Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro? – Hotel or Airbnb?
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro? That’s a good question and it will depend a lot on what you’re looking for here in Rio de Janeiro! But I’ll give you some suggestions to have a more enjoyable stay in the marvelous city!
Some hotels are strict with visitors’ entry, so if you find a companion and want to go to your hotel, I suggest avoiding the hotels below.
Index:
- Hotels
- Airbnb
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Hotels
Arena hotel Copacabana : Does not accept visitors!
- Av. Atlântica, 2064 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22021-001
- http://www.arenahotel.com.br/
Portobay Hotel : Requires a visitor entry fee (From 50% to 100% of the daily rate)
- R. Duvivier, 6 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22021-000
- https://www.portobay.com/en/hotels/rio-de-janeiro-hotels/portobay-rio-de-janeiro/
Hotel atlantico praia: Requires a visitor entry fee (From 50% to 100% of the daily rate)
- Av. Atlântica, 1456 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22021-000
- https://lnkl.st/atlpraia_site
Arena hotel Leme : Requires a visitor entry fee (From 50% to 100% of the daily rate)
- Av. Atlântica, 324 – Leme, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22010-000
- http://www.arenahotel.com.br/
JW Marriott hotel Copacabana : Requires payment for visitor entry (From 50% to 100% of the daily rate)
- Av. Atlântica, 2600 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22041-001
- https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/riomc-jw-marriott-hotel-rio-de-janeiro/overview/
Hotel Sol Ipanema : Requires payment for visitor entry (From 50% to 100% of the daily rate)
- Av. Vieira Souto, 320 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22420-004
- http://www.solipanema.com.br/
Selina Copacabana : Does not accept visitors!
- R. Alm. Gonçalves, 5 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22060-040
- https://www.selina.com/brazil/copacabana/
Well, these are some of the hotels that don’t appreciate a party atmosphere!
Airbnb
So, where to stay in Rio de Janeiro?
There are many Airbnb rentals that are even stricter than hotels, so you need to analyze the rules of the apartment you’re interested in!
Many apartment owners are super friendly, but of course, common sense is necessary! A conversation beforehand would be ideal, and if the “no visitors allowed” rule is in the listing, it’s better to look for an apartment without this restriction because most buildings in Rio de Janeiro have 24-hour concierge services that are aware of the apartment’s rules!
So, avoid this inconvenience and look for a more flexible apartment in terms of rules!
It can be very frustrating to break a rule and then be charged an exorbitant fee by the owner!
Keep an eye on the “House Rules” when you consider where to stay in Rio de Janeiro!
As a resident and tourist in the city of Rio de Janeiro, I’m going to share information that you only learn through experience! I’ve been to many hotels and Airbnbs in the marvelous city and I admit that Airbnb and hotels in Barra da Tijuca take the lead in terms of cost and benefit!
Barra da Tijuca is a much more modern, clean, and safe neighborhood compared to the famous south zone, which includes Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo… and it’s about a 40-minute drive from the South Zone, with comfortable metro transportation as well.
However, in Barra, everything is considerably farther away compared to Copacabana, for example!
The most touristy neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro is Copacabana, but you need to be cautious there as it has a higher crime rate compared to Barra! And because it’s a more historic neighborhood, Copacabana has older buildings, so Airbnb rentals in Copacabana may lack in terms of space, leisure, and design!
Typically, buildings there don’t have pools, gyms, they’re more expensive per square meter, but being in Copacabana, you have everything you need nearby! The city has numerous bars, entertainment options, and it’s always bustling, plus the tourist attractions are close to the south zone! After all, who wouldn’t want to stroll along Copacabana’s boardwalk?!
Now, in Barra, you can find ocean-view apartments, large ones, often with a pool, at half the price of what you’d pay for an apartment in the South Zone. But you’ll need a car for almost everything! The neighborhood is considerably more upscale, it has modern restaurants, the best nightclubs in Rio de Janeiro are in Barra, so theres some things to consider when you think about where to stay in Rio de Janeiro.
A comparison of apartment prices between the south zone and Barra da Tijuca:
For a 10-day period with the same price similarity
| Apartment in Copacabana for 10 nights for R$3.863 (~800$) | Apartment in Barra da Tijuca for 10 nights for R$3.875 (~800$) |
Conclusion
This was another helpful insight for the day!
Feel free to leave your comments on where to stay in Rio de Janeiro, and if you’ve experienced staying in certain hotels and want to share, you’re very welcome!
If you enjoy this kind of content and want more information, recommendations, or even want to find a pleasant companion in Rio, you can find us on:
Instagram : @rioladies_br
Twitter : @RioLadies18
Webiste: rioladies.com
Perguntas Frequentes
Is Copacabana Palace very restrictive for visitors?
- No, surprisingly! Despite being a renowned hotel, they are flexible to ensure you have a pleasant stay! You might consider it when asking yourself: Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro?
Is it common to require a credit card at check-in?
- It’s not very common in Brazil, but it does depend on the hotel! Compared to the United States, Brazil doesn’t have the same rule as a “requirement” at check-in.
What is the best area to stay in Rio de Janeiro?
- The South Zone (Zona Sul) of Rio de Janeiro is the most popular choice for tourists. Neighborhoods like Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon offer easy access to beaches, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions, making them ideal places to stay.
How much should I expect to spend on average per night for accommodation in Rio de Janeiro?
- Accommodation prices vary depending on the type of lodging and location. On average, you can expect to spend between R$200 to R$600 per night on mid-range hotels in the South Zone. More luxurious options can exceed R$1000 per night.
Is it safe to rent vacation apartments in Rio de Janeiro?
- Renting vacation apartments is a popular option in Rio de Janeiro, but it’s important to choose reliable sources, such as reputable short-term rental platforms. Additionally, opting for safe neighborhoods and taking security precautions when booking is recommended.
What is the best time of year to visit Rio de Janeiro in terms of accommodation prices?
- Accommodation prices in Rio de Janeiro tend to be higher during the high season, which mainly occurs during the Brazilian summer (December to February) and major events like Carnival. Therefore, if you’re looking for more affordable prices, considering visiting from April to November might be a better option.
What types of accommodations besides hotels are available in Rio de Janeiro?
- Besides hotels, Rio de Janeiro offers a variety of accommodation options, such as guesthouses (pousadas), hostels, and vacation rentals. Guesthouses are often found in charming neighborhoods and offer a more intimate experience. Hostels are ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking social interaction. Additionally, vacation apartments are popular for longer stays and provide a sense of being at home.