Truly a wonderful hotel.
I am a meeting planner based out of Texas (USA) and I travel all over the world hosting meetings and events. In February 2014 I was given a meeting to take place in Rio de Janeiro. Seeing as though I had never before been, I was a tad nervous as to what I could expect. Needless to say, my expectations were beyond met.
First off the property is wonderfully located directly across the street from the beach. My clients and guests were thrilled with that. It is also extremely safe. I had heard my fair share stories about Brazil – none of that was apparent at the Windsor Barra Hotel. The staff was also extremely friendly and for the most part very easy to communicate with (English being the only language I speak). Our guest rooms were large and very comfortable – all with ocean views (for my entire group). Seeing as though the hotel was connected to the Convention Center, it made it very easy and convenient for my group.
A quick background run-through. This meeting was initially supposed to take place in December 2013. About two weeks prior, the client cancelled the meeting. He had to be in two places at once and decided this meeting would have to wait. What a mess. The hotel was wonderful about the whole thing. They completely understood and did not make me feel bad for all the chaos I had just caused them. I felt terrible, but I know this kind of stuff happens.
Anyway, I was thrilled to learn in early January 2014 that the Rio de Janeiro meeting was back on. I quickly contacted the Windsor Barra to see if they would take us back! Sure enough, they had the space available! Not only was I hosting a meeting in a country that I had never personally been, but I had less than a month to plan and execute it! Ready. Set. CRAZY!
After hundreds and hundreds of back-and-forth emails, we got the meeting planned. It would take place over two days – in three different meetings rooms. When myself and my staff arrived, we did a run through with the hotel staff… all was great! They even pulled some MAJOR strings to allow us to do our Farewell Reception on their 17th Floor, Roof. They created a special, authentic, Brazilian buffet complete with signature drinks! Mixing their banquet world and their hotel kitchen is not easily done. Thank you Thank you to them for making this happen! The clients and guests couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful their “Happy Hour” was! Made me look like a Rockstar!
Well, two hours before our first meeting was set to begin, our client arrived and was not thrilled with the space. They wanted the rooms switched and different rooms used all together. WHAT???? YIKES! Never before has anything like that ever been requested. We didn’t even know what to think. Sure enough, the hotel staff jumped into action and make it all happen… and in record time. All three rooms (which were completely set and ready to go by this time) were rearranged with other rooms and reset. Myself and my staff were in shock. Not only did they do it, and in record time, but they were amazing about it. They remained friendly with us and completely accommodating. I know that was a less than ideal situation, but they came to our rescue. Needless to say, our client was very pleased and our meeting was a success. **Thank you conference center staff! Amazing!**
Aside from the meeting, the front desk staff was wonderful. They got to know me and my group and anticipated our needs before I even knew what I needed. They set up dinner reservations for us – arranged transportation – even set up off-sit adventures! They were always pleasant and very knowledgeable! It was very much appreciated!
**Finally, I have to point out the AMAZING AV group Hoffmann. Claudia Lapolli and her team saved us over and over again. They were all affected as well when we had to switch the meeting rooms around. She brought in more staff – had extra equipment ready just in case – took care of our pop-up needs – everything. And she stayed on site with us to make sure everything went off perfect! Our event was a success in LARGE part to Hoffmann AV! *Thank you Thank you!
Should I ever get the chance to return to Rio, work or play, I will no doubt be returning to the Windsor Barra.
Just to name a few of the amazing staff I had the pleasure of working with:
Renan Saidy – She helped me actually plan the meeting… and in record time.
Leonardo Mattos – He made the 17th Floor Farewell Reception happen! He was amazing!!
Vanessa Carreira – She was our contact throughout the meeting. She and Luis helped us through the meeting space change and every other thing that came up along the way! FABULOUS. FABULOUS. FABULOUS.
Monica Amorim – She was there on our walk through and was most helpful!
Andrea Rebello, Fernanda Fleix and Bruna de Queiroz – Reservations (helped with guest rooms – check-ins and outs – changes – ground transportation)
Mariath Amorim – Billing (we were NOT an easy group, Mariath was AMAZING and so helpful)!
Thank you Windsor Barra for a perfect experience!