Mar Ipanema Hotel

The intentionally rusty sign and nondescript entrance of the Mar Ipanema Hotel contrasts sharply with its sleek and trendy interior. The lobby has a modern-natural aesthetic, combining earth-tone fabrics and clean-lined furniture with framed black-and-white drawings and photographs of Rio de Janeiro, artsy pottery, and vases of fresh tropical flowers. Distressed wooden floors and walls, a low-lying white coffee table, and long, white marble front desk -- plus fresh lemon water for guests -- complete the chic space. The hallways are largely plain with gray carpeting and a few framed photographs of the city. It’s a couple’s crowd here, with most paired-off guests congregating at breakfast or enjoying the rooftop bar. 

Mar Ipanema Hotel is conveniently located between Ipanema Beach and Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, each a five-minute walk away. Still, many other sights in Rio de Janiero are best reached by car or bus from the hotel. The nearest bus stop is a three-minute walk away. It’s a 20-minute drive (without traffic) to either the Christ the Redeemer statue or Sugarloaf Mountain. Jardim Botanico is a 10-minute car ride without traffic. The Copacabana Fort and beach are a five- to 10-minute drive away. It takes 20 to 40 minutes by car to reach the Maracana Stadium. There’s a variety of restaurants on surrounding streets. Galeão International Airport is a 25- to 50-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic. 

Though they aren't quite as polished and trendy as the public spaces, guest rooms here have a streamlined and simple look that's modern and appealing. White linens, wooden or white-tiled floors, and glass-topped cherry-wood furniture give a rooms a neutral backdrop. What the rooms really lack is space, though built-in furnishings keep things from getting cramped. There are small decorative elements in the rooms that speak to the culture of Rio de Janiero, such as tropical-themed pillows, drawings of places of local interest, or photographs of the city. Each room has a flat-screen TV, minibar stocked with a few drinks and snacks, free Wi-Fi, safe, and air-conditioning, though some guests have noted that the AC units can be noisy. Bathrooms are fairly spacious, though they differ in style. Some have white tiles, white marble countertops, and large, white square-shaped sinks, while others have black countertops with white square sinks. A hairdryer and a shower/tub combo or a shower are provided in each bathroom. 

For a value property, the Mar Ipanema offers a considerable amount of on-site features. Armazém Devassa, a restaurant and bar connected to the hotel, serves a free breakfast buffet in the mornings in addition to other meals. The restaurant also provides room service to the hotel and stays open almost 24 hours a day. There’s a small rooftop bar, Bar do Mar, that serves drinks and has outdoor woven patio furniture and a view of the city. An on-site fitness center has three cardio machines, a weight machine, and some free weights. Guests can also make use of a sauna. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property, and though there isn’t a business center, there's a computer that guests can use.