Arena Ipanema Hotel

Amid the aging hotels of Copacabana and Ipanema's bland mid-range offerings, the Arena Ipanema Hotel is an excellent, modern option with a lot to like. That starts with its relaxed location in a safe area between Copacabana and Ipanema, near Arpoador Beach. The laid-back ethos starts even before entering the hotel, as beachgoers and surfers trot up and down the street, and bike riders zip by on the bike path. Inside, funky artwork and fresh, perfumed air greets guests in the busy lobby. Travelers -- including young families, couples, and groups of friends -- occupied nearly every cluster of seating during our 2017 visit, chatting animatedly and making a lively first impression. Check-in can take a minute, but the hotel overall has a kicked-back beachy vibe that's contrasted by its edgy decor -- including metal sculptures and street-art inspired wall art in the public areas. This is a real gem in a part of town with its share of old-school properties, and guests are often drawn back time and time again.

It's hard to find fault with this hotel's location. This is one of the safest parts of Zona Sul, between Ipanema and Copacabana, in an area some locals refer to as Copanema. The hotel sits right next to Parque Garota de Ipanema, which hosts occasional festivals and opens on to lovely Arpoador Beach (which is great for surfing). It's a five-minute walk (or less) to the sand there, to Posto 7 in Ipanema, and to Posto 6 in Copacabana. There are a number of small cafes and restaurants to the east, in Copacabana, as well as tons of beachfront snack stands in either direction. Praca General Osorio, the site of Ipanema's Sunday Hippie Fair (and ringed with bars and restaurants) is a 10-minute walk away, as is a 24-hour grocery store that's near the plaza. This is also where you'll find the closest metro station for getting to Rio's Centro. Budget around 25 minutes to reach the Centro by taxi and the same to reach the famous Christ the Redeemer Statue by car. Santos Airport -- for domestic flights -- is also a 25-minute drive away, while Galeao International will take about 45 minutes to reach depending on traffic.

The rooms here are a simple affair, but all have a fresh and modern style that's perfectly at home in this contemporary property. Walnut wood tones, chic gray and tan accents, and bold statement headboards lend them their sharp look. The scents that are pumped through the vents make everything that much more appealing. Given Rio's often noisy reputation, the rooms are impeccably soundproofed, and we heard no noise from neighbors or external sources despite the hotel being quite busy during our visit. Additionally, light-blocking curtains make it easy to sleep late, which is crucial in party-hard Rio. Other features are fairly slim, and limited to air-conditioning, safes, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and outlets set up for multiple kinds of plugs (including USBs). There are no minibars and rooms lack balconies. All overlook quiet Parque Garota de Arpoador next door, but only rooms on the highest floors (and farthest from the street) will catch partial ocean views. Bathrooms are equally handsome, with brown marble details and powerful showers. Toiletries, hairdryers, beauty mirrors, and towels are provided, though the floor may get wet during a shower. 

Features at this hotel are on par with most other properties in the area, though of course everything here has a nice, modern sheen. Without a doubt, the highlight is the rooftop. Up there, you'll find a small pool with poolside seating, a terrace, and a bar. Food is also available, and the menu has a fairly wide selection. Views of the ocean are spectacular and it makes a fine escape from the beach bustle down below. The hotel also puts on an extensive breakfast buffet every morning. It includes hot and cold options, plus a few local treats, as well as strong coffee and juices of all kinds. The meal is included with all standard bookings. There's also a ground-floor cafe in the lobby for coffees. In case a jog along Ipanema Beach isn't something you want to do, the hotel has a simple fitness room with a universal machine and a couple pieces of cardio equipment. A few meeting and event spaces are available as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and worked well during our stay.