Copacabana Beach is ground zero for the nightlife action, and many prefer to stay somewhere in that area. A good source for information on hotels in Rio is http://ipanema.com/. They provide information on hotels and often offer discounts when booking through them. Another choice for booking hotels is through Bobby at http://www.blameitonrio4travel.com or Donald (http://riotrips.com) can help you with hotels or apartments. Two popular hotels among mongers in the Copa neighborhood are the Hotel Debret and the Rio Roiss Hotel. Both are within a couple blocks of the Help Discoteca (more later). Both are fairly small, basic hotels. The Debret is slightly less expensive (and the rooms somewhat shabbier), but you can get a room with a full ocean view. The Rio Roiss has only a few rooms with partial ocean views (it's a block off the beach, behind the Othon Palace Hotel), but the rooms are larger and the breakfast is better. Both allow "guests" but will charge you about $12-18 (US) per night (the prices seem to change). Some of the bigger hotels, such as the Othon Palace and the Sofitel, charge much more, and others won't allow guests. The new Marriott allows guests sometimes and not other times, and rooms start at around $200 US (most recently, the word was that they were not allowing guests). Some hotels, such as the Luxor Regente, will allow guests if you pay the double rate. If you have questions about a specific hotel, just ask about their "guest policy" when you make reservations. They won't be shocked when you ask, and you can avoid a rude surprise later.

Renting an apartment is another option. While you may do without maid service and food service, there are no problems (or costs) with guests. If you are interested in an apartment (or "apart-hotel" as they're often called), check the aforementioned websites or contact Don or Rhonda at Riotrips.com, (Don@riotrips.com). Most apartments have security guards and are quite safe. I also highly recommend Don's guide services for newbies who would like a little assistance during their first visits.

Another option is to stay a bit further away. I actually prefer to stay in the Ipanema area. I find Copacabana to be a bit toursity and dirty. The Copa beach is often overcrowded and polluted, and overrun with scam artists. Most robberies I know of occur in the Copa area (after all, that's where the tourists congregate). Ipanema is a more upscale community, the beaches are nicer, there's less crime, and it's still very close to the Copa nightlife...just a $4-5 reais cab ride or a 20 minute walk. There are many hotels and apartments to choose from. A fellow I met on the plane back to the US swears by the Ipanema Inn...says it's basic and inexpensive, but clean, and does not charge for guests. Another option is the Arpoador Inn, on the beach and guest-friendly…again, no charge for guests. The Arpoador Inn is one of only two hotels in Rio (the other being the Sheraton) located right on the beach. It's my usual choice even though it is fairly basic. Further up Ipanema (actually in Leblon) is the Marina Palace Hotel, more upscale and also more expensive, but guest-friendly and it has an excellent restaurant. Further out yet is the Sheraton-the other Rio hotel located on the beach-which some guys like but which I find too removed from the real Rio.

When I stayed at the Luxor Regente I had to pay a 50R guest charge. Other than that this hotel provided great guest services. Translations, Taxi, and Tourist issues were all taken care of quickly and profesionally.