We stayed here for our Brazilian Honeymoon. We stayed 3 nights on the front end of the trip, traveled around the country, then spent another night at the end of our trip.
The rooms were a little small, but clean. The staff was friendly and warm. They always spoke and were very pleasant. They were excited to see guests and engage in conversation. We paid a little more for the rooms on the high floors and enjoyed beautiful views of the mountains and beach. My husband especially enjoyed being able to see the sunset and sunrise over the mountains. You are also give 2 free drink tickets where you check in.

We found the breakfast to be good. Were seated by the window facing the beach everyday but one. There was lots of fresh fruit and pastries on the buffet. My husband enjoyed the omelet station.
Service was good and prompt, which we could not say about all of the hotels we stayed at in Brazil.
We do not speak Portuguese, only English and Spanish, so it was a plus that we were able to communicate with staff.

I did not hear the elevator as the other reviews complained about, but my husband did.

The hotel has wonderful security, which is needed in its location. Once we left the doorstep we were always approached by adults and children selling everything under the sun, including themselves. We were not afraid to walk the side streets to the stores, but for those who were, hotel employees were kind enough to offer to purchase what you needed for you, which may be an option for the elderly.

The concierge made great suggestions for dinner and we even found it cheaper to hire a car for the day through the hotel, than the tour company, which we did to visit Corcovado. The gentleman took us from the hotel-- up the mountain, paid our admission, took us back down and to dinner for $60 USD for 2 people. We could not beat it. The tour company wanted $180 USD. He was and older gentleman and he knew his stuff. He even knew were to stop along the road up the mountain to take the best pictures. I cannot remember his name. It starts with a “P”, but the doorman knows who he is and will help you negotiate a good rate with him. He stays parked outside of the hotel and drives a black car. He wanted to charge us $85 USD at first which still was better than the tour company, but eventually came down on his price. Do not be afraid to bargain.

We only had one bad meal while in Rio. We eat at the Brazilian Barbeque restaurants a lot here in the states, so were looking forward to the authentic ones in Brazil. Everywhere we ate the food was amazing. We loved Marius, the seafood side. It was very expensive, but in walking distance of the hotel. We had a wonderful meal at Porcão's, in Flamingo Beach. It was unbelievable and reasonable. Did I mention it was reasonable! We had 6 drinks and dinner for less than lunch at Marius. The food was seasoned well and the sides were excellent as well. The service was second to none. This was a short cab drive from the hotel.

Make sure you take a trip to the Forte ($1 USD admission) and visit Confeitaria Columbo. We had the most amazing meat pastries and brownie sundaes with homemade ice cream. You can enjoy your meal at a table outside, facing the ocean. It was pretty reasonable and a nice break from the busy Copacbana Beach. We loved it so much we went back twice. We always sat inside because there was quite a wait for the outside seating area. This is also a short drive from the hotel.

If you are there on a Sunday, you cannot miss the Hippie Fair. You will need to take a cab there from the hotel, but if you are at the Forte it is about at 15-20 min walk to the fair. Wonderful artwork and crafts. They take credit cards as well as cash. We bought some really beautiful original paintings and were able to meet and take pictures with the artist as well. They were also willing to bargain with you on the price of their paintings, we got as much as 50% off for two of the paintings we purchased. We found that worth the trip alone.

The Favela Tour through Marcelo Armstrong’s company is a must!!!

Do go to the back of the hotel and get the pass to go to H. Stern. They have a car take you to the showroom for the tour. You are not pressured to buy anything. You can then go shopping through the area and return to the showroom and take their car back to the hotel. !!!!All Free of Charge!!!

All in all this hotel provides the perfect location and price to enjoy your stay.

My husband and I stayed at the Meridien now the Iberostar in February 07 for the carnival. The carnival is a really great time to go the blocos are fabulous and the Sambadrome experience is the best.

The hotel is in a great location and the views from the top floor restaurant are fabulous. The room and maid service was excellent, the breakfast was very varied something for everyone. The pool area is small but friendly. We would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel to anyone. We had the best time and can't wait to go again.

We found all the locals very friendly and had no problems using the yellow taxis which were half the price of the hotels. Like any city you just have to be careful. We would recommend the helicopter trip this is the best way to see all the sights!

My wife and I stayed at the Le Meridien for our honeymoon in December 2004.

Room: Large room with beautiful ocean view. Quiet and not noise from teh busy street below. Bathroom was well appointed and bright. Very clean in room and bathroom.

Hotel: Hallways were a bit dark, but other than that the hotel was great. Staff were very helpful and spoke good English. Pool was on the roof, which was a little windy in December, but still pleasant.

Beach: Great location on the beach. Clean area, lots of restaurants in the area including a GREAT Italian restaurant. Make a left down the beach towards the mountain and it is maybe two hundred metres down.

We stayed in Le Meridien from 2nd February until the 11th February. The hotel has changed the ownership and is called now Iberostar Copacabana. But the hotel is not bad at all. Right in front of the beach and with amazing views over the Copacabana from your room vindow. The service in the hotel was very very good and staff really makes your stay comfortable. The food served is great and the pool and bars and gym - everything was just perfect.
I recommend anyone to stay in that hotel.
As a hotelier myself, Iberostar ( previously Le Meridien) really knows how to take care of the guests.
Also I would reccommend to book the taxis to take you around to Sugar Loaf and to Corcovado from the hotel Conceriege as you get the fixed price and the taxi will take you where you want to go and wait for you and then take you back.

We really enjoyed our stay and we hope to be back again soon.