Most of the hotels in Copacabana were built just after the war when Rio began to make a name for itself on the international circuit. In fact, seeing a picture of pre-WW2 Copacabana tells quite a different story from the circus we see today. The hotels in Ipanema followed about a decade later. As a result, many of these places are fairly old, though some have undergone renovations. The flat hotels, which have emerged to accommodate long-term visitors or families with living room space and kitchenettes, are generally newer. It is possible to rent these rooms on a daily basis as well. Most of our suggestions are centered in the Ipanema - Leblon area. Although it tends to be pricier, this is a wonderful location because it is safe and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby,  not to mention the beach. 

Copacabana is a bit seedy and perhaps because it is the main tourist destination, can be a bit unsafe. If you're going to stay in Copacabana, you may as well stay on the beach so you'll have the world famous view. Ipanema and Leblon are upper-middle class neighborhoods and the feeling there is fairly "first world".  Both Copacabana and Ipanema have a wide beachside sidewalk where you can jog or stroll alongside the health-conscious Cariocas.

Santa Teresa is the funky, historic, “artsy” neighborhood on the hill above Gloria and Lapa. Despite the fact that it is rather isolated (that means taxi rides and some risk of crime) it is a wonderful place to stay and to visit with its charming, windy cobblestone streets and colonial homes, unique accomodations, views of the city below and many choices of hip bars and restaurants.