Has anyone stayed at this apartment-hotel in Ipanema? My friend and I usually stay at the Country Residence, also in Ipanema, but it's all booked for the period we will be in Rio. Would appreciate any info from someone who had stayed here previously.

I have stayed at the Visconti Hotel on my last two trips. The hotel is garota friendly but their is a $50 reals fee. The Visconti and Princess Copacabana are run by the same company - Promenade.

You are approximately 1 block from the beach - Post 9 in Ipanema. Make sure you get a back room.

Thanks Howard. When I was staying at the Country Residence I usually tip the night desk clerk about five reias(sp?) and they never charge me the chica fee. Have you done this at the Visconti? R$50 is a bit steep.

Actually, I have not tried tipping the night clerk. The night clerk is a pretty cool guy, I never had any issues with him. I believe $50 is the going rate in most hotels in Rio.

Howard doesn't tip them... he just fucks them and their sisters.

Thanks Aldaron,

That's one item you should add to your Rio checklist. Don't f*ck any of the hotel staff or their family members. I've learned from my mistakes.

What are the rates on this place? Comparable to the Princess Copacabana? I'm really leaning towards staying in Ipanema my next trip.

I'm pretty sure I will be staying in Ipanema in January. Maybe the Ipanema Inn. Not sure though.

Go to Ipanema.com or give Bobby a call. I believe Bobby get's the best rates.

Hey Aldaron.....just read your trip report and I see you've been hanging out with my old wino buddy, sweetmesquite. I'm assuming he still drinks wine like drinking water.

I love staying in the Ipanema area. it's much safer, cleaner and nicer place to walk around. I have stayed at the Country Residence...sweetmesquite loves this place also...and the two bedroom apartment used to rent for R$306. I have recently talked to the Visconti and they want R$450 for two bedrooms for this January. So now we are looking into the Ipanema tower residence since it will be cheaper than the Visconti.

I like staying at the apart-hotel where you have the apartment amenities and also get the hotel service. You have the maid service that brings you towels any time, the room service if you don't feel like going out to eat, the use of swimming pool, the gym and free breakfast included.


(Message edited by dfenderone7 on December 13, 2003)

I have an American friend who's been living in Ipanema for two years, but now plans to move to Copacabana, because he's been mugged 4 times in Ipanema. He goes to Copacabana everyday and never had a problem; he said because there are more police presence in Copacabana, the streets are lit more, there are many stores that are open late, etc., while Ipanema is already dark after 7 PM, the beachfront empty, there are no hotels, restaurants, etc. (well, almost none). Sure, it's quieter; but only because everyone's already sleeping after 9 PM!

This mirrors my experience which is also contrary to the common wisdom. I have spent about 15 months in Rio and about 90% of that time in Copacabana. I have only witnessed 2 muggings and both of these occurred on Rua Visconde de Pirajá in late afternoon.

I'm not particularly comfortable wandering around Ipanema late at night precisely because it is so quiet. At least in Copacabana, Ave Atlântica is busier with a more visible police presence. Having said that I did once see a guy stabbed to death about 10 feet from where I was standing in Kice Sucos.

I hear what you guys are saying but let's keep this thread on the subject of "Visconti Apart-hotel". Every neighborhoods are no longer safe these days but some are still more safe than others.

If you have made up your mind to stay in Ipanema, why ask for opinions of others?

I did asked for opinions of staying at the Visconti...not Copacabana.

Any update on Visconti Residence? Specifically,

1. do they charge a R50 fee per girl? if you're already booked as a double (but haven't 'named' a girl with reg card)?

2. the address is Rua Prudente de Morais, 1050, but can anyone ID the block (for example, between R. MQ & R. JL?) - I'm trying to determine how many blocks to walk to my friend's hotel Praia Ipa over near Leblon.

3. any tips on room selection (e.g. "near the back is quierter" or "as for room XX6's")?

Thanks!

It's at the corner of Prudente de Morias and Maria Quiteria, which is one block inland and four blocks east of Pria Ipanema. To use landmarks, its the next street back from Caesar Park and on the opposite side of Maria Quiteria, two minutes at most from the entrance of Caesar Park.

(Message edited by catocony on February 20, 2005)

Its A nice place I stayed in a small suite for 100 us per night, didnt bring any hookers up but I was there with my girl , so not sure on guest policy. I stayed on the street side and didnt have a noise problem

I've stayed there a couple of times about a year ago. According one of the night clerk, if you bring a guest into the hotel and she'd stayed less than 2 hours, there is no charge for extra guest. If she stayed more than two hours than they will charge you for extra guest.

Just finished 8 days there.. I chose the suite - l bedroom with a living room.. It was R $310 per night w/ bfast comped and its a good location. I think the standard room you can get for $240 or so on deals (normally R $270). I usually stay at their sister hotel in Leblon the Palladium which is nicer, newer and i like the area better (might be my taste for leblon vs ipanmena). One thing is for sure they do not invest heavily in the comfort of the beds.. Perhaps it's a brazil thing, I noticed it at other hotels including the Sheraton. - LB