Ibiza Barra Hotel

We came back to Hotel Be Loft Lounge around 10 p.m. after spending the day in the city, and were told our reserved Standard Suite was no longer available. We'd arrived around 9 a.m. after an early flight and couldn't check in because the room wasn't ready, but the reception had stored our luggage. When we asked how a confirmed booking could disappear, a staff member blamed a “day-shift mistake” and said the night shift couldn't do anything. They sent us to the hotel next door, the “Ibiza Barra Hotel,” which is managed through the same reception. Its room looked nothing like the pictures we'd been looking forward to, and absolutely wasn't equivalent. We were exhausted from the long trip and had plans for the next days, so we accepted it and tried to rest. The room hadn't been cleaned. It smelled stuffy, the bed had been “made” with old sheets, used towels were still in the bathroom, and the sink was full of hair. I was so shocked I forgot to check the trash. Reception moved us to a clean room, but the TV didn't work. On the second day, the whole lower floor smelled of sewage during breakfast. Staff said it was due to a defective pump or damaged pipe. These things happen, but better communication would have helped. We went out again and returned after another long day. This time they wouldn't let us into the parking lot. First they said all spaces were full, but I found two free ones. Then they said another car was blocking the way, which wasn't true; I showed them our car could get through. Finally, they said it was an administration instruction. Their only option was to leave our car across the street in front of a shop. We weren't comfortable with an unguarded street space because we'd specifically chosen accommodation with a fenced parking area. When we asked who would take responsibility if anything happened, they said it wasn't the hotel's responsibility. The listing says the hotel has security, but that's untrue. There was no security staff day or night, only reception at night. I've traveled a lot and know places can look different from their booking photos, but I've never been treated so poorly. If you want a relaxed, enjoyable trip, stay away from this place.

They charged me much more than the booking price. The next day they fined me 250 reais, claiming I hadn't left the hotel keys at reception, but I had. There wasn't even a bottle of water in the minibar or proper blankets for the bed.

The shower had strong pressure, and the breakfast was decent. The staff were nice and the bed was fine, too. But the towels always smelled damp, and I couldn't tell whether they were changed. They also didn't replace the sheets every time they cleaned, which was a real problem. There were tons of ants in the room from the moment we arrived. The hotel is a long way from the main Rio sights we wanted to visit, so getting around wasn't convenient. I definitely wouldn't stay here again.

The rooms have great views, and the breakfast is one of the best around. Every three months when I'm here, this place makes my Brazil experience better. The front desk and cleaning staff are always helpful and attentive. Washington at reception even listened to me talk through a tearful relationship experience in Brazil after a night of drinks. 😅 Jose at the desk was wonderful too, and Maria from housekeeping was top notch. Thanks, Ibiza Barra Hotel! 💚💛