Carnaval 2010- World Carnival Dates, Schedules and Information

Style Flies down to Rio

Rio, an obsessed beautiful city simply lacks in stylish accommodation. Most of the hotels are lined near the Copacabana beach but the Palace has pretensions to style. With the opening of Ipanema beach by Fasano, most of the contemporary chic’s reach the beach this year. It is designed by art effects created dating back in 1950s and 60s, the hotel has around 92 rooms along with suites with a gastronomic restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine and sea food with a rooftop pool. For more information you can log in to www.fasano.com.br

On the beach

COPACABANA PALACE

Location:- It is located on the beach and is just a few minutes drive from the mid town and around 40 minutes drive from the international airport.

Character:- It certainly is the best hotels available in Rio with its effortless styles. Built in 1920s it has hosted presidents, celebrities and world leaders. It has a private swimming pool with rooftop tennis court and is certainly known for its peerless service.

Rooms:- There are 225 rooms and suites and around 147 are in the main building area. Rooms are generally sea facing or Copacabana Avenue, giving some of the best views of the penthouse suites present on the sixth floor.

Food:- The famous Cipriani restaurant serves its guest with Italian cuisine and is as best in Rio. The Chef Franceso Carli has managed to serve dishes similar to Cipriani hotel in Venice where he worked previously.

We like:- The beach service includes complimentary fruits with water along the most fabulous bar at the pool and is certainly the best way to enjoy your evening in Cipriani Hotel restaurant.

Not so keen:- When speaking of leaving.

Essentials:- 0800 181 123 log on to www.copacabana palace.com.br; tariffs for doubles include £230 plus taxes, for room only.

International

SOFITEL RIO DE JANEIRO

Location:- It is located at Ipanema at the end of Copacabana and is certainly suitable for both beaches.

Character:- The building is a modern styled, seven storey with a Brazilian-French touch in its service- may be considered as slow but certainly adds a lot of smiles.

Rooms:- It has around 338 rooms and suites with balcony. The building is double curved so a number of rooms are available in the front face of the hotel instead of facing the sea and all the standard rooms are a bit small. So if you want to enjoy your stay you can check in at the suite with an ocean view of Imperial club that is located at the 8^th floor.

Food:- It has two restaurants, Atlantis which is located at the first floor serves its guests buffet lunches along with light meals; and the Le Pre Catelan, which serves French cuisine all in the modern surroundings.

We Like:- The pool that is in circular shape and breakfast on the terrace facing the Copacabana beach watching the beautiful sun set from the rooftop lounge present in the Imperial Club Floor.

Not so keen:- It has a corporate feel and is definitely pretty much par in Rio.

Essentials:- 0055 21 2525 1232 or log on to www.accorhotels.com. Tariffs from £104 for double bed plus taxes for room only.

INEXPENSIVE

MELLOW YELLOW BACKPACKERS HOSTEL

Location:- It is located in the heart of Rio and a block away from Copacabana beach just on the rear of the Copacabana Palace Hotel. It is centrally located and close to metro and main bus services.

Character:- It certainly was created for backpackers by the backpackers. It is six storey building and a hub of place with bars, Jacuzzi, chill-out rooms and an excellent barbecue terrace.

Rooms:- The dorms are Brazilian themed and double bed rooms are bigger in size but priced accordingly equipped with wardrobes and lockers. So if you are looking for extra privacy or raveling with partner you can take the double bedrooms.

Food:- It has a bamboo bar and restaurant with themed nights and also offers India cuisine along with Thai and traditional Brazilian cuisines. The décor is excellent with cheap drinks and music playing through out the night. It also has two different kitchens with ample of space where one can create their own culinary delights.

We like:- It offers a good collection of city tours and events including football events, surfing, samba parties and also hand gliding trips. Chill-out rooms offer a great hammocks that certainly will catch your breath.

Not so keen:- The double bedrooms are simply basic.

Essentials:- 0055 21 2547 1993 or log on to www.mellowyellow.com.br. Tariffs starts from £7 and double bedrooms are for £24.

Getting there:- A number of tour operators offer package trips to Rio including Scott Dunn (020 8682 5030 or log on to www.scottdunn.com) and trip along Latin America (020 8747 3108 or log on to www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk). Journey Latin America also includes a week long stay in Rio for around £917 for each person and certainly on b&b basis including flight tariffs. So if you are traveling on British Airways (0870 850 9850 or log on to www.ba.com) you certainly can have a return flight from Heathrow Airport to Rio for £743 per person. For more information on Rio de Janeiro or other details regarding UK operators with special holiday packages to Brazil, you can always contact the Latin American Travel Association or log on to www.lata.org.