Birkegaarden Hotel, Rio de Janeiro

We booked this hotel for my wife and I, who had not seen each other for over four months due to my job. When my wife arrived early morning, she was able to check in right away with no fuss. She was offered a full breakfast whilst waiting for my arrival later on that morning. From start to finish, this hotel has never failed to impress in every way. The service was exemplary, and the style fully represented this hotels status as a five star hotel. The location, right opposite the beach was second to none, and we were always treated with respect whenever we entered or left the hotel. The Sunday champagne brunch has to be recommended - only spoiled by a last minute dash to the airport for our flight home. This is a five star hotel, with five star service.

We were told at check-in that breakfast was included, but at check-out we were charged for it. Ridiculous. US$50 for a subpar buffet breakfast. The checkout hotel reservation person said we should have read the fine print and flatly did not believe that the checkin reservation person told us that breakfast was included. We're very unhappy with Le Meridien.

You won't find better service or a better location, nor friendlier staff, than at the Meridien. Right at the start of Copacabana Beach, right around the horn from Sugarloaf and Corcovado, and near to some of the best little restaurants around. And the breakfast buffet is one of the most magnificent and enjoyable to be had on the planet--sitting out in the open, just off the pool, looking down on the sand and the entire length of Copacabana Beach & Ave. Atlantica. Not the cheapest, but if you want a great spot, this is it.

Service was horrble. In two days had to move rooms three times for different reasons (e.g. internet did not work, first room was very bad, etc) There are definetely better overal values in Rio. Please make sure you coose another hotel.

Le M�ridien, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Situated directly across from Copacabana Beach. A high rise building with 37 floors. Our room 1604 has a semi beach view looking towards Ipanema. The room is comfortable spacious with most modern facilities. In house service, laundry, mini bar, air-conditioning but no tea or coffee facilities. Bathroom is large with power points for 220volt. Rooms could do with an up-date as a little on the worn side. Breakfast and lunch provided on level 4 the pool level. The 37th floor has a restaurant with stunning views of Rio. Sauna, gym, pool, and massage service, hairdresser provided. Pros: Good position across the road from beach. Spacious rooms. Tours available. Good restaurants. Beach towels and chairs provided. In house service, laundry and internet connection, mini bar fully stocked. Staff friendly. Work desk. Lots of conference facilities. Cons: Room service slow. Rooms need updating for a Le Meriden Hotel. Pool area beside restaurant so unless you are 18 with beautiful body could be intimidating. Have key to safe but were unable to provide one for us because of demand. Stayed three nights and still haven�t got one. (So maybe request one at time of booking) Towels on the thin side need up-dating. Dim lighting. Locals are even scared of crime rate in area. Not a place one can casually walk down the street at anytime. Ipanema seemed a much better area more up market with good beach and quality shops and restaurants. Recommendation: Probably not � we would stay at hotel in Ipanema or Lebion area primary for safety reasons.