Copacabana Mar Hotel

From the street, the Copacabana Mar hotel has a '70s-era facade with glass windows and international flags over a silver sign stating the hotel's name. Inside, the spacious yet dim lobby is a bit more contemporary (it was renovated in 2013) with a granite floor, clusters of beige sofa sets, translucent tables, and framed beach-inspired artwork on terra-cotta colored walls. The black lacquer and wood reception desk looks modern. There's a small business area with a desktop computer and printer. The entrance to the bar and Tropical Restaurant are right off the lobby. Clientele is a mix of local business travelers and tourists, both with and without kids.

The Copacabana Mar hotel offers fast access both to Copacabana beach, the metro, and a huge variety of restaurants and shops. As many Copacabana hotels are located on busy and noisy streets along Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana or Avenida Atlantica, this hotel offers a quieter alternative location along a lesser used side street. However, this is still Rio and past guests have complained about noise.The nearest metro station is just 200 meters from Cardial Arcoverde metro station, and 100 meters from Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, where buses run towards Botafogo and the business district of Centro. The neighborhood is mainly residential with several supermarkets, shops, bars, banks, and restaurants in the vicinity. Key sights, like Christ the Redeemer or the Sugar Loaf Mountain_ _(with connecting trains and cable-cars) can be reached within 20 to 30 minutes by car. The domestic airport of Santos Dumont can normally be reached within 20 minutes and Galeão International Airport is 30 to 40 minutes away by car. Guests can pay to park at a lot next door to the hotel. 

The Copacabana Mar hotel offers 96 Standard Rooms which can sleep up to four people. Some rooms are more spacious than others, though the Triple Standard Room feels a little tight with the addition of a third bed. Most rooms feature beige ceramic tiles, white walls, two synthetic leather armchairs, and a small granite table. Some rooms offer views of Ministro Viveiros de Castro Street, while others overlook a courtyard. Room numbers ending in 08 appear to be a bit larger, and have long, narrow entryways. Flat-screen TVs, refrigerated minibars, and a pay-per-use safe are standard. Wi-Fi is free, but past guests have complained that the signal is weak to nonexistent in some rooms. Bathrooms are quite small, with noticeable wear and tear like corroded showerheads and broken tiles in small stall showers. A hairdryer and basic toiletries are provided. The floors are granite, and the counter-tops are made from marble. Noise complaints from the street and neighboring rooms are common. 

Some features are better than others at the Copacabana Mar Hotel. One standout is the free breakfast buffet, served in the on-site breakfast room, which includes both hot and cold items. A la carte lunch and dinner are served here, at Tropical Restaurant. The lobby bar has a small seating area and counter seating. Room service is available from morning until late at night, but not 24-hours. Upstairs, the rooftop pool is tiny and poorly maintained. On clear days, the views of the mountains, ocean, and statue of Jesus Christ the Redeemer can be spotted. Those that want a drink can use a courtesy phone to call a bartender up to the tiny (and not well stocked) rooftop bar. Plastic chairs and tables look cheap, but new. The fitness center and a dry sauna are also located on the rooftop, but both are tiny and badly in need of an update. Two worn treadmills and a rusty stationary bike are on offer. Beach towels are free. As the hotel is quite popular among local business clients, it offers four meeting rooms and conference facilities for up to 350 people. There is no business center, but the hotel lobby has a couple of desktop computers and a printer. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, though the signal is weak. Past guests recommend the lobby for the best connection. Staff can arrange tours and excursions at the front desk.