My girlfriend and I stayed here during Rio's Carnaval in February and found it to be quite nice for the cost. During Carnaval, the hotels all over Rio increase their prices signifigantly, and this one was affordable. It is right near Lapa, which we had heard horror stories about, concerning crime, muggings, etc., but had absolutely no problems whatsoever. In fact, Lapa is where most of the street parties (blocos) are during Carnaval, and just by abiding to our normal rules of travel (stay aware, don't wander off alone, etc.) we found it to be no different or any more dangerous than any other part of the world.

The rooms were clean and the included breakfast buffet was great. Cable t.v. and a refrigerator in every room as well. Although they were undergoing construction at the time, the new reception area looks to be incredible, and they are adding about 80 new rooms that are completely modern and updated. We only spoke conversational Spanish, and no Portuguese, but the... more