Intercontinental Rio

Av. Prefeito Mendes de Morais 222, São Conrado,
Rio De Janeiro
Southwest Brazil
Brazil
(21) 3323-2200

http://www.rio-de-janeiro.brazil.intercontinental.com

Type: Hotel
Minimum Rate: R$ 300 - R$ 400

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As Rio expanded beyond Leblon and Lagoa, a new set of tunnels led to undeveloped but pristine beach areas. The first of these, São Conrado, a small community that joins Leblon to Barra, is largely residential today but was at first envisioned as a jet-set playground. Two deluxe hotels, country clubs, golf courses and one of the city’s finest shopping centers were built. The Intercontinental Rio, one of those hotels (the other closed), is as close to a selfcontained resort as there is in the city. With few immediate neighbors, the hotel has spa-cious grounds that are well tended and flowered. There are three pools and two tennis courts on the property, while São Conrado Beach is just across the road. The Gávea Golf Club nearby offers hotel guests a reduced rate. The hotel’s health club and sauna is open 24 hours a day. You can arrange for spa services. A jogging trail leads from the hotel and along the beach. The hotel was remodeled in 2004 and the public areas and rooms have contemporary furniture with warm fabrics and subtle lighting. There are fresh flowers and comfortable couches in the lobby. Everything combines to give the hotel a warm, inviting ambience. There are over 300 guest rooms, with standard rooms on lower floors and deluxe and superior rooms on floors 4 through 24. Nonsmoking rooms, rooms with ocean views and suites are available. Executive rooms, called Club Intercontinental, are on the 15th and 17th floors. Breakfast, afternoon tea and complimentary cocktails are served in a private lounge. The 20 poolside rooms (cabanas) are great for kids but lack some privacy. A very nice touch in every Intercontinental room is the colorful and original tapestry made by a Brazilian artist. You might like to buy one. We did. Hotel-wide facilities include a full business center, beauty salon, mini-bars and safes, 24-hour room service, wi-fi and a small but select shopping arcade. Food options include Alfredo di Roma on the ground floor, which serves good Italian dinners from 7 pm nightly. Piano music adds to the enjoyment. Less formal is the hotel’s main dining room. A veranda offers a breakfast buffet (included in room rate) and à la carte lunches and dinners. Poolside is Cap’t Cook Sea House, which serves Brazilian foods and the usual poolside fare. Cozinho Expres is a snack bar that looks like a 50s diner. There are bars in the lobby and at the pool. The São Conrado Fashion Mall, a short stroll away, is one of the city’s best shopping centers. It has eating spots and cinemas too. The Intercontinental is a nice stop.