Rio de Janeiro Resorts, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro resorts figure among the most highly sought after lodging establishments in all of South America. That's because Rio is a city full of attractions, and these attractions include some of the world's most famous beaches. Copacabana beach resorts are what many Rio visitors have in mind, but that's usually not the only option of choice. Ipanema beach resorts and beach hotels have long been popular as well, and there are growing options in some of the city's other beach neighborhoods, not to mention the region in general. Whether you are seeking a beach vacation or otherwise, Rio de Janeiro resorts are some of the finest lodging choices in this city.

Searching for Copacabana beach resorts is a good idea if you're trying to find a resort on the sand in Rio. Among the Rio de Janeiro beach resorts that can be found at Copacabana Beach is the famed Copacabana Palace. Built in 1923, this landmark luxury hotel is largely responsible for bringing tourism to Rio's beaches. Many dignitaries and luminaries have stayed at this historic hotel, and if you can afford it, securing one of the penthouse suites is the way to go. These suites have private terraces that offer fantastic views of world-famous Copacabana Beach. Some of the other more deluxe units offer partial ocean views. Regardless of which room you secure, you'll enjoy an elegant decor and a host of welcoming amenities. As for the facilities at the Copacabana Palace, they include two restaurants, a bar, tennis courts, a health club, a spa, and a large outdoor pool.

When searching for Copacabana beach resorts, two other gems that deserve some consideration are the Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel (pictured) and the Hotel Sofitel. The stylish and contemporary Porto Bay Rio Internacional has 117 guest units, so you'll want to book in advance when possible. Bright and cheery, the guest units can make fine places to relax when you're not out enjoying the beach or some local nightlife. All kinds of amenities are on offer in the rooms and suites, with cozy bathrobes, complimentary bath products, a mini bar, and cable TV figuring among the highlights. Outside of the guest units, the Porto Bay Rio Internacional features a rooftop pool, a pair of bars, a restaurant, a fitness room, a sauna room, a small business center, and a few meeting and banquet rooms.

One of the other Copacabana beach resorts that is often mentioned among the best is the Hotel Sofitel. No less than 388 luxurious guest units await travelers at this elegant beachfront Rio de Janeiro resort, and should you have a rental car while in town, parking is free. All of the rooms and suites at the Hotel Sofitel have at least a partial view of the ocean, and you'll be within steps of Copacabana Fort should you fancy historical attractions of interest. As is true at the other Rio de Janeiro beach resorts, the Hotel Sofitel has some great facilities to take advantage of during a stay. Two swimming pools, a shopping arcade, a tour desk, and two restaurants figure among the facility highlights.

Ipanema beach resorts are also very popular among Rio visitors who want to be close to the water, not to mention great restaurants, a variety of shopping opportunities, and some lively nightlife. Two of the best resorts near Ipanema are the Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort and the Marina All Suites Hotel. The former can actually be found between Ipanema and the neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca, and its location allows for ample recreational grounds. A total of 559 rooms and suites can be found at the Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort, and they are all equipped with numerous amenities. Three heated pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a spa are among the resort's enticing facilities, and you might be interested to know that guests enjoy member privileges at the nearby Gavea Golf Club.

Should you opt instead to stay at the Marina All Suites Hotel when looking to stay close to Ipanema Beach, you'll be closer to all the action in Ipanema proper. This hotel offers boutique style in Leblon, which is Ipanema's slightly more affluent neighbor. Leblon Beach connects to Ipanema Beach, so you'll have easy access to everything that both of these coveted neighborhoods have to offer when you stay at the Marina All Suites Hotel. The magnificent Suite Diamante (Diamond Suite) at this stylish resort is arguably the most exclusive suite in the entire city, and if you can't manage to secure it, the other 39 guest units should prove to be more than satisfying. Toss in the fact that the Marina All Suites Hotel features one of the best bars around, and it's not hard to see why this resort is popular with travelers who want more than your average hotel can offer.

Beachfront hotels like these are what you will have to choose from when it comes to the Rio de Janeiro beach resorts. Unfortunately, travelers who are interested in all inclusive Rio de Janeiro resorts won't find any options. There are a couple of all inclusive resorts in the general region, though neither is less than 70 miles away. If you don't mind being this far removed from the city, then the two all inclusive resorts that are closest to Rio de Janeiro are the Club Med Rio Das Pedras and the Breezes Resort & Spa Buzios. Both offer fantastic facilities, attractive guest units, and excellent beachfront locations.