Arena Copacabana Hotel

The Arena Copacabana follows a consistent design theme throughout the hotel that's simple but sleek. The small lobby, with a beige marble floor, features elegant furniture made from recycled wood. Every detail has been carefully thought out; the lampshades (made of tree bark), the lobby dividers, and the lighting coexist seamlessly. The Fennel restaurant, adjacent to the lobby, features an artistic driftwood wall decoration. 

The Arena Copacabana has a fantastic location right in the middle of the world famous Copacabana beach. The beach in front of the hotel is wide, and provides ample space for sun-seekers. Ipanema can be reached in five to 10 minutes by car, and the business district of Centro is about a 20- to 30-minute drive away. The domestic airport (Santos Dumont) is 15 to 20 minutes away, and a taxi to the international airport (Galeão) generally takes half an hour or a bit longer. The nearest metro station is Siqueira Campos, which can be reached on foot in about five minutes. Buses pass by Avenida Atlantica and Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana streets.

Shops, supermarkets, banks, bars, cafes, and pharmacies are all within walking distance. Major tourist sights, such as Christ the Redeemer and the Sugar Loaf mountain, can be visited either solo or with a tour. Both tours are highly recommended.

The Arena Copacabana has a total of 135 rooms with soundproof windows in three categories (standard, superior and deluxe), and it also offers spacious oceanfront suites. All rooms are non-smoking and Wi-Fi is available for a fee. Some guests have complained about the strength of the signal in rooms (internet stability and low speed is a common problem in Rio de Janeiro). 

Outfitted largely in neutral colors, rooms here are simple but spacious. The floors are made of wood laminate and the same color shade is repeated in headboards and cabinets. Deluxe rooms and suites have beautiful armchairs made from recycled wood. Each room features a LCD-TV, safe, and minibar. Bathrooms are small (except in suites). They feature marble countertops and beige or aqua-green ceramic tiles. All bathrooms have hairdryers. Toiletries are basic. Suites come with bathrobes. The best value for your money are the deluxe rooms with spectacular sea views.

The Arena Copacabana offers several attractive perks, including a free buffet breakfast with sparkling wine. In addition to the rooftop swimming pool, the bar, and the sun deck, guests also have access to a small fitness center and sauna. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, but requires an additional fee in rooms. The lobby has a small internet corner with desktops and a printer.

The hotel offers two well-equipped meeting rooms (with a total capacity of 200) that can host conferences, meetings, and cocktail parties. The Fennel restaurant -- at the ground floor -- serves breakfast and international cuisine for lunch and dinner. At the adjacent lobby bar, guests can enjoy snacks and cocktails.

The multilingual reception staff can arrange tickets for soccer matches at the world famous Maracanã stadium, concerts, or colorful samba shows or samba school rehearsals. They also sell tickets to popular tours of sights such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf mountain, and the Rio favelas. The hotel does not offer on-site parking, nor airport transfers.