Luxury Digs in Rio

Q: We will be returning to Rio de Janeiro for the third time and need help with selecting a good hotel. We were not happy with the hotels we stayed in during our previous trips (Oceano Copacabana and the Rio Copa) and would prefer a luxury or boutique hotel in Ipanema or Leblon for this visit, as it is a special anniversary celebration. – Donald James

A. A good choice would be the Fasano Hotel, a new five-star boutique hotel on the Ipanema beachfront. Designed by Phillipe Starck, it has only 81 rooms. These are on the small side, but the more expensive sea-facing rooms come with spectacular views down the beach. With a rooftop pool and home to one of the city's top restaurants, Londra, this is about as good as you can get in Rio (www.fasano.com.br) A more traditional choice would be the five star Caesar Park Hotel, which is located on the Ipanema beachfront with excellent views. You are within walking distance to gourmet restaurants, first-class shopping, Ipanema's Diamond Row, state-of-the-art gyms and other attractions (www.caesarpark-rio.com). A less expensive option is the very popular Golden Tulip Ipanema Plaza Hotel. Located in a sidestreet only a block from the beachfront, it offers very comfortable rooms and good facilities in an excellent location. The rooftop pool and bar has spectacular views and staff are very friendly and helpful (goldentulipipanemaplaza.com). Although you indicate you prefer a hotel in Ipanema, the one hotel out of this area that you cannot afford to overlook is the famous Copacabana Palace Hotel. This landmark building has been home to the wealthy and famous for decades and, after extensive renovations, remains the top place to stay in town. (www.copacabanapalace.com). (16 Aug 2009)