Hotel Arpoador

Arpoador Inn is housed in a six-story white building overlooking the eastern end of famous Ipanema Beach, known locally as Arpoador Beach. The lobby level has a sitting area with a charming Brazilian look. There's a green hammock, carved-wood bench, colorful art and posters on the wall, and a shelf with Brazilian art pieces. Another sitting area has a sofa and coffee table. The open and airy restaurant is done almost entirely in white -- a theme at this hotel -- and offers a superb view of the beach and ocean. The feel at the hotel is casual and relaxed, which suits its Rio beach location. The real draw is the beach, located about 10 meters behind the hotel. The beach has views of the Ipanema lights, Arpoador Rock, and Dois Irmaos (Two Brothers) peaks. Locals gather here in the evenings to watch the sunset. The Arpoador Inn draws mostly local and international tourists, who appreciate the free breakfast, affordable rates, and beach location near Ipanema and Copacabana.

The eastern end of Ipanema Beach -- also called Arpoador Beach -- is right behind the hotel, separated only by a cobblestone path used by bikers and joggers. The hotel is ideally located between Ipanema and Copacabana, with both beaches and nightlife areas a short walk away. Posto 8, one of the busiest stretches of Ipanema Beach frequented by locals, is a three-minute walk west, and Copacabana Fort and the southern end of Copacabana Beach is a 10-minute walk east. A bus stop with several bus lines is a two-minute stroll from the hotel and the General Osorio Metro station at General Osorio Park is a 10-minute walk northwest of the hotel. The hotel is a 10-minute drive southwest of Praia Vermelha beach and the funicular up to Sugarloaf Mountain. Featuring attractions like the National History Museum, Theatro Municipal, and Imperial Palace, the Centro District is about a 15-minute drive north. Maracana soccer stadium is a 25-minute drive northwest and the Christ the Redeemer statue is a 25-minute drive north of the hotel. Guests coming from Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport will drive 35 minutes south to reach Arpoador Inn. 

The 50 all non-smoking rooms at Arpoador Inn are housed across a six-floor building. Rooms come in Standard, Superior, and Deluxe categories. Rooms are basic and minimalist in their appearance, with a white and cream color palette, white bedding with colorful print throw pillow, wood headboard and furnishings, tile floors, and a few pieces of art on the wall. Rooms are clean and well maintained and get good natural light, though some are small. For such a central location, rooms are generally quiet, although some may experience occasional noise issues from the street. All rooms have desks, safes, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with a limited number of channels. Some rooms have minibars, but none have coffee/tea makers. Wi-Fi reception is occasionally spotty, and TVs are wall-mounted and may be positioned at an angle that makes for awkward viewing from the bed. Bathrooms are snug, but have fairly good counter space, and are well lighted, with granite vanities and tile stand-up showers.

Arpoador Inn's main feature is its restaurant, which serves a very good continental breakfast of cold cuts, cheeses, fresh cakes, rolls, breads, cereals, yogurt, dried and fresh fruits, coffee, and fresh juices. The kitchen can cook hot eggs upon request, and local items like coconut water and starfruit even make appearances. The lunch and dinner menu tends to Brazilian fare with fresh seafood. The dining room offers up great views of the ocean and sunset, with some seating even directly facing the water. Room service is available. The cocktail bar serves caipirinhas and a wide variety of other drinks. The hotel has no swimming pool, sauna, or fitness center, but guests do get a discount to a nearby fitness center. The 500-meter Arpoador Beach is right behind the hotel and is widely considered to be the best surf beach in Rio. Lessons are available, and large beach towels and umbrellas are provided by the hotel. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk and lobby computer with printer, though Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel (it can be spotty). Parking is not available on site, but is available at a nearby public lot for a fee.