Olinda Rio Hotel

The Olinda Rio Hotel was built in the late '40s for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by Brazil at that time. And while it's certainly been modernized since then, some corners of this hotel could use a little TLC. First impressions are nice enough, though. It's an attractive white building, with a superb position on Copcabana's beachfront road and views of the ocean. Inside, the lobby is elegant and airy, with an Art Deco style evident in the stylish hanging lights, the patterned floor tiles, iron banisters on the stairs, and intricate columns. Furniture from the same era is scattered throughout the bright lobby lounge, and parquet flooring stretches from the cozy central bar area, with its beautiful wooden carved bar, to the restaurant in the rear -- where whitewashed furniture creates a contrasting fresh feel. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, and guests are tourists on the whole -- mostly couples and families. 

The Olinda Rio is on Avenida Atlantica -- the famous beachfront road that runs along the ocean in Copacabana. You'll find almost limitless beachside drink and food options along the sand, and there are even more shopping and dining options in the blocks set back from the beach. It's a three-minute walk to the bus stop for Rio Sul -- one of the city's top shopping malls -- and the trip takes about five minutes door-to-door. A 10-minute drive leads to either end of Copacabana and the forts that sit on the headlands. For those who enjoy a beachfront stroll, it's about a 30-minute walk to the stylish Ipanema neighborhood and its beach, and about the same distance to Fort Duque de Caxias on the beach's eastern end. It will take around 40 minutes to reach Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue by taxi, and the Siqueira Campos Metro station is just a couple blocks away for getting around Zona Sul and to the Centro. Budget 20 minutes by car to reach the domestic airport, and 30 to 40 minutes to reach RioGaleao (the international airport) by taxi. 

Rooms at the Olinda Rio Hotel vary a great deal and -- on the whole -- it's a shame the elegant style of the lobby hasn't been translated into its lodgings. There are a range of configurations, though the top are the suites, which have been hit with a fresh lick of paint, including pale green and white tones, making them look a bit nicer than other options. These include separate bedrooms and living/dining areas, as well as balconies with views over Copacabana's bustling beach. Other rooms can feel a little dated, with dark wood furniture and old-fashioned artwork. All rooms are spacious and many lower-category rooms also have sea views or even balconies. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Guests are also provided free towels for the beach, which is a useful touch. Bathrooms are distinctly shabby and in need of renovation in all but the suites. They're done up in dark wall-to-wall mosaic tiles, and include stall showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. Some rooms have shower/tub combos. 

Features aren't too numerous here, and the hotel sadly lacks a pool -- a key feature in many of Rio's Zona Sul hotels. As a result, almost all features are indoors here, include the lobby lounge, which has views over the road to the ocean. There's a cozy bar area and regular live piano music. The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast that includes fresh fruit and pastries, plus Brazilian dishes and other hot options. It's included in room rates, and the restaurant also serves lunch and dinner. Room service is available as well. There's free Wi-Fi and the front desk is manned around the clock.