Why the Marriott in Rio?

[Guest alanm]

Boston Guy is the latest to stay at the Marriott in Copacabana. Is the

Rio hotel similar to all the Marriott in the world? If so, why not stay in the Copacabana Palce or Caesar Park in Ipanema, which seem to

be just slightly more expensive. No offense, I have stayed at close to 50 diferent Marriotts in my life. If I never set foot in another one that will be fine with me, especially in Rio!

[Guest Tomcal_]

I chose the Marriott for a couple reasons First, I travel every week for my business, usually, NYC, Miami, Phoenix, Honolulu, S.F., etc. and stay at either Hyatt's or Crowne Plaza's, because of the points you accumulate, so I am aware of ammenites etc, the Mariott in Rio is definitly a 4 star hotel and a step or two better then the Marriotts stateside. Also, because is is only a little over a year old, compared to the average age of the hotels in Rio which were all built 1950 ish, it has many of the ammenities they don't have, much nicer furishings, double pane windows that don't allow all the street noise from Atlantica Ave which goes on all night. My first visit I stayed at the Sol Ipenema and had to keep the air conditioning on High, to try and block the street noise(and we were on the 10th floor) The Sol is a nice hotel similiar to many of the hotels in Rio like the Othon Chain, had a great location on Ipenema, but we you finally do get to bed, you want to be able to sleep. Again these are personal preferences. The staff and security at Marriott is excellent and all employees are required to speak excellent English, which for us dumber, English only travelers helps, although all the hotel have some English speaking staff. Like taste in boys, choice of hotels is strickly personal preferences, I like King size beds which most of the Rio hotels do not offer, but the Marriott does( I am 6'4"), has 3 restaurants and pickup at the airport, etc. Hope this helps explain

[Boston Guy]

I haven't actually been there yet, but chose the Marriott for similar reasons.

 

I, too, travel extensively for business and stay in enough Marriotts each year to reach the top tier of their frequent traveler program. As a consequence, Marriotts worldwide treat me very well indeed.

 

Next, this particular Marriott is a JW Marriott, which Marriott considers to be the top tier of non-resort hotels that bear the Marriott name. In Marriott terms, it's a category 7 hotel. That led me to believe that the hotel would be more than comfortable, sight unseen.

 

It's also important to me to stay in touch with things in the US while traveling and the Marriott offers a high-speed Internet connection. And, while I'm learning some Portuguese, having knowledgeable staff nearby who speak English may well be helpful in terms of making the most of my stay. Also, since I'll be traveling with a laptop, I wanted to be certain that I was staying someplace that would offer in-room security.

 

Finally, I wasn't aware of any better local options. So it seemed like an easy choice, particularly for a first visit to Rio. In future trips, depending upon what I learn this first time, I might well choose to stay someplace else.

 

BG

 

ps: TC - I was happy to hear about the airport service. Thanks.

[Guest alanm]

I should have mentioned that I stayed at the Rio Sheraton when it first opened because they were able to give me a large room right on the ocean. It was interesting to be staying in a part of Rio that I

knew so litle about (San Conrado); the distance from Ipanema and Copacabana did not bother me much because I am used to the buses and taxis. I was a nice hotel in every way, but I might as well have been in Cleveland or Detroit in a Sheraton as far as the other guests were concerned. The most popular place was the tour desk, because everyone

was indoctrinated about how dangerous Rio was; it was very depressing.

I stayed three nights and moved to another hotel. Hope that the Marriott turns out to be a different experience for people, but I have some fairly strong doubts. I also understand that this is a personal choice, what works for me may not work for someone else.

[Guest Tomcal_]

I forgot to add, the Marriott's location in the center of Copacabana is perfect, you can walk 6 blocks to Maxim's and any of the other dozen patio restaurants that line the stretch of Atlantica Ave between the Marriott and Copacabana Palace. It's 6 blocks to the the saunas, 2 blocks to blockbuster Video where the ATM's are located. It's pool and fitness center on the rooftop(22nd floor)give postcard pictue perfect views along with a very nice pool and overstuffed lounge chairs. Since i do travel so extensively i am used to a lot of the perks they give frequent flyer/hotel guests, and can honestly say there is nothing that i can fault the Marriott on, I prefer to any of the other hotels i have stayed at during my visits. I also stayed at the Shereton on my first trip and moved out the next day, the location is terrible if you want to walk anywhere and you are right, I might as well have been in Phoenix or Dallas, had none of the "Rio flavor". this sentiment was shared by my friends who went on that trip last October. We were all booked at the Shereton for a week and all left after one day! Nothing wrong with the hotel, just Location, Location, Location!! The Rio gay guides also mention this problem with the Shereton.

[Boston Guy]

Yes, the choice of hotel is a personal one and is often dependent on many factors: price, location, reputation, safety, familiarity, availability, frequent traveler plan and more.

