We had a terrific time, but this hotel is very old; rubberized pillows, poor bedding quality, and thin walls; not for the Faint of Heart. Internet is superb! The best we found in Rio! Great location, very nice and helpful desk people, but the hotel is far below the standard you would see in North America. The area was very Bohemian, and we loved it, but some people might find it scary except young men traveling in a group. Cab ride @$15.00 to Copacabana Beach, and it is a 5-10 minute walk to Downtown Rio which is well worth a see or a daily walk. The restaurant across from the Spanish Steps (which are 3 doors down) is a GREAT place to eat called The Gastronomia Da Lapa....cheap beer and lots of good food! Lots of security because of World Cup; we felt totally safe, not sure what it will be like after it is all over.