Rio de Janeiro - Hotels & Apartments

[Bandy]

Praia Lido Hotel
Av. Nossa Senhora de Copacabana 202 - Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 22020-000 - Brasil
Tel: (021) 2541-1397 Fax: (021) 2541-1347

http://www.praialidohotel.com.br/localizacao_eng.html

During my last visit in April, 2006, I stayed in this hotel. Garotoz mentioned this hotel in one of his posts earlier, and I found the price quite attractive.

Ok, the hotel in a nut-shell is a kludge. Every room is different, there is no standard room. If you are lucky, you will get a room with all amenities. If your luck runs out, you might end up in a room without any refrigerator also. Having said that, I will definitely stay here again. There are lots of good points about this hotel.

It is ideally located. One block from Balcony Bar and the beach, about two blocks from Barbarella, Franks, La Cicciolina. All the GDP know about this hotel and basically like it. You are well protected against rogue GDPs. They will hold their Ids, will call you when they are leaving and will only release the Ids if you approve. The safe deposit boxes were inside the room earlier, but after too many thefts they move them in the lobby. Its really not a hassle. You have access to your box 24 hours.

The hotel more resembles to Rio Roiss. You hardly will notice it from the street, if not for the flags. A very unassuming lobby, kind of old but well maintained establishment. If you are planning to impress your GDP, this hotel is not for you. But, if mongering is your primary goal and you want to stay in a nice, monger friendly hotel, this one serves the purpose beautifully.

Staffs are great. Pablo and Andres will go out of their way to help you. They both speak English, if that is important to you. Use their limo driver for your travel needs. His wife works in the hotel and he will take you anywhere you want to go. Much cheaper than taxi ( GIG for 40 R). Free breakfast (not great, but not bad either) is up to 12 noon. Very important, if you are sleeping late with a GDP (like me).

I first booked a room for 110 R per day. When I saw the room (one of the bad ones), I flipped. I just came from Sao Paulo, where I was staying in a beautiful hotel. So, it was totally unacceptable for me. I was ready to walk out. Then they mentioned about the suites. Very few available, only 1 in each floor, a total of 6. However, when I saw the suites, I calmed down. I can live here. Suites are very small. But it has lots of amenities. Take a look at their web site. It has a sauna, too. But the rooms give you a feeling of a love motel. Mirrors, mirrors, everywhere. Disco ball, track lights, strobe lights etc. Music stations, TV controls are all part of the bed. All the girls loved it. I could not find any drawers though, I sure could have used some. Storage space is somewhat limited, if you have lots of luggage.

It is off season. So standard suites were 143 R plus 5% tax, which translates roughly 150 R. Not a bad deal. During high season (excluding carnival time), it will cost you 200 R.

Warning: There is a short guy named Tony Montana, who speaks English, hangs around the lobby and try to make money out of ignorant tourists. He basically acts as a monger's guide. He took one of the hotel residents (of course, a newbie) to Balcony bar with a promise of getting girls for him. He ordered wine and other staffs and before this newbie realized anything, he is out 150 R. Avoid this guy at any cost.

Also, during checkout, examine your hotel bill carefully. A new clerk tried to put 10% tax, instead of 5% on my bill. He apologized.

Hope you will find this review helpful.

Bandy

PS: In case it is not clear from the above review, THE HOTEL DOES NOT CHARGE ANY EXTRA MONEY FOR THE GDP YOU BRING. Only one at a time allowed. Make sure, your honey has document, before you bring her to this hotel.

[Fats]

Hello, does anyone know the policies of this hotel regarding guests? Any other Centro hotels which are girl friendly? Thanks for any help.

[Cachorro]

Just show up. Busiest times are Friday and Saturday nights, late. But even then they will probably have space for you.

No need for ID, unless they are in doubt about people being over 18 years old.

[Fnurgle]

First time here in Rio, been to Help a couple of times to check it out but really don't want to bring a girl back to the hotel I'm at.

How do the motels work? Do you need to book in advance, or can you just rock up at 2:00AM with your garotta and get a room? I'd probably go to Sinless or Shalimar. Do they need some form of ID to register or is it just cash at the door?

Thanks in advance for any advice for a Rio newbie.

[Dick Hertz]

I will be in Rio late april and was trying to deside on an apartment or hotel? My major concern is safety so cn anyone tell me what will be the best option. I know the apartmets have security at the gates but will it be safe to walk to the beach or club from there and a hotel my not be girl freindly. I would love to heard any advice on this and the going rate for the ladies.