 

Over the years, I've stayed in many, many hotels. Probably 90% were in the US and Canada and the rest elsewhere. I've stayed in everything from a Motel 6 to grand resorts, from cheap hotels in Times Square, where we bunked six college guys in rooms meant for two, to little, tiny European rooms not much bigger than the bed itself, to small inns, and beds and breakfasts. Sometimes all you really want and need is a clean bed and some peace and quiet. But sometimes you want more.

 

When traveling for business, I used to choose hotels a little more randomly, often choosing whatever hotel was near where I was going. The result of this policy was earning a fair number of points on a lot of hotel plans but gaining no extras at all because I wasn't staying at any one chain enough to qualify for them. A few years ago, I decided to evaluate Starwood and Marriott and choose one as my preferred hotel chain. After a pretty careful evaluation, I chose Marriott and now stay at Marriotts and Marriott-branded hotels (i.e., Residence Inn, Courtyard) about seventy-five percent of the time.

 

The result of this decision is that I get extra service from them and many more points than I was earning before, because of the bonus points you get per stay as you stay more often. I also get other perks that they extend to frequent travelers to build loyalty. I'm not spending more money than I was before for my hotel stays, I'm just getting more for the dollars I spend.

 

These days, it's important to me to have connectivity to the Internet, not so much for Web access but for access to my business and family. Dial-ups are OK if that's all there is, but a high-speed connection can let me accomplish what I want to do in probably one-third the time. That means I have more time to do other things.

 

So, for me, it comes down to location, comfort, predictability, Internet access, safety and price, not necessarily in that order.

 

I used to think the choice of hotel was going to affect how well I got to know an area, but I've discovered that really isn't true. If you're friendly and inquisitive and at all willing to wander about, you'll meet plenty of people and see plenty of things.

 

BG

[Guest 7Zach]

I stayed in two places there, but the Marriott was just fine. By fine, I mean it could be any other place in the world in looks, but great ocean views, ok to good pool, very friendly and helpful staff - that was the best thing about it. It is new, everything works, beds big, good tv, my bathroom was great, good air conditioning, high cotton count sheets, and because of business, it was cheaper than anywhere else during Carnival. Food ok, but at least I didn't worry about refrigeration once the food got there ; decent soup, American type food, but again, nothing adventurous...guest split evenly between South Americans and middle America or the rest New York. Internet cafe is behind it, grocery pickup place near there, etc. Concierge is young, but tried hard; free Herald Tribune in the lobby. But before you go, be sure and check confirmation of rate, and reverify it - mine was an ugly argument, even though I had documentation. But I do feel like they hosed me on that one.

So I liked it...but it was not my normal way to travel in a foreign country. I either go for more "local" or high-end, but I think in Rio, Marriott is high-end. But the Copa Palace was a lot more happening....

[Guest AustinMarc]

I'm a new member here (this is my virgin post) and I am going to Rio in November for a first visit and find the information here very valuable, so thanks first of all.

 

I reserved a suite at the Mariott (hey, how many times a year do I go to Rio?) and cancelled that when I went to the Leading Hotels of the World site (http://www.lhw.com) and found that I could get the same at the Copacabana Palace online for the same price. I figured that staying at their most famous "palace" would add to the ambience of the stay, although I realize the Mariott could offer things the Copa Palace might not, being spanking new. Oh, well, I've been burned by the "Leading Hotels" tag before (the Helmsley Palace on Park Avenue in New York had stained walls, ceilings, and a soaking wet carpeting where the AC leaked and I did email LHW and asked them when they last stayed there - 1940?), but I'm looking forward to the Copa Palace and was sort of angry at myself for thinking Mariott wouldn't let me out of that reservation without a penalty (they didn't penalize for cancelling).

[Guest AustinMarc]

Sorry, I read my post and realized that after I posted it that I named the wrong New York hotel. (If you care), it was the Helmsley Park Lane (not the New York Palace).

[Guest alanm]

I have read all the reasons why the Marriott is a great choice, after several trips to Rio I have one piece of advice: spend two of your nights at the Copacabana Palace or the Caesar Park. Would you stay in a Marriott or Sheraton in Paris? The same applies to Rio, only more so.

[Guest Tomcal_]

When i am in Rio i am only in the hotel to sleep! So the marriott and it's location is great. For the price the copa palace is too dated and expensive for what i want. that is why i have said many times on this board, whether it is hotels, beaches or boys, personal preferences are what make the decisions, we can only provide the best description of what we experience and let the readers decide if it fits their wants!

