On a previous trip to Brazil, I stayed in Everest Rio (ipanema) and Rio Atlantica (Copacabana). Both were pretty nice, but Ipanema Plaza was by far my favorite place to stay. It's conveniently located (near the beach, restos, and shops) and the rooms were modern and clean. There's also a great roof top pool, from which the views of Corcovado and Ipanema Beach were glorious. To top things off, the staff at Ipanema Plaza were extremely friendly and accommodating - helping us plan tours and allowing us to check out late to accommodate our late day flight. I would definitely recommend staying in the Ipanema area over Copacabana because it feels a lot safer and less touristy. And above all, I would recommend Ipanema Plaza for the service, location, price and cleanliness. I will definitely stay here again.
I returned 3/24/08 from visiting Rio with a group; we stayed at the Hotel Ipanema Plaza and enjoyed it but it was pricy ($400 reais) when I stayed a few extra days and lost the group rate. Some were finding they could arrange a better deal over the Internet. (Connection fees through the hotel are pricy, but free wireless is available in the area if you are on a high enough floor in the hotel to capture it). Breakfast is served until 11 AM and is included in the room price; a great value. Just a short walk to the beach and many bars, restaurants, and shops are close by. Conveniently located; I enjoyed walks to Copacabana, Leblon, and Lagoa areas. I would stay here again.
A room with two doubles worked OK for three of us to keep costs down. The self-serve breakfast in the Opium Restaurant is wonderful; beware of very slow service if you want a meal or drink here in the evening, however. Optional outside seating provides an interesting view but local performers and vendors will interrupt your meal. Free towels are available for beach use, and chairs are available for a low price. This is known as the gay area of Ipanema (see the rainbow flag on the beach and note the condom provided as a hotel amenity) but a mix of hotel guests enjoyed the area, too. A rooftop pool and exercise area provided a nice beach alternative and fabulous view. Only a block from the bar now called "A Garota de Ipanema" where the Girl from Ipanema bossa nova song was written. Devassa is right across the street and is know to serve the best beer in town.
Great location. Its right next to the beach. Very friendly, helpful staff. They helped with reservations for everything from watching a soccer game, to scuba diving, to looking for great restaurants nearby.
Great pool, take their towels to the beach. They also have a service at the beach... :)
Ipanema Plaza Hotel is a modern high rise only a stone's throw from the beach. The hotel provides just adequate amenities and basic style-less rooms, but it has a fantastic location in the heart of the action and a great rooftop terrace with a swimming pool. Views over the beaches of Ipanema and the mountains behind are spectacular. Most hotels in Ipanema seem to be overpriced, particularly in high holidays, and Ipanema Plaza is no exception. However, when it comes to value for money spent, this one seems to deliver because of the location and the rooftop terrace.
