Windsor Oceanico

The location is the one good thing about this place. Check-in was off-putting: the person helping me wasn’t kind, while another person sitting behind the desk just glared at me. After I checked out, I left my room to get food and it was clear someone had been inside. They agreed to move me, but the replacement room had mold in the shower and ripped lights. This is nowhere near a 4-star hotel.

We’d already completed the online check-in and only needed to pick up our room cards, but we’ve been stuck in the check-in queue for half an hour. The online form asks for personal information, and the desk attendant apparently has to wait while guests fill it in instead of helping the next person. We’re still waiting to get our room.

When we’re back in Brazil, we’ll definitely stay at Windsor Oceanico again in Rio de Janeiro. Our second visit was unforgettable, thanks in large part to Isaac at reception and the wonderful cleaning lady. Their care, attention to detail, professionalism and genuine kindness made us feel welcome and looked after the whole time. What might be ordinary work for them felt like much more than just a hotel stay. Highly recommended. Room 1538

The only bad interaction was at checkout, which is a shame after a smooth check-in and friendly staff. The person checking us out was aggressive and accused us of taking minibar soda and candy, believing the staff’s claim without discussing it. My parents don’t even consume soda or candy. We paid the small amount because we had a flight to catch, but it was the principle, not the money. Earlier, the beds were a bit uncomfortable and there was a small mix-up with the bed, which the hotel fixed quickly. The hotel was accommodating and near the beach, in a much calmer spot than Copacabana or Ipanema.