Windsor Florida Hotel

The Windsor Florida Hotel underwent a complete renovation in 2014 and the result was a major upgrade inside and out. The multistory white and reflective facade looks modern and fresh. Inside, the lobby has contemporary furniture like a black leather Chesterfield sofa, Persian-style area rug, and crystal chandeliers. The lobby bar is adjacent to the reception area and includes bar counter and table seating. The overall vibe is formal but comfortable, which appeals to the many Brazilian business travelers that frequent the hotel. A good selection of meeting rooms is located in a separate Colonial style building across the street.

Catete is a casual, busy, and very Carioca (local) district of Rio near the Catete metro station, and business district of Centro. It may not be the first choice for a foreign tourist, but it certainly offers some perks. The area has an interesting history, sights to check out, Parque do Catete, and a thriving dining scene. The Catete Palace, former home of the Baron of Novo Friburgo, and later the official residence of the President of Brazil is a few blocks away. Key sights of Rio de Janeiro, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue can be reached in 15 to 20 minutes by a taxi. Galeão International Airport is a 40-minute drive and the domestic airport of Santos Dumont can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes. With a 20-minute metro ride to the beach scene in the South Zone, the Windsdor Florida doesn't have the most convenient location for beachgoers. The hotel offers free parking and it has a free (three times a day) shuttle bus to the domestic airport of Santos Dumont.

There are over 200 rooms at the Windsor Florida Hotel and each was fully renovated in 2014 with an end result of practical but plain rooms in three different categories: Standard, Superior, and Superior Executive. The decor includes light laminate wood floors, wall panels, and furniture. Orange floral curtains and a bit of wall art add some much needed color to the space. Minibars, safes, writing desks, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, and writing desks are standard. The bathrooms are a good size (for Rio standards) and feature granite floors and countertops, showers or bathtubs, and simple toiletries. Most bathrooms have a hairdryer. The Superior Executive Rooms seem to offer the best space, views, and value for money while the Standard and Superior Rooms are a bit cramped and overlook the back of neighboring buildings. One floor is dedicated to smoking rooms.

The Windsor Florida offers nice features for a mid-range hotel. Along with freebies like Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, and an expansive hot breakfast buffet there are luxe perks like 24-hour room service and a modern fitness center. TheBabuska restaurant serves buffet or a la carte meals for lunch and dinner. Drinks are served in the lobby bar or upstairs at the rooftop pool bar. The plunge-style pool has amazing views of the Colonial style buildings in the neighborhood and Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance. The hotel has a comprehensive conference center with 15 meeting room located in a historic Colonial building across the street. Wi-Fi is provided for free throughout the hotel, although some guests have complained about the occasionally poor signal. Staff can assist with concierge duties for city tours, samba shows, or tickets to local football games at the Maracanã stadium.