Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro

The Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro was one of several large hotels in this area that were built for 2016's Olympic Games. It's set on a palm-edged road just back from vast Embaixador Abelado Bueno highway, in the midst of the Barra da Tijuca business district -- a far cry from the crowded central neighborhoods. The hotel itself is a modern, glass building with stylish outdoor seating and a beautiful waterfall feature. Inside, the lobby is sleek and contemporary, with secluded pockets of luxurious gray satin and brushed velvet seating, plus a gleaming under-lit bar. It's a chic place to hang out with a cocktail after a day of work in the city. Views from the rooftop pool and indoor lounge area reach right across the nearby lagoon, and the airy main restaurant has an elegant feel. Guests are mainly here on business, but there are some well-heeled families and couples willing to compromise on location for posh digs.

The Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro is located on a busy intersection in the Barra da Tijuca business district. It's between two shopping malls, and opposite Rede Sarah bus station. The area was regenerated for the 2016 Olympics -- it's a 10-minute drive to the Olympic Park and about the same via bus. The hotel has a free weekend shuttle to Reserva Beach, which takes about 15 minutes. It's worth noting that nudity is permitted on this stretch of sand, though there's plenty of space and lots of clothed bathers as well. Closer beaches are only a 10-minute drive away. Ipanema and Copacabana are about 35 to 45 minutes away by cab. It's about the same travel time to sights like Sugarloaf Mountain, the Centro, and other Zona Sul destinations. Budget 35 to 45 minutes to reach the domestic airport, and up to an hour to get to Galeao International Airport by cab.

Rooms and suites are well-finished, with high-tech amenities including 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, and wireless Bluetooth-enabled radios. They have a sophisticated style and neutral color schemes that give them a handsome, upscale finish. Furniture includes desks and small sitting areas, many with views over the Jacarepagua Lagoon. Other amenities include air-conditioning, safes, irons, and minibars. Executive Rooms add bathrobes and slippers, plus access to the private lounge. Suites have separate living areas, and many have balconies. Keep in mind that higher-category bookings include free Wi-Fi, but other guests may be subject to charges for Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are sleek across all configurations, with classy wood and pale tiling, plus rainfall showers, upmarket L'Occitane bath products, and hairdryers. 

Hilton Barra has all of the features that you'd expect of a high-end hotel -- from its large rooftop pool with a whirlpool down to the classy lobby lounge. Views from the pool cut across the adjacent lagoon, and there's a bar up there as well. The gym has a good range of both cardio and weight-bearing equipment, and more great views, though it lacks a sauna. A spa is new for 2017 and provides treatments and massages. The 24-hour business center has PCs and Macs for guest use, and there are several meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment. Wi-Fi is free with certain rooms, and there's free remote printing for all. The main restaurant is open from breakfast to dinner, with a buffet selection for meals. Room service is available, and the Executive Lounge serves free breakfast, drinks, and evening snacks for those in higher-category bookings. Free self-parking is available, or there's valet service (for a fee). On the weekends, the hotel runs a free shuttle to a nearby beach.