[trilingual]

Well, the Copacabana Palace was renovated in the past few years, so it should be fine. Someone from work who's VERY picky and used to ONLY the best stayed there last year and loved it. (They also stayed at the Alvear Palace in B.A. on the same trip; it's equally grand.) There's a Cipriani's in the hotel, so when you want an upscale change from Brazilian food, that's an asset. The poolside scene is glamorous, and the hotel also offers its own beach service (which kind of blends into the gay beach). The location is really convenient, too. The gay beach is directly in front and slightly to the right of the hotel (as you face the ocean), Maxim's is on the corner across the street, the gay kiosk is on the beach sidewalk directly in front of the hotel, the gay-friendly "Trattoria" is on r. Fernando Mendes right around the corner (way cheaper than Cipriani!), Roger's and Estação are within walking distance, and so is the metro for getting to Club 117 and downtown sightseeing. There are international ATMs in the Banco Itaú branch on the corner of Av. Atlântica as you head left out the hotel's entrance. There's also an international ATM at the Banco do Brasil branch behind the hotel on Av. Copacabana. If you want an Internet café, there's one on Av. Copacabana nearby. I hope all this reassures you you've made a perfectly good choice! :-)

[IamI2002]

My, my, my, what a little Guide Michelin of the impecunious. Cute, boring and, as usual, second hand.

[Traveller]

>When i am in Rio i am only in the hotel to sleep! So the

>marriott and it's location is great. For the price the copa

>palace is too dated and expensive for what i want. that is

>why i have said many times on this board, whether it is

>hotels, beaches or boys, personal preferences are what make

>the decisions, we can only provide the best description of

>what we experience and let the readers decide if it fits

>their wants!

 

Dude,

 

You stay in the suites in the new building facing the back of the pool at the Copa Palace. Very nice, modern and big for entertaining lots of guys. The pool is huge, a total 60s trip (as I imagine it) and we had groups we'd bring back after Bofetada for more partying and swimming. Also the terrace over the cafe in the front of the pool is the only place to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve.

 

Later.

 

PS. Also when staying in those suites, they ask next to no questions about quantity of guests (Brazilian or otherwise).

[Guest AustinMarc]

I'd like to ask if anyone who has actually stayed at the Copacabana Palace has ever had problems with overnight guests. "Alexander" from Apollus has e-mailed me and said it would be a good idea to change hotels; I've written back and told him that with a suite and a "double" rate exactly the same as a "single" rate, I'd like to know why? I've been to hotels round the world as well, and can't believe that as careful as the security is at Rio hotels that someone is going to burst in at 3 am and shout "Hey, there's two people in there!". Not being "impecunious", if I walk to my suite with Bubbles the Chimp on my arm, they better keep quiet and send complimentary bananas to the room.

[trilingual]

>My, my, my, what a little Guide Michelin of the impecunious.

 

That's right, honey, when it comes to Eastern South America, I'm just a regular fountain of information! Unlike, say, yourself. As for impecunious, it's in the eye of the beholder. When it comes to hotels, I'm comfortable anyplace clean that has air-conditioning and cable TV so I can keep up with the news. When I'm travelling on my own dime I'd much rather squander my money on restaurants and the saunas than on expensive hotel rooms in which I won't be spending that much time. Chacun a son gôut.

 

>Cute, boring and, as usual, second hand.

 

Please. If you're going to be an evil bitch, at least be good at it. My post is either cute OR boring. It's not both at the same time. And second hand? You only wish. . .

 

By the way, we're all STILL waiting for some positive contribution to this site from your own purportedly bottomless well of experience. . . So far, the only bottomless well you've put on display remarkably resembles a cesspool.

[Traveller]

>I'd like to ask if anyone who has actually stayed at the

>Copacabana Palace has ever had problems with overnight

>guests. "Alexander" from Apollus has e-mailed me and said it

>would be a good idea to change hotels; I've written back and

>told him that with a suite and a "double" rate exactly the

>same as a "single" rate, I'd like to know why? I've been to

>hotels round the world as well, and can't believe that as

>careful as the security is at Rio hotels that someone is

>going to burst in at 3 am and shout "Hey, there's two people

>in there!". Not being "impecunious", if I walk to my suite

>with Bubbles the Chimp on my arm, they better keep quiet and

>send complimentary bananas to the room.

 

Dude,

 

I've stayed at the Copa Palace 3 times in the last 2 years; the last time being last Feb. during Carnival. I never had an overnight guest, but I had lots of Brazilian guests at all hours of the night (escorts and friends) and during the day at the pool (altho they limit the number of guests at the pool during sun tan hours because of the amount of chairs to lay out in). If the Brazilians speak English (all of my friends do), they're golden. No questions asked. With limited English and looking presentable (dressed in other than a thong), hair combed, etc., it's also pretty easy. I don't do twinks and the only time there was a problem was with an escort that looked around 20 yo.

