Rio De Janeiro - where to stay?
Rio De Janeiro - where to stay?
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amir_j

Original Poster:

3,579 posts

231 months

Wednesday 7th December 2011
quotequote all
First trip to Rio!

Anyone able to recommend somewhere to stay in Rio during Carnival? Would somewhere with a balcony overlooking the carnival areas be a good move and if so where?

miss10penceshort

4,423 posts

217 months

Wednesday 7th December 2011
quotequote all
The Carnival is held at the Sambadromo, a purpose built facility to hold the event, so you need to get tickets to see the parade itself... however if you fancy wearing a costume and learning the song of one of the schools then you can always take part!!


That said, there are always plenty of events on the streets during the Carnival, and as for somewhere to stay I'd suggest anything around Leblon as it's one of the safer areas of Rio.

audidoody

8,598 posts

286 months

Wednesday 7th December 2011
quotequote all
+1 for Leblon. Or any of the hotels along the Avenida Atlantica. It's only when you move a couple of blocks back from the beach front that it can get a bit dodgy.

Be aware:

1. Not to ever wear expensive jewellery, watches etc
2. Not to ever use your mobile in public
3. Not to ever count any cash in the street
4. Not to ever take anything to the beach you are not prepared to lose
5. Not to ever hang an expensive camera around your neck.
6. Only ever use licensed taxis (there are thousands of them and they are cheap).

The secret to a safe time in Rio is to blend in with the locals. That means no flash clothes, shoes etc. T-Shirts, jeans, trainers will get you into most places. Leave your wallet in the hotel safe. That bunch of beautiful girls who gather around you in the street? Expert pick pockets. I carried one credit card and high-value notes inside my sock. Stay away from the street hookers. If you feel the need, there are plenty of eager ladies in the clubs who carry ID.

It's a fantastic place and you will be safe if you use common sense. It's only the idiots who get into bother.




Edited by audidoody on Wednesday 7th December 20:17

YRRunner

1,652 posts

246 months

Thursday 8th December 2011
quotequote all
audidoody said:
+1 for Leblon. Or any of the hotels along the Avenida Atlantica. It's only when you move a couple of blocks back from the beach front that it can get a bit dodgy.

Be aware:

1. Not to ever wear expensive jewellery, watches etc
2. Not to ever use your mobile in public
3. Not to ever count any cash in the street
4. Not to ever take anything to the beach you are not prepared to lose
5. Not to ever hang an expensive camera around your neck.
6. Only ever use licensed taxis (there are thousands of them and they are cheap).

The secret to a safe time in Rio is to blend in with the locals. That means no flash clothes, shoes etc. T-Shirts, jeans, trainers will get you into most places. Leave your wallet in the hotel safe. That bunch of beautiful girls who gather around you in the street? Expert pick pockets. I carried one credit card and high-value notes inside my sock. Stay away from the street hookers. If you feel the need, there are plenty of eager ladies in the clubs who carry ID.

It's a fantastic place and you will be safe if you use common sense. It's only the idiots who get into bother.




Edited by audidoody on Wednesday 7th December 20:17
Do exactly as the man says and you'll be fine. It is a tremendous place. I stayed at the Le Meridien on Copacabana Beach. It's expensive (or was when I went) but it's really close to everything. If you can, take a trip out to Buzios, it's beautiful. If you're there for some "action", be aware that most hotels will not let you take a girl back to your room. They have security guards in the foyers preventing this. You can hire rooms by the hour though (the girls know where they all are). Main thing is, look like a beach bum/surfer dude and you won't become a mark. Also, don't get so totalled that you aren't aware of what's going on around you. The girls will make you buy expensive drinks at the bars (that's part of the game), but if you get trashed on Johnnie Black Label then you may be placing yourself at risk (take it from me). It's incredibly hard to resist temptation there.

amir_j

Original Poster:

3,579 posts

231 months

Thursday 8th December 2011
quotequote all
Many thanks all, will be booking a hotel in Leblon this weekend! Didn't know it was in a venue so will get them tickets too.

Going with the wife so Brazilan women for me cry

biggrin


Will leave all items of value inc her ring, smartphones etc so touch wood should be ok.

audidoody

8,598 posts

286 months

Thursday 8th December 2011
quotequote all
>Going with the wife


Oh dear.

whistle

miss10penceshort

4,423 posts

217 months

Thursday 8th December 2011
quotequote all
http://www.rio-carnival.net/

should give you most information smile

ETA: you want to go to the Carnival on either the Sunday or the Monday night as this is when the top 12 Samba schools parade - look out for schools such as Tijuca who have put on stunning performances over the past few years.

Be prepared to be up all night, not that that will bother you I'm sure!!

Edited by miss10penceshort on Thursday 8th December 14:06