Windsor Plaza Copacabana Hotel

This basic hotel with a corporate vibe -- targeting mainly business clients -- belongs to the popular Windsor chain. The lobby is spacious and features couple of leather-rattan sofa sets. It has a clean look with granite floors, but the look is outdated. The walls of the ground-floor restaurant, which serves international cuisine and a hot breakfast buffet, are decorated with pottery from the Para province. But that's about it in terms of character -- all the public areas share a bland, chain-like vibe with lots of light wood paneling. 

The hotel is located along the busy and a bit noisy Avenida Princesa Isabel in the mainly residential Leme district, 400 meters from the Santa Barbara tunnel connecting Copacabana and Botafogo. The closest metro station (Cardial Arcoverde) is seven blocks away and can be reached in a 10- to 15-minute walk. Buses running to the Centro business district stop in front of the hotel. The neighborhood features some popular theaters, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as some strip clubs. Supermarkets, laundry services, and several car rental offices are in the vicinity.

Botafogo is only five minutes away by taxi. It offers good shopping, movie theaters, and several restaurant options both at the RioSul and Botafogo Shopping malls. The Christ Statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain can be visited by attending a half-day tour, or individually. The domestic airport (Santos Dumont) is 15 to 20 minutes away by car and the international airport (Galeão) can normally be reached in 30 to 40 minutes by taxi.

The basic, outdated rooms with air-conditioning, stocked minibars, and 32-inch LCD TVs are comfortable enough for the price. The 237 rooms come in Standard, Superior, Executive Superior, Deluxe categories, and there are also some Junior and Executive suites. The windows are soundproofed. Room size varies even among rooms of the same category. Standard Rooms are around 17 square meters, where as an Executive Superior Room is roughly 23 square meters.

The hotel was last renovated in 1999, which explains why the decor is quite outdated (expect patterned bedspreads and lots of cheap light wood accents), and there is noticeable wear and tear. Free high speed Wi-Fi is available. Based on guest feedback, the signal strength is good. Some guests have mentioned that there is poor soundproofing between the rooms. Smoking rooms are available, so make sure to specify your preference when you book.

Most bathrooms, particularly the shower areas, are quite tiny. Toiletries are available, but basic. Bathrooms in suites are larger and offer stylish Italian marble floors and walls. The Executive Suite features a private sauna. All bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers.

The majority of rooms have views of opposite buildings, but some face the street. Some upper rooms facing the street offer partial sea views. There are no balconies, which is common for many Copacabana hotels.

The rooftop offers amazing views of Copacabana -- both of the beach and the lush mountains. A medium-size pool and a bar with indoor and outdoor seating that serves drinks and snacks are also located here. An adjacent small gym and a sauna can be used by hotel guests for free.

Free, high-speed Wi-Fi is offered in all areas. A free airport shuttle bus service is also offered to all guests (it requires advance booking). International newspapers are available at the lobby lounge.

Six meeting rooms of various sizes can host small gatherings or major conferences. The biggest meeting room can accommodate up to 400 guests.

There is 24-hour room service. A buffet breakfast is served at the restaurant on the ground floor, and a la carte and/or buffet meals are available for lunch and dinner. The hotel offers free parking on first-come, first-served basis, as well as laundry service.

There is no separate concierge desk. However, the multilingual reception staff members -- who receives good guest feedback for responsiveness and friendliness -- can assist with tour plans, such as visits to Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Christ Statue, the Botanical Gardens or Maracanã stadium for a football game.