arrival day there are no surprises in store and you are free to explore and experience the wonderful culture and scenery that Rio De Janeiro has to offer.
David Bryce is travel writer who enjoys writing about travel and family vacations. He currently blogs for Thousand Hills Resort in Branson, MO.
