Leblon Design Hotel

Street noise is the main concern. It's an issue, and as the hotel owner I'd address it, since it brings down the score for an otherwise excellent hotel. The location is hard to beat: a 24-hour supermarket across the street, Leblon Beach five minutes away on foot, and a great restaurant street just around the corner. The area feels very safe, the staff are attentive and service-minded, and the price was reasonable. We couldn't have chosen a better hotel for our extended New Year's Eve weekend in Rio.

The location is great, but the hotel was terrible. There are better places in Rio at better prices. The room was so small that two people couldn't comfortably stand or move around at once, and with the bed against the wall, one person had to climb over the other to get in or out. Noise from the street and hallway made a good night's sleep impossible. The photos were misleading, and the room had none of the qualities I'd expect from a “design hotel.” Definitely not worth the price.

The hotel is comfortable and cool, with a nice breakfast and staff. It's in the best location, but the streets are very busy and the window doesn't keep the noise out. That's the main problem for me.

The hotel's designer must be a GENIUS: they put a single window inside a double frame, so you hear EVERYTHING outside, from garbage trucks and drunks to honking and conversations. Sleeping feels like being right in the street. “Leblon Noise Design Hotel.” Come here if you hate sleep.