Location is a plus - at one end of the beach you can be lucky and get fantastic views. And even if you don't pay up for the sea view rooms, the restaurant and bar have them.

Its dated. Even the redecorated rooms. But many will like the style and while its not to my taste, my experience was that the hotel was clean and well maintained.

Its expensive for what it is, but then so is Rio in general.

Would I go again? Probably but then it wasn't coming out of my pocket..

There are so many hotels in Rio it is difficult to know where to stay, however I was very happy with our choice of the Sofitel.

Opposite one end of Copacabana beach and just round the corner from Ipanema it is perfect for beach lovers. The Hotel has a private area on Copacabana beach with complimentary sun loungers, umbrellas, towels etc.

The views from the breakfast area and the bar are great. Breakfast in particular was fabulous, a fantastic choice (best we had in our entire South America holiday) enjoyed whilst gazing at Sugar Loaf Mountain in the distance - A great way to start the day.

The rooms are of an average size but had everything we needed. A very comfortable bed, a powerful shower, quiet air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Wifi was available but at a cost.

Service at reception was friendly. Service around the pool area was hard to find but we didn't spend much time there so it didn't really concern us.

Overall I was completely satisfied with the Sofitel and would recommend as a good base for people wanting to see the sights of Rio and to enjoy the beach.

Despite the great views of the whole Copacabana Bay from its strategic position, this hotel lacks the usual French elegance as found in all other Sofitels I've stayed in around the world. But, the service of the hotel, from front desk to doormen, the Moroccan mint tea offered in the lobby at around 5:00pm, limo and tour services, the Sofitel umbrellas, deck chairs, beach towels and supply of cold bottles of mineral water on the beach have all endorsed the exemplary standard of Sofitel!

I went to this hotel because my husband had a conference in the hotel, so we stayed in a "junior suite" on the executive floor. With two toddlers. Normally not something I would advise, but the staff were very accommodating and helpful. My kids were allowed in the "Executive Club" for meals and everyone was really helpful, and the hotel managed to find us a lovely staff member to babysit on short notice. All in all the staff were really great. The food, on the other hand, was average at best. Would advise anyone to skip the hotel restaurants, which I normally do - but I had two tired kids who needed food ASAP so I gave it a shot. Only once, as it was crazy expensive for food that could only be described as mediocre. Location was great for walking to the beaches, and getting taxis was easy for further adventures.