The Leblon Palace is three (long) blocks from the beach. The neighborhood is upscale, with good restaurants and shops. The hotel is spotless; rooms are large; service is excellent. A complimentary breakfast is served in its 2d floor dining room, open all day, and 24-hour room service is available. My only complaint is that the hotel has only two elevators; they're often busy; and you can wait up to 15 minutes (unless you slip into the service area and take the service elevator).
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