I stayed here first at the end of December through the new year period. Given that prices in Rio were at a premium, realistically this was the best I could get without breaking the bank. Everything in Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon was several hundred euros per night. I wasn't expecting much, but I was surprised/pleased for the money and came back to stay there again 10 days later for a single night.

The area that it is in (Lapa) is rather run down looking, but has some bit of character to it. It gets lively at night. You do have "ladies of the night" etc. hanging around near the hotel door way and the parking garage next door, but just ignore them and walk by. They don't hassle people.

Near the hotel you have a few ok bars/restaurants with outdoor seating area within a 100 metre walk. Go out the hotel turn right then right again into the square (Praça João Pessoa) and they are all there, with more up along Avenida Av. Mem de Sá which cuts through the square up to the Lapa arches (aqueduct).

The hotel rooms are old and rather dated looking so don't expect luxury here. The air-conditioning units are old fashioned and very noisy and really should be replaced with newer quieter ones. Rooms have refrigerators, but they don't seem to chill down things very well. Bring toiletries as all they supply is a small bar of soap. Breakfast is basic, scrambled egg, strange meat that changes daily, varying from frankfurter sausages to chicken nuggets, plus a selection of ham, cheeses and cakes. Nothing spectacular really.

The staff are helpful but most have little or no English, except for one of the doormen who has fluent English. He is generally on in mornings up to lunch time. Ask him about sightseeing tours, location of shops and ATM etc. He'll also give you practical advice for traveling around the area.

Overall, the hotel is well located, less than 5 minutes walk to bars/restaurants, pharmacy, a small supermarket and a secure indoor ATM. Just over 5 minutes walk to the Lapa arches, less than 10 minutes walk to the Selaron stair and the cathedral and about 10-15 minutes at most from either Carioca or Cinelandia metro stations.

The general area is fine to walk around during daylight hours without any problems, there is a good police presence there. However, exercise caution at the top of the Selaron stairs as muggings are common there. The area east of Carioca metro station is deserted at weekends and best avoided. On any day do not wander around the streets of Lapa or Centro at night with the exception of the restaurant/bar area that I mentioned previously. For anywhere beyond that or for dining areas in Centro, flag down a yellow taxi (they're very plentiful outside this hotel) or else use Uber.

We stayed during the Olympics in Aug 2016 at a vastly inflated price created by the tour company.

This hotel is a basic 2 star.
Breakfast- basic - mainly breads and cakes with scrambled eggs and a daily guest meat (chicken nuggets one day).

Rooms- ours was quiet but you're in the middle of a busy district (similar to North Shoreditch in London) so there's noise outside a lot of the rooms. Rooms are kept clean and maids are lovely and helpful. There's a fridge and a supermarket up the road.

Lobby staff- really helpful. One guy speaks fantastic english and they are happy to hail you a cab- can't fault them.

Area - please remember that the price (the regular price, not what we paid) reflects the area. Lappa is vibrant and you will see trans-gender prostitutes outside touting for business, and people party and drink in the street 24/7. You don't quite feel safe if you're alone and female at night, but it's a city so you can't expect to You're more likely to get pick pocketed on the beach.

The bar on the corner if you come out of the hotel and turn right then right are really nice.

You get what you pay for and Lappa in a manic area.

I expected for a best experience, considering the excellent localization of this hotel in the center of the Rio, but is a very old hotel (in bad sense). I too stayed in better hotels in the Center and with better rooms. Example, the bathroom stinks every night and the breakfast is really simple. Whatever, the location is awesome, because is close by Lapa (where night life happens) and you can easily go to Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon... using public transport.