My friend and I stayed at this property for six days [ Jan 2012 ]. It is very well located, close to both Copacabana and Ipenema beaches- 5 mins walk. If you book in advance you get excellent pricing too. We stayed on the 11th floor and had a fabulous view of the beach and the ocean. The air-conditioning was very feeble. Rooms are quite average in decor and size. Breakfast very humble. Front desk though unfriendly, speaks English and are prompt. Taxis are easily available form and to the hotel. We would leave after breakfast everyday and get back late in the eve. Rio is a safe [ Contrary to what I was led to believe ] and fabulous city, you really don’t need a FIVE star to enjoy :-) Have fun !!

The location is the best thing about this hotel. You can walk to either of the two main beaches. The neighbourhood is very pleasant and felt safe even when we walked home about ten blocks from the Vinicius Bar after 1:00 AM.
Here is the thing: you don't want to be told “look it up on the Internet” each time you ask reception a question. Bell-hops were too obvious about expecting a tip for virtually anything. Breakfast was good, rooms were clean and fair size with OK bathrooms. Window mounted air conditioner was too noisy though.
Ask for a room at a high floor for a nice view – we were on the fourth floor and we saw backs of buildings.

In our research of Rio hotels, we were not sure what alternative choices are, and how much they cost. The issue with rating this hotel is that it is clearly NOT a four star hotel. But on our trip, four star hotels cost 3x as much. But this is not a dumpy hotel either -- its actually quite large with 10+ floors (if I recall correctly). But while not dumpy, its not fancy either. It wasn't "wow" on any level. But it seemed in a safe enough area (I found Rio to be largely safe although we didn't venture into sketchy areas), walking distance to Ipanema/Leblon (although we ended up cabbing at some points to certain restaurants in Leblon), which clean enough rooms (albeit sparsely decorated). If I did Rio again, I probably would end up staying in a similar hotel of similar price, but in Ipanema facing the beach (as none of the hotels are on the beach, you can never be on the beach.. but you can be facing hte beach directly which I would like).

The hotel is between Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. You are a 5 minute walk to Ipanema beach. In our trip we found most of the good restaurants/hip bars etc. were in Ipanema/Leblon. We didn't spend any time in Copacabana really.

Check-in was fast. Lobby had 2 computers with wifi.

Breakfast was underwhelming. I think its probably average for Brazil complimentary breakfast standard. In any case you won't want to eat at hotel anyway.. find a juice bar (there is one ~3 blocks away).

I liked the hotel area for being a little less touristy. Relatively quiet tree lined street.

I took photos but I lost them unfortunately.

I wish this review could be more helpful. This is a basic hotel. In the U.S. this would be like a Quinta. Gets the job done. In Brazil this makes it a fancier-than-average hotel. Our experience it was satisfactory.

There is little I can add to reviews already given for this property. The star is the location being close to both Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. The proximity to a small supermarket in the street and a pub and pharmacy on the corner make life really easy for the traveller. Free good quality wifi is a plus. The rooms are huge and spotlessly clean and whilst I would prefer something a bit more luxurious for a five night stay everything was more than adequate. Staff service was satisfactory but not effusive. All up a good value spot for a location where you really don't want to linger in the room for any length of time anyway.