The room was well appointed and everything worked. Good view to the beach from my window (see photo). I assume the lower floors will have less of a view.
I was well taken care of by the hotel staff, and felt the service level was good.
The minibar is expensive, but that seems always to be so in business hotels. Worse, comparatively speaking, is the use of the hotel's internet services - unless you like to throw money around. Likewise, do not do your laundry here. How they can think up their prices for these things I do not know, but I want to let it be known that it is way overpriced.
The location is fine if you have business or things to do in Barra and the south coast of Rio. If you are going to the main tourist areas of Rio (the historical centre, the Sambadromo, Maracana and the other sports stadiums in the centre and the north, to Copacabana, Ipanema etc.), then do not stay here.
The hotel has its own highway underpass, so you have direct and private hotel access to the beach. The beach is superb, and the water quality this far south should be ok.
Next door is a good Italian restaurant - the Fratelli - which serves up anything Italian or remotely so - with gusto! A fun and good place - much better than the hotel restaurant.
On the 17th floor is a good bar and pool with a view.