Dich Hertz

[RonnyRon]

A few questions. Have you been to Rio before? Do you speak Portuguese? Is your airfare included in the deal? If you answer No to these questions, IMHO you are paying way too much. Ipanema is a very nice neighborhood, which is family oriented. Sounds like you guys are striving for a (Frat) party setup, which is something your neighbors in Ipanema won't like. You are going during the low season (forget the fact it's not even summer yet in Rio), meaning you should pay less not more and what good is a pool if there is no SUN?

Your could read this forum and find all the hottest clubs, but if you don't speak Portuguese, what good is going? You won't be going out in Limos (no one needs that kind of attention in Rio). 9 guys for 8 day at a cost of $13,500.00 is overpaying, BIG time. You could rent two 4 bedroom apartments for say $200.00 a night and only be out $3,200.00, which is still high if you ask me. A least then only 1 guy would be sleeping on the couch bed. My 2 cents.

RonnyRon

[Pounddog]

I and two buddies just got back from 3 days in Rio/7 days in Salvador. I used Gringomanagement for rentals in both Rio and Salvador. I have nothing but
great things to say about David at www.gringomanagment.com.

David was excellent at responding quickly and honestly to any questions. The price was excellent. There was no complications at all about bringing back female friends, only needing to register them with the fron security desk in the apt. building.

The 3BR apartment in Rio was ocean view on Ave. Atlantica in Copa about 3 blocks from Help. Very clean, 9th floor apartment with 3 BR's with AWESOME view. The pricing was very reasonable, much more so than any hotel rentals.

We did two 2BD apartments in Salvador. These units were 1 block from the beach in Barra and fairly clean, but did not meet the same standard that we had set in Rio. Still, a fine and serviceable apartment in a very good location in Salvador.

Again, thank you David. I will definitely use gringomanagement again for my next trip down.

[Rio Video]

Going to Rio on Sept 1st to 9th on a red eye on AA. Renting a 5 bdrm penthouse on Ipanema beach with a private rooftop patio pool. There are 9 guys on this trip and we booked it through an agency that specializes in “VIP entrances” at all the hottest nightclubs that the Brazilians go to..not the tourist areas. Included in this package is a wingman that is going to bring all the hot chicks to our table filled with Absolute.
This also includes transportation to/from the airport all for $1499pp.

Check out a couple of deals with some agencies out there 5 gatas R$600 for 2 hours divided by 5 guys might as well get two ...huh...

What do you guys think? Anymore suggestions?

[Amerioca]

After reading a positive review from the **** and ISG about rioapartments, I decided to get in contact with them, explaining that I wanted a 2 bedroom apartment in Copa, close to Help

Anyway, I secured the apartment w/a deposit thru paypal on the Feb 15th and I just got an email now on Feb. 21st stating (read below). I already requested a refund ! I'm not mad, but quite dissappointed that they are not organized (but my correct assumption would be that they prefer the person renting for a month, than me) Oh well, I already got in contact with Rio Rentals 4 Less..

Dear Elvis,

As my colleague ....... said we had a client for this apartment from April to May. (I was told that another person was interested in the location but hasn't confirmed) And this client had already paid before you for this apartment. We find his deposit today.

In this case unfortunately this apartment will not be available for you in these dates.We still have this apartment available for this period: www.rioapartments.com/peter-3\FrameSet.htm

Please inform us if you want to change for this apartment or want your money back. We can deny your Paypal payment.

Sorry for this inconvenience.

It means they rented the apartment to the highest bidder. Valeu.

[Elvis]

After reading a positive review from the **** and ISG about rioapartments, I decided to get in contact with them, explaining that I wanted a 2 bedroom apartment in Copa, close to Help

Anyway, I secured the apartment w/a deposit thru paypal on the Feb 15th and I just got an email now on Feb. 21st stating (read below). I already requested a refund ! I'm not mad, but quite dissappointed that they are not organized (but my correct assumption would be that they prefer the person renting for a month, than me) Oh well, I already got in contact with Rio Rentals 4 Less..

Dear Elvis,

As my colleague ....... said we had a client for this apartment from April to May. (I was told that another person was interested in the location but hasn't confirmed) And this client had already paid before you for this apartment. We find his deposit today.

