Le Meridian use to be a nice hotel. It is a shame that big hotel chain names such as this, Sheraton and others get to be less than what it is expected by travellers going to South America. It is very dissappointing. The neighborhood also is very unsafe now. The "best" alternative in Rio I would say it is the Caesar Park in Ipanema, but with a very high price and hotel is a 3 star, not a 5 as they advertise.

We spent a long vacation in Brazil this summer. We have been to several cities and villages of course. We went several times to Rio. For our last night in Rio/Brazil we wanted it to be memorable and booked in Le Meridien. That was really desappointing. It is true that the hotel is on Copacabana beach but there are tons of other hotels with this option. The reason we chose Le Meridien was because of the reputation of the name and the standard we are used to at Le Meridien everywhere in the world!

But this one was not at the expected level at all. All furniture was very old and not maintained. The finishing of the room had lots of broken things fixed by non-professional personnel (this is the least that could be said). The wood of the door of the bathroom was completely broken and fixed very badly at some parts and not at all at others. The tiles on the wall of the shower/bath were broken at many points. the fridge body was rusted. The bed cover burned by cigarettes,...

This is when the price is the highest that we paid in Rio while we spend many other nights before for less in a much much better hotel (The Excelsior) that is really rated 4 stars and on the copacabana beach as well few blocks after Le Meridien. Also in that hotel they used to take care of our car and park it and bring it back immediately when needed and all that for free. But at Le Meridien, we had to pay 20 Rials for the night for the car and it takes at least 10 minutes for them to bring it for you. If you ask them to park it during the day, it costs you 5 Rials per hour or fraction of an hour.

The breakfast was nice but not different from the other hotel. Next time, we definetely will go to the other hotel. I really hope somebody can do something about the status of Le Meridien Copacabana because it hurts to see what we saw under such a big French name.

Having read many reviews about Brazil, Rio, and the Meridien, was slightly trepidacious about the trip, but the whole thing went much better than expected.

Arrived at the hotel at 9am, and most friendly check-in clerk, offered to book me in straight away so that I could change and rush off to watch the 'England' match at 'Lord Jim's Pub', (which I found out about through this site's Forum). They also arranged a late check out until 4 the next day as well.

The hotel service continued to be excellent throughout my two day stay, with each of the front desk people I spoke to responding in exactly the same helpful and attentive manner.

Rooms - smallish but your not really there for extended room stays. Furniture and decor up to standard, with a large bathroom. A slightly strange feature of the bathroom, and might be different on lower floors ( I was on 36), was the full length, clear glass window, enabling the whole of Rio to see me in my glory during my morning shower !! Yes their is considerable noise from the lifts and plumbing, but nothing a pair of ear-plugs did not fully remove.

Breakfast was the only meal I had, but was of good quality, and amazing location on the 4th floor with views down the beach.

I travelled into Rio central for evening meals as there did not seem to be much else on offer in the local.

The main other concern I had was safety. I followed all the recommended rules, no jewellery, flash cameras, designer clothes, big bags, tourist accoutrements etc, and never had a worry the whole time. Cabs were easy to pick up off the street, and charged reasonable prices even at night, and all the drivers were very keen to explain how safe the town was as long as you did not go looking for trouble down dark streets late at night in dodgy areas.

Was not really expecting to enjoy the whole experience, but came away with great memories and happy to return.

After reading a number of 'scary' reviews, I thought I would add my thoughts following a week stay at Le Meridien in Rio.

If like me, when you have read all the other reviews, you think to yourself - should I get down to the travel agents and change my booking.

We, my wife and I, stayed on the 31st floor, room no. 3103, which had a fantastic view over Cocapabana Beech, district and The Christ Statue. The rooms, are not huge, but were clean and served their purpose. You do hear the elevators in the elevator shaft, but we were near the top, and it did not really bother us. May get on your nerves if your room is lower down. Can not really fault the hotel staff or the buffet breakfast you get. The location, I thought was great. 5-10 min walk to a large shopping mall, Rio Sul, good quiet beech in front. Did not really use the pool - so can not say much on that. But others seemed to be enjoying it!

Safety - the biggest concern I had before going. I took precautions, just in case, and left all flashy items at home. Kept my money in 3 different wallets and kept a hidden credit card. Used a disposable camera when walking around and took the good one when on tours. Took a cheap watch with me. The first day I was very aware and cautious about everything around me, but after a few days I was quite comfortable, even at night. I never saw any trouble or felt in danger. If your out on the beach front in the evening, there are loads of Tourist Police, and decent locals. One thing I liked was that you were not hassled by street sellers. No means no to them and they back off. When seeing the sights we used organised tours, which we booked once there. Not so much for security, but more for the value of the trip. For what would cost you in taxis and entrance fees, the tour would offer you additional sightseeing around town. We made our own way to the Botanical Gardens and Football stadium, was easy and safe with taxis.

The restaurants on the beach front, are not really worth a visit. Quite typical tourist restaurants, and you feel your getting conned. Still cheap though. One decent bar near Copacabana Palace, although in the evening seemed to be full or single guys and working ladies! For good restaurants, we found Lebon to be spot on, and had good bars in Lebon and Ipanema, away from the beech, and was safe walking around.

Other hotels which were nice - was the Sofitel and the Marriott. They both looked very nice in the lobby. Copacabana Palace - probably not worth the money - you are paying for the name and fame. People say Ipanema is better then Copacabana, yes the beech is better, but less hotels, and the beech front is mostly all private flats. The price of a taxi to Ipanema is dirt cheap, so where ever you stay you have easy access to both bays. I would not stay at the Shereton, which is the after Lebon, as there is nothing near by. Plus it is next to the largest Favella in Rio - so the tour guide told me.

Tips - If you are wanting to visit the Hard Rock Cafe or the shopping mall were it is loacated, the Hard Rock put on a free shuttle from your hotel. You just have to call them and they will come. It is quite a distance to get out there, and would cost you a fair bit in a taxi. Don't think many people knew that, as we were the only ones in the bus! Any last currency changing from Reals to whatever, to be done at airport before you go through to departures. I was mis-informed that I can change in departures and could not. So ended up having to buy a small fortune in chocolate, as the duty free shop only takes US dollars! Be warned! The airport itself is a time travelling experience! The good thing on arrival, is that you are exhausted and tired, and do not notice the number of near death experiences you have in the car on the way to the hotel. You notice them on the way back though!

I hope your trip goes aswell as mine did. I enjoyed the experience and Rio.

Happy Holidays.