Accommodation

Introduction

This section provides some general information about accommodation in Rio de Janeiro and Macae. Additional information and coverage of other areas will be added in due course.

It should be noted that this is a changing market with new entrants and varying standards over time.

In both cities there are major construction works underway including new hotel accommodation.

Demand (and charges) for rooms can be high during major sporting events and the Carnival period.

Rio de Janeiro

A huge number of hotels exist in Rio de Janeiro to cater for both the business and tourism sectors. These range from basic accommodation to luxury hotels like the Copacabana Palace. Many of these are situated in the Copacabana/Ipanema areas alongside numerous clubs, bars and restaurants.

In addition pousadas (‘inns’) in many cases provide a good and low cost option for budget travellers.

Rio de Janeiro is a large city with substantial traffic especially in the morning and evening ‘rush hours’. It can be important to take this into account when selecting accommodation as journey durations can be lengthy at these times.

Many companies have headquarters in ‘Centro’ or in Botafogo/Flamengo – all are within reasonable reach of the main hotel areas of Copacabana/Ipanema. A modern subway system is available from Ipanema/Copacabana into Centro and beyond.

Substantial development is taking place in Barra da Tijuca with modern office buildings and related services. Care needs to be exercised when selecting accommodation giving reasonable access to this area due to the heavy traffic often seen in the early morning ‘rush hours’ noted above.

Virtually all of the major hotel chains have a presence in the Rio de Janeiro market in addition to many local operators.

An alternative to hotels and pousadas is apartment rental. A number of agencies offer short term lettings of apartments, largely in the Copacabana/Ipanema areas.

A further ‘alternative’ is a halfway house between apartments and hotels – aparthotels which offer apartment-like living in buildings that have hotel-like services.

This appears to be a growing market in Rio de Janeiro and popular with guests staying for more than just a few days.

Macae

In recent years Macae has seen substantial growth in the provision of hotel accommodation with major chains joining local hotel companies. Further hotel building is currently taking place to meet demand.

Most major hotels are grouped in or close to the Cavaleiros area which provides easy access to the oil and gas service areas of the city.

As with Rio de Janeiro, pousadas (‘inns’) in many cases provide a good and low cost option for budget travellers.

The beachside Cavaleiros area itself is also host to a wide variety of restaurants and bars. In the Centro/Imbetiba area are a number of hotels close to the main Petrobras marine support base.

Some of the hotels in Macae :

Cavaleiros area :

Bellatrix

Best Western Dubai

Blue Tree Towers

Brisa Tropical

Comfort Suites

Four Points by Sheraton

Hotel Du Lac

Ibis

Mercure

Royal Macaé Palace

Centro/Imbetiba :

Crystal Apart Hotel

Lagos Copa

Othon Suítes

Rosa Mar

Travel Inn Personal

Other Areas

Visitors to Rio de Janeiro may also wish to consider locations such as Buzios for a short stay. This town, located on the coast between Rio de Janeiro and Macae, is a popular destination for tourists and Brazilians including ‘Cariocas’ (natives of Rio de Janeiro) seeking a weekend break.

Buzios offers extensive beach areas, high quality restaurants and bars, sailboat cruises, etc.