We unfortunately flew with Aerolineas Argentinas Airlines to get to Rio. It is the absolute worst airlines I have ever flown with. They constantly cancel flights, which is why we ended up at this hotel for one night. They cancelled our flight and had to put us up in a hotel. They placed us at Hotel Gloria. It is one of the oldest hotels in Rio. Our room was dark and dingy with worn out carpet and the walls needed a paint job. The biggest beds they offered for a standard room was a double bed, which is a problem if you are used to sleeping in at least a queen sized. The bathroom's bathtub door did not extend all the way over, just half way, so water does end up wetting the floor. The rooms are surprisingly large. The food at the hotel for both dinner and breakfast was not that great. The staff is very friendly and helpful though. I would never have chosen to stay here.

The only good thing about the hotel is that it is located just a few minutes from the Sugar Loaf mountain.

I stayed at the Hotel Gloria while I was at a conference in the summer of 2004. The hotel reminded me of a movie setting from the 1930s. The staff were very professional and courteous. The room was nice...not great. There was a little beach out front, but I didnt feel it was best for tourists. There was also this very interesting church sort of behind the hotel. I would recommend taking a peak at it with a group of people and without valuables (this is true of anywhere in Rio). The restaurants were nice and there were also several nice hotels near Gloria. The one draw back to the hotel is its location. It doesnt have the nice beaches and if you wander to far off the path you are in an area that you dont want to be.

This hotel is not for everyone. It is old, and although well maintained, its amenities are not modern. However, anyone who appreciates historical charm will appreciate it. There are lovely views, pools, alcoves and tons of period kitsch. It is the grand old dame of Rio hotels and the dame is a little temperamental. The location is superb (unless one prefers to be in the beach suburbs of Copacabana or Ipanema); many attractions are in walking distance, others are a 10 minute taxi trip away (Centro, Santa Tereza, ferries). I would highly recommend the hotel to those who come to experience 'real' Rio, as opposed to the beach culture.

I stayed here for a conference. After reading the reviews on Trip Advisor I was very concerned about this hotel but it was the conference hotel so I went anyway. The hotel has 2 different buildings, the main hotel (the old part) and the annex. I think there is a huge difference between these two. I stayed in the old hotel and found my stay exceptional. The room I had was a standard room and was quite roomy with a view of the pool and gardens. The room had a minibar and safe and there were no problems with security in the room. The twin beds were not the best but that was my only detraction. The staff was most helpful and kind, the restaurants were great. The main breakfast was wonderful with a variety of fresh fruits, meats, cheeses, eggs, breads and yogurts. The fancy restaurant on the 1st floor was a very nice treat and decorated with lots of antiques. If you walk out to the tropical pool there is an amazing garden that goes up several levels and is fun to explore, there is a walking track and fitness room hidden up there as well. The some parts of the hotel shows it's wear like the carpets need changing but the general feeling was that this hotel was that of wonderful old charm. I don't recomment staying in the annex but staying in the older/main part of the hotel. The neighborhood isn't the best for night time wandering but cabs are pretty inexpensive in Rio.