We chose this hotel based on value and reviews and found it to be a good basic hotel - while nothing was wrong with the hotel per se, it wasn't really a stellar design hotel. The rooms vary depending on the floor, and we stayed on 11 which was fine but nothing spectacular or inspiring.

The staff was nice and helped get us taxis and a reservation at a restaurant we wanted but pushed us to make our own reservations for dinners and weren't so helpful with directions or suggestions.

Rooms were clean and located across from the beach in Copacobana and an easy walk/ride to Ipanema or Leblon. Breakfast was good and doormen were helpful in getting cabs. Staff was nice overall but not overly helpful per se.

For a basic hotel, this is a good option but if you're looking for something more luxurious this is not the place.

Location is the best thing about this hotel, but the description of 'designer quality and style' clearly does not apply to this hotel. The rooms all need a revamp as they are very run down, and we had lots of problems with things not working. This hotel sounds great but looks incredibly old and below standards.
Breakfast is good though, and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly (which made up for the below adverage setting).

The name of the hotel certainly makes it sound very trendy. But it really isn't the case. Copacabana as a place is a lot of run down compared to Ipanema or Leblon. The lobby of the hotel is quite small. We were greeted by staff who were not very helpful, but not discourteous either. There was a bit of trouble with our booking but they became more accomodating when they realised they might be overcharging us. Also when we went out later they seemed to have a special relationship with over charging drivers.

We secured a room on the 9th floor which is a good idea as your avoid a lot of the outside noise. They do charge you for access to the safe. We didn't use the telephone owing to other reviews on here about extortionate charges. The bathroom facilities were a real disappointment with signs of rust and very old fixtures. It wasn't very spaceous either. The towels and toileteries provided weren't great either.

All in all it would be an acceptable 3 star hotel. Nothing more. Don't be fooled by it being a design or boutique hotel in anyway!

We liked portanari!
Someone was thinking when they designed it.
We had a dvd player and a sauna in the room in addition to robes, alarm clock,
safe, refrigerator. Kind of a home away from home.
The beds were comfortable.
The staff friendly and fast and eager to please.
and only 1/4 block from the beach.
Oh it didnt have a swimming pool-the only drawback but since the beach was accross the street, it didnt' matter.