Copacabana beach apartments

thatsmyboy

Hi folks myself and the mrs are going to Brazil in April and we would love to stay in an apartment overlooking copacabana beach for a couple of nights

Wondering has anyone stayed here before and would recommend any sites to book through

Thanks in advance

Sirlion

I have been to Rio before........the general consensus would be to stay in Ipanema......its not too far from Copacabana beach and it has its own beach which is just as nice......ipanema is considered to be a safer area, its a more affluent part of Rio. I did go to copacabana beach a few times while in Rio but this was during the day, its not meant to be the safest place for tourists when it gets dark so we didnt go near the beach after dark. Just to add to all that I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe while there, it was nothing but a positive experience for me......its like any other big city just have to keep your wits about you and you'll enjoy it.

With regards to apartments.......I cant really help, did the whole backpacking thing so stayed in hostels. I do know the hotels in the area were very exepnsive so I would imagine renting an apartment could be pricey.

Marcusm

YOu can walk between Copacabana and Ipanema in about 15 minutes. Copacabana gets th sun for most of the day, it pops around to Ipanema by about 3pm. Arpoador is the name of a little strip between them and is (arguably) preferable to either. Apartments on the beachfronts are very difficut to get and will be very expensive. Most apartment rentals (IME) tend to be let by the owner and in residential buildings rather than specific holiday rental apartments. Ipanema is definitely a more expensive and more exclusive area than Copacabana but the apartments I've seen are smaller in Ipanema.

I didn't see personal security as much of an issue in either area, I spent most of a month in Rio overall. At the time (JUne/July 2011), the favelas were being suppressed so there were reports on BBC etc about violence in Rio. I never saw any.

Rio hugs the sea (witht he favelas on the hills above it); Barra de Tijuca is a newer area and the apartment buildings there tend to have pool areas, gym rooms etc. Most of those in Ipanema or Copacabana would not have such facilities.

Enjoy your time but know that it's very expensive and a lot of the food is very boring.

If you have an opportunity, a trip to Buenos Aires is well worth it. If you're going to Iguacu Falls, the Orient-Express hotel int he park itself is well worth the extra cost.

Retiro

You should know that Ipanema beach is extremely dangerous to swim in....Ipanema is an Indian word meaning "bad, dangerous waters"!
I have never felt currents like it!
No such problems in Copacabana.

I stayed with my wife in the Porto Bay hotel on Copacabana and really enjoyed the stay. We walked to Ipanema a few times and really enjoyed that area also!
Geographically, it is one of the most beautiful cities you will see.

Victor

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Meathlass

Agree with everyone else. Stay in Ipanema, much nicer suburb with nicer restaurants, shops etc.

Copacabana is fine but a little seedy and down at heel. I stayed there in hostels and never felt particularly unsafe but not much to do there in the evenings.

Very expensive though, bring plenty of rials!

finbarrk

We got mugged while walking on Copacabana beach one evening. 2 lads came jogging towards us, stopped and pressed a knife to my side and took watches and stuff. Make sure you don't carry anything too valuable.

thatsmyboy

Hi folks its getting near to the time we need to book something but cococabana and ipanema accomadation is so so expensive. Anyone any other ideas for me please

Marcusm

Botafogo, Flamengo and Gloria are also beachside areas but are more residential than touristic. I liked the look of those areas from an amenities/cafe perspective.