My wife and I stayed here for two nights post cruise from Europe. The hotel is well-located, close to Copacabana beach and on several bus routes to get you around this very lively city. We had been warned about the pickpockets etc., in Rio but that has been taken care of by the creation of Tourist Police who are everywhere. They are both men and women and are armed so the bad guys don't mess with them or the tourists. Rio will host the Pan-American Games next year so they had to do something about the crime I guess. The accommodation is very much like a European hotel, but the room we had on the 10th floor and facing the road was quite large and had a sitting area attached. Breakfast was plentiful and the variety was excellent, top marks. The staff all speak and understand English very well and greet you with a smile at all times. I'd love to return to this city, it's fun!

We stayed here for three nights. Location is good - very easy access to Copacabana beach. Meridian is a good landmark.
Rooms are comfortable and well equipped and ours was a good size. Reception quite good, but the star of the show is the guy on the door. Like having your dad look after you - not just getting the taxi, but making sure the meter is on, and telling you very loudly how much it should cost, just in case the taxi driver has other ideas!
Breakfast good, but the restaurant is a bit soul-less so we didn't feel inclined to try the buffet dinner or lunch. The 'bar' is in the restaurant - no atmosphere at all. Pool and gym are tiny. Nothing special but a good choice for a safe, clean, comfortable budget location close to beach.

Stopped at the Best Western Rio Copa on our honeymoon - great hotel, great location, great breakfast.

Outside are buses to most places in Rio - more fun than the taxis and lot's cheaper!

Short walk to the beach - slightly rough area but not that bad - we certainly weren't afraid at all. Not many restaurants up this end and avoid the ones on the beach at night - we ate in a brothel one night!!!!

There is a great Tourisit Info opposite and below the hotel - they will give you a map, bus info, prices for Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer statue, etc.

Great place to go and be.

Paul and Jean Blakey, Halifax, UK

I stayed at the B/W RIio Copa Hotel for one night on my way to another country in South America. The hotel is located about maybe 2 to 3 blocks from the beach. Le Meridan hotel is at the end of the street.. so just walk straight down the street..The hotel staff can tell which way to walk. .When you walk out of the hotel, there are a few homeless people around..This is nothing unusal if you have been to Rio before...
My room was clean and plesant.. .. painted a peach color......nice. The staff is very attentive and answered all my questions. My room had only a shower. The food served at the hotel resturant was fair..I ordered the meal of the day ...with the salad, entree and desert. I do not reccommend eating at the hotel....maybe along the beach or some other reccommendations. I did not eat breakfast as I had an early AM flight., but most B/W hotels have a free breakfast. This is good alternate hotel if you do not want to stay at the higher priced hotels located on the beach.