H Niteroi Hotel

The rooftop bar terrace has a stunning view over the bay, and the hotel was really good otherwise. My only gripe was that there was no kettle or tea and coffee in the rooms.

I had a frightening experience here and wouldn’t stay again. At check-in, the staff were rude: they took a copy of my passport and handed me a key without telling me where the room, breakfast, or pool were, or offering any help. I spent the first night at a friend’s villa about a 30-minute drive away, since they were having a party. On the second night I came back around 8 pm, went to bed, and woke at 4:15 am to find someone in my room. When I asked what he was doing, he opened the door and ran off. I got out of bed and checked, but he was gone. At reception I reported that a man had entered my room. They said he was there to refill the minibar. I told them that going into a guest’s room at 4:15 in the morning was unacceptable, but they said I’d have to speak to a manager in the morning and that nothing could be done. I didn’t feel safe in the room or hotel, so I locked the door, searched the room, bathroom, and balcony, then barricaded the door with two chairs and my suitcase. I was too shaken to sleep. In the morning I spoke with manager philep, who knew what had happened and called it a misunderstanding, saying a staff member had gone to the wrong room. He promised it wouldn’t happen again and offered late checkout and an evening meal as an apology for the stress. I told him I was considering leaving, and he didn’t seem to care. I spent the next two nights at my friend’s villa and only returned to check out. I don’t believe the man was refilling my minibar, since I hadn’t taken anything from it. I think he was up to no good. I can only imagine how much worse it might have felt for a woman alone in the room. If you stay here, be very aware of who can enter your room. I’d never come back.

It’s still a very good hotel with an incredible view, though the breakfast... We’d planned to spend our late evening before the flight at the rooftop pool and bar, and were willing to buy food and drinks that afternoon. They wouldn’t let us use it, which was disappointing since it was part of our plan. But those are the rules.

My friends and I loved our few days here. We felt safe and well looked after, and the views and amenities were great. Everyone we dealt with, from the doormen and receptionists to the chefs, waiters, bartenders, and housekeepers, was kind and attentive. Getting into Rio takes a trip, but the ferry is close by and Ubers are easy to find. We’d absolutely recommend it.