In this case unfortunately this apartment will not be available for you in these dates.We still have this apartment available for this period: www.rioapartments.com/peter-3\FrameSet.htm

Please inform us if you want to change for this apartment or want your money back. We can deny your Paypal payment.

Sorry for this inconvenience.

[RonnyRon]

I concur with ET. Dieine is great and you can also let her know RonnyRon recommended her service. I have also used www.rioapartments.com and their service is very good. Personally I prefer Dieine because I like her as a person.

RR

[Exec Talent]

I have used both Kenn at www.ez-riorentals.com and Dieine at www.copaapartments.com. Kenn is an American living in Rio. I can recommend him highly. Any problems I had (which were minor) were resolved promptly. The apartments he rents are clean and even the studio I rented had everything I needed. Internet access was great.

I can say all the same for Dieine (pronounced Janey). One thing I really like about her is, being a Brazilian woman; she can offer a lot of insight into what is actually going on. Also, she has given me some great recommendations on where to go and what to see which have enhanced my Rio experience. I told her about this site (which is where I learned about her agency) and she is interested in renting to members here because she has had good experiences in the past. That is why she told me to tell you guys if you mention that ET sent you, she will arrange your transportation from the airport for free.

[Lonzof]

This thread should have been named apartments. Can some of you pros have stayed in various apartments post the pics and advise of the quality of service received from the person from whom you've rented.

Example: In November in stayed in an apartment on Nossa Senhora. The organization I used was www.rioapartments.com. Great service, excellent accomodations. The studio apartment had marble floors, cd/dvd, ac, hs internet, 24 hour security, electronic safe and lastly a KING SIZE BED.

Here's a link to the apartment in which I stayed. Price = $70 per night

http://www.rioapartments.com/luxury-studio/FrameSet.htm

Does anyone have any experiences with www.apartmentsrio.com. This is some guy name Johnny from CA who I believe now lives in Rio. At one time he was working with his Brazilian fiance but they are no longer together.

Can this guy be trusted? Seem to have some very nice apartments.

Peace out mongers.

[Lorenzo]

Does anyone know a girl-frienly high-end hotel?
In addition to treating myself to the beautiful women of Rio I would also like to treat myself to a nice hotel on my upcoming trip. But I do not want to give up having overnight guests every night.

Junior

It depends on what you mean by high end. You could probably get a better answer if you asked about specific hotels. I have written on this subject many times before, so here I go again.

By my reckoning, the top of the line hotels in Rio are the Copacabana Palace, Caesar Park, Sheraton, Meridien, maybe the Pestana. I've never stayed at Copa Palace or Pestana, so I can't speak from personal experience. However, I have stayed at the other three and gotten girls into all of them. Sheraton is the easiest, and IMHO the best hotel in Rio, but a lot of mongers don't like it because it is beyond Leblon and some distance from the action. Meridien is the hardest, and probably impossible at night. Caesar Park was easy also.

However, it all depends on how you do it, so I would observe the following rules and you should be okay: 1) First and foremost, the girl must not look like a prostitute. If she looks slutty, she won't get past the front entrance, much less to the elevator. So have your girl dress casual chic, like she's a professional woman meeting someone for a drink. 2) Do it in the daytime. I know this is counter to what most mongers want to do, but it makes achieving your objective 99% easier. She can still stay through the night, if that's what you want. 3) Don't go directly to your room. First go to a bar or restaurant in the hotel, or at least pretend to, on another level than the lobby. That way, if someone stops you, just say you are going to have a drink or to eat. Then whether you actually do this or not, go directly to your room from there. At the Sheraton, this is simplicity itself, because they have so many restaurants at so many levels. 4) You will call less attention to yourself if you and the girl don't arrive at the hotel together, especially if you have been there a few days and the staff has gotten to know you. Better have her arrive in a taxi herself and meet you at the bar. All the girls I've done this with were termas girls that I made arrangements to meet outside, so I knew what the girl looked like and I told her how to dress. I emphasize again, casual chic. Jeans are okay; halter top with boobs hanging out, definitely not.

The key thing to remember is that 99.9% of the guests in these hotels are non-mongers. Most are business people, and a lot of families stay there. So, absolutely the last thing they want is girls who look like hookers coming in there. After all, they have a reputation to maintain. Hope this helps.

Lorenzo

[Junior]

Does anyone know a girl-frienly high-end hotel?
In addition to treating myself to the beautiful women of Rio I would also like to treat myself to a nice hotel on my upcoming trip. But I do not want to give up having overnight guests every night.

Junior