Where would you stay in Rio? Copacabana? Ipanema?

I would not stay in Copacabana.

Yes the beach is great, but at night times it can become dangerous, and there are many prostitutes in the area.If you want to be near Copa, I suggest you stay in Leme.

The beach is an extention of Copacabana, it's an area with less tourists , the beach is less crowded and there some good restaurants, plus you can walk to Copacabana Palace, a famous Hotel for a drink in the evening.

Ipanema is a nice area , safer than Copacabana , with many boutiques and bars etc .It's also next to Leblon, which has several great restaurants.

With a car , you could stay in an Hotel at Santa Teresa , , it's cooler and some places have great views of the city.The houses are turn of the century.If walking some streets can be dangerous.

Also at night time you are not far from Lapa, where the real night life goes, many bars and great music.

In Leme : Leme Palace

In Ipanema , "Ipanema Inn" Rooms prices are negotiable, the staff are friendly.

The highways entering Rio are safe, they can be busy.

In Rio just be careful at night time at traffic lights and many drivers don't stop for security reasons.

Have a great time

Copacabana And Ipanema

I've been many times and have stayed in Copa and Ipanema. By far Ipanema is nicer, more restaurants and shopping. I also felt a lot safer in Ipanema. You can also check out Leblon...just as nice as Ipanema. Depending on what you like and what your lifestyle is I guess. As far as driving goes, be careful. I'm assuming your American. Be careful driving especially at night...not good. Try looking into an apt. The hotels down there are not like America. A 5 star is comparable to 3 maybe 4 star.

Have a great time. Let me know if you have any questions. I'm actually going back in Feb. Obrigata!!!

Both Copacabana and Ipanema are pleasant. The former is more crowded and varied, the latter more sophisticated. But they are at a small distance from each other.

Inexpensive hotels are those located on streets parallel to the beach.

Avoid getting into Rio at night. Have fun!

If I was driving a car. I would stay in Barra Da Tijuca because it is safer and you are still close to Ipanema and Copacabana. The beach is not as polluted. Some good bars, shopping, and beach http://ipanema.com/citytour/maprio.htm

Will you really be driving in Rio city?! With a car it's worth to be in Petrópolis, a1 hour by easy buses down the hills and you reach downtown, all the touristic spots, the messy urbanoise. For this the collective lines can make your life less complicated, although not with enough comfort. If you want to insist with the car idea, go to Barra da Tijuca, south area of the city. It's adviceble to avoid Linha Vermelha (the red line) and Av.(enue) Brasil - both often chaotic - You will find several options of accomodations with the price you are looking for by just searching some of the keywords people wrote here. You better use the private parking lots spread through the city instead of trusting the public areas to park with a card or even the autonomous guys who compels the citizens in having a look to their cars for some changes. Good luck and drive.

With its white sandy beaches, rising hills and picturesque harbour, it's no surprise that Rio de Janeiro is known as the "cidade maravilhosa", or marvellous town and with hotelbye you are able to take the possibility and visit this amazing city. Rio de Janeiro is experiencing the South Atlantic shore and is the second-largest town in Brazil. This town is gifted with one of the most beautiful normal controls for a area in the world. The amazing landscape is just one of the reason why that visitors chose Rio de Janeiro. All through carnival year, a event that everyone else noticed, the streets load with music and ornately costumed dancers getting tourists from all over the globe.

I would stay at Copacabana like Janis Joplin did when she traveled to Brazil in the 60's.

I had a pleasant safe stay at the Sharaton on leblon. Across the strett is the wonderful Zepplin bar

Copa Cabana!!

Best hotel, close to the beach, lots of nightclubs, shops, restaurants, etc.