Gaston V.
Yelp
I have been to Rio de Janeiro over ten times, I love the city and lately I have been choosing Barra da Tijuca to stay. It is quieter, the beaches are broader and bigger, and the sea is much nicer than in Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon. Barra da Tijuca is perfect for families or people looking to rest and/or piece and quiet. This is the first time we stayed at the Grand Hyatt, as it is pretty new. The facilities and the staff were great. The hotel is very modern, with clean and spacious rooms, great bathroom, shower and tub. Wifi connection is great, the pool is very nice, and it is right across from the beach. Breakfast is really really good.There are 3 very good restaurants in the hotel, a terrace that overlooks the city, all rooms have balconies. Ours was facing the pool and the ocean. The spa and the gym were really good too!
They offer you bikes for free for an hour.
Of course we already know our way around Rio by heart, but if you are looking to hang out in the heart of the city most of the time, keep in mind that it could take you anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour fifteen to get to Copacabana or Ipanema on public transportation, or 20/25 minutes if you rent a car or take an UBER, which by the way works perfectly in Rio. As far as restaurants around the area, you have a few good ones, but of course, not as many as in the heart of Rio (Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon). There are a couple of shopping malls about 7 minutes by UBER. Also, for the adventurers, there are a couple of beaches close to this area that are hidden gems in Rio... most tourists don't go there: PRAINHA and JOATINGA. So if you are looking for piece and quiet and to enjoy the beach staying in a great hotel, this is a great choice.