Have stayed at the Praia Linda recently for one night only. The hotel is very decent and has a perfect location, being situated in the part of Barra where a car isn’t an absolute necessity.

The hotel is situated in Barra, which is a residential neighbourhood and has no attractions per se. It is a 20 minute drive to Leblon and Ipanema (without traffic). Having said that, the hotel is located in the best area of Barra, right in front of the beach (which is the best and cleanest in Rio) and a short walk to good restaurants and bars. Barra is also Rio’s shopping mall area, with the biggest shopping mall in town, BarraShopping.

I have actually lived for many years a 5 minute walk away from the Praia Linda, and have always gone to the beach in front of it. It's a small 70s building in a priviledged position.

I hadn’t made any reservations, and just basically walked in. The rates quoted at reception were BRL 280 for an ocean front room, and BRL 260 for a side... more