Promenade Palladium

This mid-range apartment hotel caters mainly to business clients, both Brazilian and foreigners, though couples stay here too. The hotel lobby features gray granite floors and walls, and modern sofa sets. Black and white photographs of flowers hang on the walls. The vibe is a bit formal, although fresh orchids add a cozy element. The first floor features contemporary Zum Cafe set with gray upholstered chairs and wooden tables. The pool area -- with an urban feel -- could benefit from more plants and tropical flowers.

The Promenade Palladium has a privileged location just a block away from Leblon Beach, which is often filled with volleyball players, surfers, and stand-up paddle-board enthusiasts. The neighborhood is mainly residential but also offers several top restaurants, bars, cafes, and theaters. The area is considered one of the safest in Rio. Guests should note that there's a school behind the hotel, and past guests have complained about noise. The Shopping Leblon mall is about a 10- to 15-minute walk away. It offers movie theaters, luxury brand shops, restaurants, and fast food eateries. The hotel offers good access to public transportation: buses run both to the south (Barra da Tijuca) and to the north (Copacabana and Centro). Before the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games the area will be connected to the Rio de Janeiro metro network.

The Galeão International Airport can normally be reached in 40 to 50 minutes; the domestic airport of Santos Dumont is about a 30-minute drive away.

The apartment hotel offers spacious rooms and even bigger suites, that are updated and stylish -- though there's some evident wear and tear. Most rooms have light color wood laminate floors, and a darker shade of wood in the furniture and headboards. All rooms come standard with a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, safe, and a minibar. With the exception of first floor rooms, each has a balcony. Surprisingly, the two huge balconies in the Master Suite aren't furnished. Ceramic tile bathrooms look a bit outdated, but they are clean and come with showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. The Master Suite has a full bathtub. 

Zum Cafe serves a free hot breakfast buffet, and a la carte lunches and dinners. A long outdoor swimming pool provides a place to swim, and there are a few chairs, but not much landscaping. An adjacent fitness center has more space than equipment, but the cardio equipment and strength-training machine is in good shape. A steam room is also available. Business travelers will appreciate a small meeting room and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. However, some quests have complained about a poor signal in rooms (a common problem in Rio de Janeiro hotels).

There is no concierge desk, but the bilingual staff at the front desk can assist with restaurant recommendations and sells tickets to city tours. The hotel offers laundry service and parking for a fee.