When in Brazil particularly in Rio de Janeiro, it is a must that you have to visit the world’s famous Copacabana Beach, known for its 4 kilometer long beach facing the Atlantic Ocean. When I searched for hotels, I was trying to look for budget hotels/hostels or rental properties but it’s quite far from Copacabana so I changed my search to beachfront areas.
Most of the beachfront hotels are pricey, taking advantage of the location. I compared prices, hotel categories and amenities taking into consideration the accessibility to public transportation as well. Luckily, one deal was offered to me for a 4-star hotel at a price of 3-star and I suddenly grabbed the opportunity. A nice beachfront hotel, close to restaurants and walking distance to shops.
I arrived in Rio de Janeiro one Saturday evening, August 8, 2015. I was thinking of going out for a party yet I felt like staying in my room since I didn’t have enough sleep during my 14-hour flight from Dubai. I just went out at night; went to a snack bars along the beach to grab some food to eat (I had my burger at one of the joints a kilometer away from my hotel). Nice ambiance; feeling the sea breeze and listening to a Brazilian performer on his guitar.
The following day, August 9, I joined with my group for lunch at one of the best churrascaria at Ipanema after our tour at the Sugar Loaf Mountain. It’s a buffet restaurant wherein they have food choices at the buffet table and all the meat fresh from the grill will be carved right on your plate. So appetizing, their meats are all of good quality.
During Sundays they have the hippie market at the park in front of the Churrascaria wherein you can checkout some souvenirs and other things at a bargain. The park is just a short walk to Ipanema beach. I walk towards the beach to take a glimpse of what Ipanema was; it was full of beach enthusiasts. Truly it’s high time for them to enjoy the beach on weekends.
From Ipanema, I decided to take a walk to my hotel rather than taking the bus or metro. It was a long walk like 3-4 kilometer distance; I didn’t feel any tiredness since I really enjoyed the beach. Everybody seems to be enjoying it as well; they are comfortable playing, chatting and some were just there sunbathing.
In Copacabana, Avenida Atlantica is a 6-lane road wherein 3 lanes going to Ipanema and the other 3 lanes on the opposite. I was just amazed that during Sundays, the whole stretch of the 3-lane road coming from Ipanema is closed for vehicles. They are giving this to the beach lovers, joggers, bikers and others who are walking on the area.
When in Rio, you come to think of the famous flip flop Havaianas. It is all over the place, even a pharmacy is selling havaianas. You won’t ran out of souvenirs also because just around the corners are shops that are selling what you want. There were vendor also selling their stuff along the sidewalk of Ave. Atlantica. I had bought my souvenirs at a shop near my hotel, it was a block away at the back. They sell at a bulk prices. They are also selling havaianas at a very low price and if you ask for discounts on bulk buys, they are giving it too. I want to buy some more, unfortunately, I am only allowed two luggage so I cannot add one for the flops itself.
Overall, it’s an advantage to stay around the place so if you shop or party, it’s all just around the corner.
I stayed at Hotel Astoria Palace, classified as 4-star at Booking.com but I was able to get a deal at a price same as 3-star. Not really a big hotel, the location was beachfront, my room was huge, and I got a twin bed room during my first 2 days of stay. When I came back from Foz do Iguazu, they gave me an upgraded room, a king size bed and a beachfront view. I am so thankful for that. Other thing, the breakfast buffet was superb with a wide array of food choices. You will not leave the hotel on an empty stomach in the morning.
All these made my stay at Copacabana a memorable one.
Been here: August 8-10 & 18-20, 2015
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