Golden Tulip Ipanema Plaza

Pros: Clean with working air conditioning, big rooms, and good breakfasts in safest part of Rio.
Cons: Hotel is not inexpensive, lobby always seems crowded with people checking in and out.

When staying at Ipanema Plaza, it is all about location, location, location. This hotel is on the best beach (Ipanema) on the best street (Farme) for restaurants and cafes in Rio. In fact, I've stayed here twice and it is one of my favorite places in ...

Pros: location, and thats IT! its the best block for people watching.
Cons: lack of security. In fact, anyone can walk in and make themselves at home.

While at breakfast, a gentleman with the guest list asked us our room number. We told him as we has stayed here many times in the past and it seemed routine. After breakfast we returned to our room, and saw a few maids and security at our front door. ...

Pros: Location Price Great Value Breakfast Buffet Nice pool and exercise area on roof
Cons: Not on Beach, but only 1/2 block away

We have been to Rio on several occasions. Last year, after previously staying at the Marriott and Meridian in Rio, we decided to try the Ipanema Plaza and were not disappointed. We have recommended it to others and have again made reservations here for Easter, 2005. Although not as plush as the Marriott or Meridian, it is also 1/3 the price and has access to all the attractions.

The superior room was comfortable and clean. Not much of a bar but you can go down the road to the Garota de Ipanema and the nightclub across the street from it if you want some good entertainment and drinks.
You can eat breakfast inside or sit on a covered balcony outside. Good selection of breakfast items and plenty of fresh fruit. There are a number of great restaurants, shopping, groceries, and a laundry within walking distance. The pool on the roof has great views of Ipanema Beach and the hotel has an private area on the beach, where they provide chaise lounges, umbrellas, and drinks. The business center also was very good and reasonable. The hotel has great access to Ipanema, Aporador, Leblon, Lagoa and Copacabana. Great central location.

Pros: Location, Service
Cons: Rooms, Cost, Renovation work can get to be a bother

Hotels such as the Ipanema Plaza typically offer discount prices through agents during off-season, and they're worth the bargain prices. The prices shown on the internet are typically way too high. This hotel in particular is very well located, close to the beach and in a safe, nice neighbourhood. Nothing great about the rooms and the restaurant, but they have all the basic amenities you would look for in a good hotel (internet access, pool, sauna, etc.).
People at the reception speak English (which I realized was a luxury in Rio), and are helpful. A variety of sight-seeing and other options (e.g. temporary cell phone) are available through the hotel.
So I would recommend it if you get a good price on it.

Pros: 1 block from beach
Cons: poor security, poor service

I had a very bad experience at this hotel. It started out poor and went down hill fast. The drinks from the restaurant/bar were less than great for their price. The service was extremely slow and the staff was not helpful. I asked to have my bags brought down when I checked out and in the process of transporting from my room to downstairs their employee(s) stole one of them. It had about $1000 in cash, my passport and wallet in it. People say to be carefull about what you walk around in Rio with due to muggings. Well you don't have to be walking around for that to happen. Just stay at the Ipanema Plaza hotel and it will. The hotel staff didn't seem to care the least bit that this happened. In fact they wouldn't even let me call the US (I had no money or credit since it was stolen from my "secure" room) to cancel my credit cards.

http://www.ipanemaplazahotel.net

Please be smart and stay somewhere else!

Dave
www.ipanemaplazahotel.net for details.....