Fresh and elegant Deluxe Rooms with microwaves, sinks, and mini-refrigerators
Most rooms have balconies with nice views of the distance ocean
Breakfast buffet included in the room rate
Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout
Large, swimming pools with terrace and swim-up bar
Two-story fitness center and a sauna
Free parking for hotel guests
Free shuttle-bus service to downtown Barra da Tijuca
Large conference and meeting room facilities
24-hour room service
Isolated location; far from key tourist sites and airports
Tiny bathrooms
Standard Rooms don't have kitchenettes
This four-pearl business hotel is located in a residential area in Barra da Tijuca that's closer to office parks than the beach. Elegant, Deluxe Rooms include kitchenettes and most have balconies with distant ocean views. There's a tropically landscaped swimming pool with a swim-up bar, two-story fitness center, and contemporary lobby bar. The restaurant serves a free breakfast buffet and a la carte lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. This is a good pick for business travelers, but those who want fast access to the beach and restaurants should try Royal Rio Palace Hotel.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Multistory tower hotel with a contemporary lobby
This comfortable and stylish hotel is mainly used by business travelers and has a corporate contemporary vibe and look. During peak seasons -- like New Year and Carnival -- it also caters to tourists. The lobby atrium features beige and black marble floors and is set with rattan armchairs and leather sofas. White plaster artwork depicting human figures hangs over the reception desk. Large windows opening to the front garden and a high ceiling give an airy and bright look. The lobby bar is decorated with enormous bright paintings and white orchids. Outside, the tall tower facade looks clean and fresh. Guests enter the lobby underneath a glass dome.
Location
Safe residential neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca
The hotel is located in a quiet and lushly green residential area in Barra da Tijuca that's mainly dedicated to high-rise condominiums and office parks; safe for walking. The nearest beach is about a 15-minute walk from the Transamerica Prime Barra. The closest shopping malls with restaurants, movie theaters, and luxury boutiques are about 10- to 15-minutes walking distance away. The largest mall in the area, Barra Shopping, can be reached by taxi in 15- to 20-minutes. Expect longer drives for Copacabana (30-minutes) and over an hour to Galeão International Airport, depending on traffic. Parking at the hotel is free, and there's a free shuttle bus that takes passengers to nearby areas in Barra da Tijuca.
Rooms
Elegant rooms with (some) kitchenettes and (some) balconies
There are 319 rooms -- most with furnished balconies -- that come in two categories: Standard and Deluxe. Both rooms are available with double or twin beds. All are stylish, air-conditioned, and clean, with wood laminate floors and gray fabrics. Black and white photos of Rio de Janeiro, modern chrome chairs, and white lampshades add a contemporary touch to the decor. All rooms feature a writing desk, a minibar, safe, a 24-inch flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and an iron with a board. Deluxe Rooms have a kitchenette, along with a sofa, coffeemakers, cups, and cutlery. Bathrooms, particularly shower-areas, are quite tiny. They feature granite counter-tops and basic toiletries. All bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers. Some of the rooms offer distant ocean views that include Barra da Tijuca and surrounding mountains.
Features
Swimming pools with a swim-up bar, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi
There are some relaxing and convenient perks at the Transamerica Prime Barra. A free breakfast buffet is served each morning, along with a la carte lunches and dinners at Giotto Restaurant. There's a lobby bar for cocktails, snacks, and wine, and 24-hour room service. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout. A tropically landscaped outdoor pool area has two medium-size pools and a swim-up bar. There are ample tables and chairs on the sun deck. The gym is two-stories and includes a wide variety of cardio machines and weights. A sauna is an added perk. Meeting rooms of various sizes can host events -- meetings, conferences, and cocktails -- for up to 320 guests. The hotel also offers a business center. The hotel provides laundry service for a fee.
