Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort

Built as a Sheraton in 1974 and totally renovated for the Olympic games in 2016, the Grand Rio Hotel & Resort was the first international chain in Rio de Janeiro. It was and remains the biggest hotel in town, with 538 rooms that can accommodate around 2,600 people. Being the first and the biggest hotel in Rio aren’t the Sheraton’s only claims to fame -- the upscale resort is the only hotel in Rio de Janeiro with direct beach access. (Other Rio hotels face the beach, but are separated by the main boulevard.) The landscape around the hotel is lush with gardenia, orchids, and palms. Sheraton Grand Rio’s long list of features, sheltered location on a strikingly pretty bay, and upscale atmosphere that appeals to families, couples, and business travelers in equal parts make it a great pick for just about anyone visiting Rio.

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort sits on a stunning, secluded bay located in the upscale Leblon neighborhood in Rio de Janerio. It is the only Rio hotel with direct beach access, and guests can walk along the beach to reach the part of Leblon with shops and restaurants (about 12 minutes by foot). To reach Ipanema and Copacabana, it is about a 15- and 20-minute drive, respectively. Getting between the hotel and either of Rio de Janeiro’s airports -- Tom Jobim International Airport or Rio de Janeiro Airport RJ Santos Dumont -- should take about 35 minutes without traffic.

The largest hotel in Rio, Sheraton Grand Rio has 538 rooms and suites split across 14 categories. The main thing to know is that every single unit faces the sea, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony with views of the turquoise Atlantic Ocean, as well as the iconic mountains and lights of Rio and unbelievable sunrises. Corner rooms have wraparound balconies. 

Rooms start at a spacious 334 square feet (with the Classic King) and go up to 2,260 square feet (as seen in the Guanabara Suite). Rooms and suites mostly adhere to a neutral color scheme of sandy beige with accents of either earthy orange or cool blue. All rooms come with amenities such as minibars (fee), coffee/tea facilities, and flatscreen TVs with satellite channels. 

There are king-size beds in all room types except for Twins, which have two double beds. Rooms have sitting areas with chairs and TV tables and writing desks with ergonomic chairs, while suites add extras like kitchenettes and separate living rooms with sofabeds. 

Club rooms and certain Specialty Suites, such as the Carioca, Petropolis, and Guanabara, come with access to the Club Lounge, a 24-hour lounge on the 26th floor with free snacks and drinks (wine, beer, make-your-own cocktails) throughout the day, as well as free Wi-Fi and a separate breakfast area. Some Specialty Suites are bi-level, with two separate bathrooms and TVs.

Bathrooms have marble countertops with plenty of counter space and a full set of hotel-brand toiletries. Half the rooms have tubs, the other half showers. Bathrobes and slippers are provided for Club rooms. 

Connecting rooms are available. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms for Marriott members (it's free to sign up and become one).

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort’s stands apart from other Rio hotels for its immense set of features. To start, the Sheraton boasts direct beach access -- it's the only hotel in Rio with this perk. The hotel is located on prime beachfront real estate, with a beautiful bay beach set up with loungers, umbrellas, and a towel service. Next to the beach is a spacious pool area with a large pool and hot tub. The swimming pool is lined with two or three rows of shaded loungers. There is also a large infinity pool for kids. Food and drink service is available on the beach and by the pools.

In the pool area facing the beach are two of the Sheraton’s restaurant options. Casarao, a beachfront Brazilian steakhouse and salad bar open daily for lunch and dinner, features an impressive buffet starring fresh vegetables, soups, breads, and more, plus a meat counter for sliced-to-order steak. The adjacent Casa da Cachaca, also open daily for lunch and dinner, serves sandwiches, pizza, and lighter fare throughout the day. On the top floor, L’Etoile is the hotel’s Michelin-rated fine-dining restaurant, offering French-inspired cuisine and phenomenal views of the coastline and Rio. Open Monday through Saturday for dinner, L’Etoile serves dishes such as sea bass ceviche and Black Angus filet mignon. Note that guests staying in Club-level rooms and suites enjoy breakfast in the L’Etoile dining room. Non-club guests have the Ipanema breakfast restaurant on the ground floor. Breakfast is free with some rates; half- and full-board rates are also available. The breakfast buffet includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, sliced fruit, and yogurt. Club breakfasts add extras like salmon and Prosecco. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

The Sheraton has a fabulous spa where you can hear the waves from the co-ed waiting lounge and many of the treatment rooms. Separate changing rooms feature steam rooms, saunas, and showers, as well as outdoor relaxation terraces overlooking the sea, with loungers and foot-massaging stone flooring. The floor is also home to the hotel’s hair salon and 24-hour fitness center, complete with ellipticals, treadmills, and weights.

Other recreation features include a free kids’ club with supervised activities and free tennis courts. There is a large convention center for meetings and special events, with several rooms totaling more than 30,000 square feet. In the lobby is a business center with computers, printers, and outlets for charging devices. 

Concierge service and airport transfers are both available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort for Marriott members (program is free to sign up for).