 

If you're 107 years old and in failing health, there could be issues. Other than that, go for it. Just be smart and you can get everything you want. Kinda like life.

 

Later.

[trilingual]

Amen! No matter where you stay, YOU'RE the guest. As long as you don't do anything disruptive, it's the hotel's job to cater to you and your visitors. As long as your visitors are well-behaved and appropriately dressed, it's none of the hotel's business who your guests are!

 

Occasionally, as has been mentioned occasionally on other threads here, Brazil's closet classism/racism rears its head in places like the Copacabana Palace. Maybe that's what Alex is thinking about. Because most darker-skinned Brazilians are poor, they're often out of place in a setting like the Copacabana Palace and set off alarms with hotel security and snobbish local guests. This has been changing, but it still exists. The current governor of the state of Rio, Benedita da Silva, is a dark black woman who's originally from one of the favelas who began her working life as a maid. She was recently quoted saying that when she walks into an expensive hotel or restaurant where she isn't recognized she often gets addressed in English, because they just assume that any expensively-dressed black woman must be American!

 

If, God forbid, this happens to you when you're with a guest, just glare. If necessary to be more severe, speak to the management, to whom you can mention that you know that discrimination is illegal in Brazil, that you don't expect your guests to be subjected to it, and that you would hate to have to publicize the hotel's behavior world-wide on the Internet or denounce them to the local press and the police. ("Denounce" is a good word to use, because in Portuguese it means filing a police complaint.)

 

On the other hand, if you want to avoid unpleasantness altogether, go with your "date" to one of the non-escort saunas or to a convenient by-the-hour "motel." No one will say "boo" there. Ask Alex for a recommendation.

[CT Dick]

>My, my, my, what a little Guide Michelin of the impecunious.

>Cute, boring and, as usual, second hand.

 

 

:-)

[Guest AustinMarc]

Thanks for the reassurances. I have no intention of giving up a poolside suite at the Copa Palace that I consider a great deal. I had these visions of mean hotel workers standing guard at elevators and on each floor outside your door, unlike Las Vegas where you just flash your key, or Amsterdam where the front desk just waves at your overnight "guest" with a "hey, you got lucky!" smile on their face.

[Guest 7Zach]

too fucking funny

[trilingual]

In case you haven't, please DO read the various threads on Rio and why it's a good idea NOT to bring guys you pick up to your room unless you know them VERY well, or they were sent by an agency like Apollus. As a newbie in Rio, that would be a wise policy to follow until you get a good feel for what's going on and how everything works there. Also, as nice as the Copacabana Palace is, the rooms at the "motels" are specifically designed for sex, with closed-circuit porn, mirrored walls and ceilings, and private saunas and/or jacuzzis in the nicer suites. All very inexpensive, and a much safer venue for fun and games away from your personal valuables! I'm not saying any of the guys you'll be picking up will be thieves, but there's no point in placing temptation in their way when you can just as easily have a perfectly terrific time with them at one of the "motels." A word to the wise. . .

[Traveller]

I totally agree with Tri on the sex motels. Andre (see thread of How I spent my Rio Vaca by LA Show Biz) turned me onto the one right behind the Copa Palace. Very cheap, very convenient and very mirrored. One caveat which I didn't think about until Tri's post 17. The escort that was a problem getting into the Copa was dark as night. I thought it was because of his age, but I could've been because of skin color. I never think of those things, but the others were pretty light-skinned on reflection. Just another thing to consider when breaching the Copa's moat and walls.

 

Later.

[Guest msclonly]

The food at the Marriott Sunday Brunch buffet was superior to Caesar's Park traditional Portugese Saturday buffet. Am sorry, that I didn't use the 7 day Award at the Marriott. The Front Desk gal at the Marriott was going to give me an Exec Suite facing the ocean on the Executive floor with Lounge access. Good water and tasty breakfasts are important.

The Atlantico Copa did not meet that minimum standard along with poorly regulated air-conditioning. Probably why so many of us got a bad upper respiratory infrection last week. Other then the conveniennt location and price, it is not a comfortable hotel.

[Funseeker 22]

I stayed at Le Meridien on my first visit last year and had a great oceanfront room however hotel security would never permit any visitors.

This time I enjoyed the Atlantico at a great rate booked thru Carlo Romanus and had no problems. Granted it`s not a 5 star hotel however the location was very convenient and entire staff was great to me. ATM and grocery store were a block away, bus from Ipanema stopped in front of the hotel and the free breakfast was fine since I go for the fresh fruit and danish plus their great OJ.

It all depends on what hotel $$$ you want to spend. I think that the Copacabana Palace is a magnificent hotel as I am sure is the Marriott in the room you described.

Just think that now you can save your points for those ultra expensive European Hotels. I have the same situation and want to use those points wisely.I did do it for a couple of nights in London a few weeks ago.