Hotel Riazor

The 24/7 air conditioning was the biggest plus for me, along with a clean room, safe area, comfortable bed, and mini fridge. The workers were kind, too. The room is very basic and has no decor, and the closet felt a bit unsettling. The bathroom, especially the shower, made me nervous because it looked a little like a prison bathroom. There was only hand soap, so I had to buy my own toiletries. You can walk to Flamengo Beach easily, though it’s not one of Rio’s nicest beaches. I forgot a towel and tote bag, but found both cheaply just a minute from the hotel. I’m not criticizing Riazor’s location since it’s clear when you book that Ipanema and Copacabana aren’t convenient from here and you’ll need to Uber. The neighborhood felt safe, and the bed was comfy. I kept missing breakfast because I’d wake up around 10, when I think it ends. This isn’t a luxury stay, but I got the hotel for very cheap just a week before New Year’s, which was a saving grace. I was torn between three and four stars, and chose four to be kind. It’s not pretty, and I’m unsure whether the hotel is very nice overall, but if you’re fine with taking Ubers and want a cheap, safe, workable place, Hotel Riazor can fit the bill.