Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 

We just returned from a week long trip to South America that included a two night stay at the fantastic Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. By way of background, we are married professionals in our late 40s / early 50s who have travelled extensively around the world. We stayed at the Porto Bay Rio from July 13 through 15, 2008, and cannot say enough good things about this hotel. First, the Porto Bay Rio Internacional is ideally located on Copacabana beach (it is on Avenida Atlantica which is the street that runs between the beach and the front row of buildings that face it -- nothing in Rio is built directly on the beach). It is a high rise hotel with an attractive rooftop pool and exercise area that provides a commanding view of Copacabana beach. [see the photos that we have posted]. The hotel's public areas have a cool contemporary feel while the rooms are somewhat minimalist chic without sacrificing comfort. Yes, the bathrooms are a bit on the small side for US taste and the bedroom not filled with overtsuffed furniture but it was more than comfortable and the location and price cannot be beat for the area. We were allowed to check in several hours early as we arrived at 7:00 a.m. from our flight from the US. There was never an issue about charging for the early check in. The breakfast buffet was good and filling with a nice selection of fruits, juices, cereals, cheeses and breads. Yes, it was the same buffet each day but there was enough of a selection to make a different plate each day. The front desk staff was always helpful and courteous and there was always someone on duty who spoke English. The ground floor bar / dining area was terrific and the staff was extremely polite and helpful. We enjoyed the fact that you could see the beach reflected in the mirror behind the bar. There was always no issue about keeping the room a little late on check-out day. The front desk arranged for a car and driver (whose English was perfect) to take us to the airport in no time at all. Yes, it cost a few dollars more than a taxi but it was nicer and more like a vacation than sitting in another taxi. One block behind the hotel and across the street is a great CD store called Bosa Nova that sells Brazilian music and musical items that make for great gifts. The Porto Bay is not a luxury hotel or a resort hotel. It is a very comfortable and affordable tourist / business "boutique" hotel where the staff was determined to make us feel at home. What more could a traveller ask for?