Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort

The Club Lounge was a highlight, with great food and friendly staff who looked after everything we needed. Denise there also took time to welcome us to Rio and share recommendations, especially with the main carnival period coming up. Thanks so much. Matheus also went above and beyond to make the stay special for me and my friend. Reception and concierge were very accommodating, and the staff welcomed us warmly and explained what the hotel offers. It was my first visit to Rio, and I spent my first night at the Sheraton Rio. The hotel is beautiful, right on the beach, with amazing views of Leblon, Ipanema, and Christ the Redeemer. I'd definitely come back.

The service was AMAZING, the staff are so warm, nice, and accommodating! The ocean views are lovely, and I took work calls in the lounge and lobby while watching the waves crash. One room's A/C wasn't working, but they moved us to an upgraded room that was much better. The beds were comfy, though the rooms were just okay. Getting up and down the hill can take a while in traffic, so add about 10 minutes. Ubers aren't expensive there. I'd stay again :) Service was way better than JW, though the spa staff there were super nice.

The pool was lush, heated, and easy to reach from one of the quieter beaches. There's also a heated jacuzzi for guests aged 16 and over. The gym was fantastic, the best I've seen in a while as a couple who work out on holiday. Spa treatments were decent, and guests get 20% off. It was lovely hearing and seeing the waves during a treatment. Reception and door staff were all polite and friendly. Our room had a partial sea view, a bathtub and shower, plenty of towels, and was clean except for one carpet stain. You can request things like robes and slippers. There's an iron and board in the room. The outlets are 110v, so UK visitors should keep that in mind for hair straighteners. The smart TV's apps hadn't been updated, so we couldn't use them. I was worried after reading the bad reviews, but we had a great experience. Breakfast was 3/10 for me, the staff were lovely, but the food seemed similar every day. My only issue was that they couldn't give even a one-hour later checkout, until 12 pm, which brings the service down to 4*.

The area isn't very walk-friendly, so you'll need a taxi for almost everything. Still, the beach is right in front and amazing. The views are amazing, and both the indoor and outdoor spaces are beautiful and make for a great atmosphere. The service is excellent. I highly recommend it.