Praia Ipanema Hotel

From the outside, Praia Ipanema Hotel looks like it's seen better days. The off-white facade could use a good power washing and the silver letters advertising the hotel are visibly rusted. Indoors, the situation is noticeably brighter. Granite floors, marble walls, and crystal chandeliers accent the modern reception desk with a lit front panel. Faded faux leather armchairs show visible stains, though the tree-stump inspired coffee table is a fun touch. The lobby shares an entrance with the lobby bar. One flight up is the entrance to Bli, where the breakfast buffet is served each morning. The Praia Ipanema hotel features a chic 17th-floor infinity pool (though it is tiny) and the spectacular 7zero6 restaurant (also called theSpace Lounge) with floor-to-ceiling views over Rio de Janeiro and the beach. This has become one of the hot spots for locals to chill out or to attend private weekend parties (during which time the area may be closed to hotel guests). Most of the guests are international couples and families with kids. 

Its location might be the best thing about Praia Ipanema Hotel. It's built on Vieira Souto Avenue across from the street from Ipanema Beach's famous Posto 10, which is known for drawing composers and writers alike. This stretch of beach is less noisy and crowded than the scene at Copacabana, about a 30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride away. Bus stops are close by and buses run both to the south, towards Barra da Tijuca, and to the north towards Copacabana, Botafogo, and the business district of Centro. The Galeão International Airport is about 40 to 50 minutes by car. The key tourist sights, like Christ the Redeemer or the Sugar Loaf Mountain (train or cable stations) can be reached in around 30 minutes via taxi. 

There are 101 clean and comfortable rooms at Praia Ipanema Hotel but many of them have visibly worn shower tiles and the occasional maintenance issue, like noisy air-conditioners. Each is filled with natural light, linoleum-tile floors, and white walls. 32-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes (for a charge) are standard. Bathrooms include small showers with worn tiles and single sinks. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Master and Premium Deluxe Rooms are located on higher floors, and have the best views of the ocean from unfurnished, small balconies. Rolled beach towels placed at the foot of the bed are a nice touch. 

Arguable the best feature at the hotel is the rooftop infinity pool, with stunning views of the city, mountains, and ocean. But, the pool is teensy and non-guests can buy day passes, bringing crowds to the already small area. White sofa sets and sun loungers look chic, and there's a small steam room. Dining options start with a free breakfast buffet of hot and cold items served in the second-story restaurant, Bli. A la carte lunch and dinner are served there as well. The more upscale restaurant and bar, 7zero6, or Space Lounge, has much better views, food, and higher prices. The hotel occasionally hosts private parties, cocktails, even weddings at this popular spot, closing it off to guests. Cocktails and snacks can be enjoyed in the small lobby bar. The hotel offers also 24-hour room service.Guests are provided with free beach towels, chairs and umbrellas, and attended by hotel staff at the beach across the street. Laundry services are available for a fee. The hotel does not have a separate concierge desk, but a multilingual reception staff are able to help with inquiries or tours. The hotel does not provide parking space, but guests may use a private parking area nearby (for a fee).