Ilha do Cavaco

I booked Hotel Villa Rica because the rate was reasonable for my stay in Rio. Based on the listing, I wasn’t expecting a luxury hotel, but I was disappointed by the overall condition of the property. The first room I was assigned was spacious, but the bathroom—particularly the shower—did not appear to be thoroughly cleaned, and the furniture was extremely dated and heavily worn. The bed consisted of what felt like a thin mattress topper on a platform and was very uncomfortable. After speaking with the front desk, the staff kindly allowed me to inspect and choose another available room, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, the second room had many of the same issues. Although the bed was an actual mattress, it was exceptionally firm and uncomfortable. The furnishings were again heavily worn, the window would not remain closed, and there was visible mold in the shower. After four nights, I decided to check out early because I simply wasn’t able to get adequate rest due to the bed. The breakfast was very good, and the front desk staff were friendly and accommodating throughout my stay. I also requested a prorated refund for the unused nights. The hotel initially responded promptly through WhatsApp and indicated a refund might be possible, but after Expedia submitted the formal request, communication stopped and the issue remains unresolved. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this property and would choose to stay elsewhere on a future visit to Rio.

I had a fantastic stay at Hotel Santa Teresa MGallery in Rio. This boutique hotel in the artsy Santa Teresa neighborhood, a mix of historic charm with modern luxury. The location offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. My room was stylish, spacious, and very comfortable. The staff was warm and attentive, the pool area is stunning, and the food (especially breakfast) was excellent. An oasis in Rio — highly recommended for a memorable, upscale experience!

We loved our stay at Porto Bay. It’s so close to the the beach and having chairs available was a great plus. They have a very nice pool and bar area overlooking Copa Cabana.