This was my first trip to Rio, and my daughter selected this hotel for our stay. Check-in is not until 3 pm, and our flight arrived at 7 am and departed at 9:30 pm, so we had a lot of downtime on both arrival and departure days. The hotel will hold your luggage before check-in and after check-out, which was helpful. I did bring luggage locks since the storage area is not secured.
I recommend packing a separate bag with a change of clothes or a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, medications, a fan, and anything else you might need so you can enjoy the beach, pool, or grab a meal while waiting. I also brought a small toiletry kit so I could freshen up.
The staff were friendly, and most spoke a little English. Check-in went smoothly, and I was offered water and coffee upon arrival. The hotel has a small bar and a dining area. I felt safe the entire time I stayed there, regardless of when I was coming in or out of the lobby or using the elevators.
We had a king room with no view, but the bathroom was nice with great water pressure and reliable hot water. There was also a toilet and a bidet.
The room included a small refrigerator, but it seemed intended more for the items they sell rather than for storing personal food or drinks.
My biggest complaint was the key card, which constantly stopped working. I had to get it reset every day, sometimes multiple times in one day. There were also some signs of mold on the bathroom ceiling, and the lobby had a sewer-like smell on a few days. I noticed a similar smell at the JW Marriott next door, so it may be common in the area.
The location is excellent, directly across from the beach, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and amenities nearby. read more