Hilton Rio De Janeiro Copacabana

Situated across from Leme Beach, the Hilton is housed in a 37-story high-rise building on bustling Avenida Atlantica. The classically styled lobby features polished marble floors, elegant armchairs and rugs, a chandelier, tapestries, and a tropical mural along one wall adding a welcome dose of color. There are plenty of places for guests to indulge throughout the hotel, and the look across the board is traditionally sophisticated. Guests can dine in the elegant Italian restaurant with hardwood floors, fine rugs, and antique-style furnishings, or head to the rooftop pool with superb views of the ocean and mountains from its deck and poolside bar. Located across the street, the white-sand Leme Beach is quiet and less crowded than locations farther south in Copacabana, with more locals and less tourists. The Hilton generally draws leisure travelers with its upscale atmosphere, swish rooftop pool, and proximity to the beach and Copacabana sights, though plenty of business travelers pass through as well as the massive hotel frequently hosts conferences.

The Hilton is situated on Avenida Atlantica across from Leme Beach at the northern end of Copacabana, in the Posto 2 district. The area is largely residential, but there are several restaurants, bars, cafes, theaters, and shops nearby as well. Buses run along road outside of the hotel and the Cardeal Arcoverde Metro station less than 15 minutes away on foot. It's an ambitious 30-minute walk, or four-minute drive, to the top of Leme Hill and Forte Duque de Caxias (Leme Fort), a restored hilltop fort with history exhibits and great views of the surrounding area. Sunset views at Arpoador, as well as the beaches and nightlife of Ipanema, are within a 10-minute drive of the Hilton, as is Praia Vermelha and the funicular up to Sugarloaf Mountain. Rio's Centro, which features attractions like the National History Museum, Theatro Municipal, and Imperial Palace, is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while legendary Maracana Stadium and Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue are both within a 25-minute drive of the hotel. It takes 30 minutes to reach the hotel from Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, but keep in mind that traffic is ferocious in Rio and drive times can vary wildly.

The 545 non-smoking rooms at the Hilton are arrayed in a 37-floor high-rise tower and come in a variety of categories including suites that offer special amenities. In general, rooms have a refined look, but the neutral beige and white color palette, light-wood paneling and furniture, and simple white cotton bedding all combine to create a soft, plush atmosphere that some guests may find bland. There are upscale touches throughout, like tan marble surfaces and tufted leather headboards. Rooms are clean and get good natural light, especially those facing the ocean -- a huge plus that may be worth an upgrade. Rooms have soundproofed windows so they're generally quiet, although rooms near the elevators experience noise issues. All rooms feature desks, safes, coffeemakers, minibars, alarm clocks with MP3 docks, air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs that range from 26 to 42 inches with satellite channels. Loyalty program members get free Wi-Fi. Granite bathrooms feature shower/tub combos and are generally spacious, although some have limited counter space. 

True to its massive size, the Hilton offers plenty of features for business or leisure travelers, highlighted by a rooftop pool with views of the beach and ocean. An additional pool is on the fourth floor and also offers ocean views, though it sits in the shade at certain times of day. Leme Beach is directly across the street, and the hotel provides beach services including free use of chairs, umbrellas, and towels. Beach soccer and volleyball are available. The hotel's fitness room is compact, but includes free weights, several modern weight machines, two treadmills, an exercise bike, mirrors, a TV and Pilates area with exercise balls. A full-service spa offers massages and beauty treatments, and includes a beauty salon. There are also three hot tubs and separate wet and dry saunas for men and women. Guests wake to a high-quality breakfast buffet, featuring cooked-to-order eggs, bacon, cold cuts, salmon, cheeses, mushrooms, fresh fruit, cereal, coffee, and juice. It can get busy. Those staying in suites get free breakfasts as well as evening cocktails (two per person). One restaurant serves an international and Brazilian buffets for lunch and dinner, and the fine-dining restaurant serves a la carte Italian fare. The hotel also has 24-hour room service, a lobby bar, and a poolside bar next to the rooftop and fourth-floor pools. Also on-site at the Hilton are a conference center, business center, two jewelry shops, a dedicated concierge, baggage assistance, and free limited parking. Wi-Fi is free for loyalty program members, for which there's no charge to join.