We stayed at the Vilamar for 2 nights as part of our holiday in Brazil (with First Choice). We enjoyed our hotel and could not complain about anything. The hotel is in a good location in a busy part of Rio. It is very close to the beach, bars and restaurants. The rooms are a decent size with a good size bathroom and are very clean. There is also a mini bar in your room, the cost is extra. The safe cost 2 reals a night (around 50p). There was a small pool, gym and bar on the roof.

At first I thought this was going to be a good place to stay.

Once I got in it was a different story. One day, I used the jacuzi in my room and as i pressed the button to turn it on (while I was in the water) I got an electric shock. Yes, not kidding, an electric shock. They did end up giving me another room, but refused to give me a discount on the overall bill. I tried to reach a supervisor multiple times, but felt like Fernando ( the receptionist) a balled Greek looking guy in his 50s, was trying to prevent this. It was truly my impression that they could care less. I even threatend to contact Rio´s consumer protection. Fernando the receptionist, said ´go ahead.´

Once I got the new room more problems surfaced.....the phones did not work properly, could not get any messages from people who tried to call me. Last but not least, the door knob was falling off the door. Truly a dissapointing stay at what looked like a good hotel.

Hotel is two blocks from Copacabana. It is a very narrow building and there are only 7 or 8 rooms per floor. The door is thin and I heard a lot of noise from the corridor (cleaners, other guests?), and not so much from the street. The ac was a problem. Very noisy and either it gets too cold or too hot. When I walked in the bathroom it looked like a cave with a waterfall. Everyting except the toilet is made of granite, including the walls. The shower must be pouring 100 gallans per minute. Very, very good. One morning they had forgotten to replace my shampoo and toilet paper. The pool is on the roof, but is the size of two king size beds. Well, the Copacabana is nearby, so that should be no problem. The hotel staff was very friendly and let me take a shower at the pool area when I already had checked out. With pain in my hart I had to leave Rio. But when I come back, I will probably choose a different hotel closer to Ipenema beach. Also nearby in the same street towards the beach is a very nice little restaurant. The place was packed from 8PM till 3AM.