Novotel Rio de Janeiro Leme

Golden Tulip Rio Leme is an upper-mid-range Copacabana hotel with a local feel that is close to the beach and tourism scene. The hotel attracts both business and leisure travelers from Brazil and around the world, and its location right by Leme-Copacabana beach make it a reasonable choice for those wanting to dedicate their trip to surf and sun. The lobby and second floor feature interesting concrete carved walls by Poty, a local Rio artist. The designs feature wildlife depictions and resemble hieroglyphics or cave art, but are actually inspired by a local lottery that raises money for animal aid. 

Golden Tulip Rio Leme is close to the beach, in the middle of the subdued residential area of Leme, filled with small side streets. The neighborhood has less traffic and noise than what's found in some of the more touristy parts of town, but it is still close to Copacabana. The nearby Leme Beach is a wide expanse of sand that's popular for jogging, playing beach volleyball, and relaxing. At the end of the beach there are stalls selling grilled squid and ice-cold beer, and caipirinhas, a cocktail made with sugarcane liquor that's also the de facto national drink. There are also plenty of good seafood restaurants in the neighborhood, including the Shirley -- popular with locals -- and Marius, a higher-end buffet option.

Buses run south (to Ipanema) and north (to Centro) along Avenida Princesa Isabel, just four blocks away. The nearest metro station (Cardeal Arcoverde) is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Sugarloaf Mountain, located in Urca, can be reached by taxi in 10 minutes and the Christ the Redeemer cable car station takes around 20 minutes. The financial and historical Centro district can be reached by metro in about 20 minutes. The Galeao International Airport is a 30- to 40-minute taxi drive away, while the domestic Santos Dumont Airport is just 15 to 20 minutes away.

Golden Tulip Rio Leme offers 275 rooms in four categories: Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and Executive. Many of the rooms were renovated in 2014. Renovated rooms are stylish and comfortable with polished wood laminate floors and a muted color palette. Metallic lamps, black-and-white paintings, and wooden furniture give the rooms a contemporary and fresh feel. All rooms come with work desks, minibars, safes, and flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms are clean and shiny, with gray ceramic tiling, spacious shower areas, and hairdryers. There are no balconies, but some rooms offers partial ocean views. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in rooms and all public areas, but it's slow -- high-speed Internet is available for a fee. 

Golden Tulip Rio Leme has a rectangular rooftop area with views over Copacabana and out to the Christ the Redeemer statue on the mountain of Corcovado. The tiny pool is flanked with lounge chairs (including some under a shaded awning) and a poolside bar offers cocktails, fresh juices, and snacks. The on-site fitness center is modern and well-equipped, but small, and has inspiring views from big windows. There's also a mixed-sex steam room adjacent to the gym. 

The hotel's on-site restaurant, Poty, serves a hot buffet breakfast that's included in room rates, as well as a la carte meals at lunch and dinner (with the occasional evening buffets). There's a bar with drinks and snacks in the lobby, and room service is available 24/7. 

The hotel has a small business center and four meeting rooms with modest audiovisual equipment that are used for functions. City tours and tickets to samba shows and soccer games at Maracana Stadium are available for purchase at the front desk. Laundry and dry-cleaning services are also available. There's no parking on-site, but private parking lots are available in the area.