Cheap Rooms in Rio

Q: I am taking my family to Rio for Christmas and New Year to celebrate my birthday. My family consists of four young people between ages 25 and 29, my husband and myself. Could you recommend a nice hotel, bed and breakfast near Ipanema or Copacabana beach (maybe a five minute walk away) without costing a fortune? - Daphne Cochrane

A: It is not easy to find nice, cheap accommodation in Rio, especially over the peak Christmas/New Year period. The most expensive deluxe hotels are good, but it is difficult to find a value-for-money hotel. Over the peak season, expect to pay at least 150 US dollars for a 2-3 star hotel in a reasonable location. To get the best prices, use an international discount website like www.hoteltravel.com or www.expedia.com. Two of the best hotels are the Golden Tulip Ipanema Plaza Hotel in a good sidestreet location in Ipanema Beach and the Sheraton Rio Hotel, which has a huge swimming pool right on the beach. However, these might be too expensive for your requirements.

Do not get obsessed with staying close to the beach, as some of the accommodation two or three rows back from the beaches can be pretty crummy. Rather opt for a guesthouse away from the beach with nice views and better security. Public transport is good. You can try www.travel-library.com for listings for guesthouses and bed and breakfasts. You will find some great offers in converted mansions in the historical sections of Rio, offering nice gardens, swimming pools and good security. Some rooms go for as cheaply as 30 Brazilian Reais (around R120), but for a really nice place count on paying around 100 Brazilian Reais (R400) per room.

Your best bet close to the beaches is to rent a two or three-bedroomed apartment that will accommodate your family. You may have to rent for seven or days, but it will still be better value than many hotels. Try www.rioflatrental.com or www.rentinrio.com. (24 May 2009)