Windsor Astúrias Hotel

The Windsor Asturias Hotel makes an elegant first impression, sitting on the checkered paving of Rua Sent Dantas. Inside, while decor is bright, it's all a bit dated, a style that continues over to the rooms as well. Everything is well kept, though, and that helps make this a decent value base for those needing to be in Rio's Centro. It's not really the kind of place you'll kick back for endless days, though, and is best for those wanting to be out in the city. Even so, the restaurant has a laid-back feel, with light wood furniture. large windows, and marble floors, and the rooftop pool deck has spectacular views over the city. The hotel is busy during the week with corporate travelers, while weekends tend to attract a tourist crowd -- most of whom are couples. 

The Windsor Asturius Hotel is located right in the center of downtown Rio, in the Cinelandia area -- a historic district with many beautiful colonial buildings. The Museum of Fine Arts is a five-minute walk away, and the Modern Art Museum is 10 minutes away on foot. The area is one of the commercial centers of the city, so it tends to quieten down at night, but there are bars, restaurants, and shops within a few minutes walk from the hotel, and lively Lapa is a 10-minute walk. The Cinelandia tram station is just around the corner. Attractions such as Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer are reachable on public transport, but perhaps most straightforward to get to by car, in 20 and 30 minutes, respectively. Copacabana takes about 30 minutes to reach by metro, or 15 minutes by car. The domestic airport is a 15-minute drive, or 25 minutes via the light rail from Cinelandia. The international airport is about a 25-minute drive, or 45 minutes by bus, which requires a change. 

Rooms at the Windsor Asturias Hotel are similar to most Rio hotels in this category -- a basic no-frills style, with slightly dated decor and decent amenities. Laminate floors make for a clean, fresh feel, though the quilted bedding and oak-veneer furniture is dated. Even so, it's all in good condition and there's plenty of space. Rooms are air-conditioned, and include minibars, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Superior Executive Rooms simply offer a little more living space. It's worth scoring a room on higher floors, as some guests have reported traffic noise in lower-floor units. Bathrooms are adequate, with pale walls and gray marble finishes, most of which include large shower cubicles. Executive Rooms add jetted shower/tub combos and extra counter space. All come with toiletries and hairdryers.

The Windsor Asturias has a small rooftop pool with great views of the city and Sugarloaf Mountain, plus loungers, a steam room and a pool bar. The gym is really just a couple of exercise bikes and some treadmills, but there are also free weights and the city views are superb. There's a business room with guest PCs, though this comes with a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast -- included in room rates -- plus a la carte options for lunch and dinner. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The front desk also operates as a concierge, for tours and advice on city attractions.