JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Location
Style and Character
Service and Facilities
Rooms
Food and Drink
Value for Money
Access for guests with disabilities?
Family-Friendly?
A trusty dependable from the American hotel giant, with perks for loyal customers and a warm welcome for all. The JW Marriott’s prime position on Copacabana’s dazzling beachfront and A-Z of facilities override the hotel’s eccentric look and sometimes dated décor. Find a full JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana review in this exclusive article.
Location Marriott Copacabana
Bang in the middle of the curve of Copacabana’s beach, the JW Marriott couldn’t be much better placed for visitors to appreciate Rio’s gorgeous coastline. Sugarloaf Mountain stands proudly to the east, the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon and beyond to the west and, out ahead, the Atlantic.
The beach is the main attraction but Copacabana’s main high street, Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, with tourist and tat shops, supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries, juice bars and shopping galleries is just two streets behind the Marriott. And a few blocks along the beachfront you get to the world famous Copacabana Palace Hotel.
- Address: Av. Atlantica, 2600, Copacabana Rio de Janeiro, 22041-00, Brazil.
- Phone: +55 55 21 2545 6500
- Web: marriott.com
Style and Character
It’s hard to say exactly what style the exterior of the hotel is trying to channel. Las Vegas, perhaps? Its pink façade stands out in a line-up of white high rises, particularly as it glows in the light of the setting sun. Green and blue and yellow glass over the entrance and lining the central atrium creates unnaturally coloured light inside the hotel. The look overall feels a bit dated, but comfortable and cosy with it.
The central well is a defining feature, designed presumably so that each room is either ocean or atrium view. Many of the rooms have a 180-degree views of the bay; so too do restaurant-goers, gym bunnies and pool-loungers staying at the hotel, who can all take it in the stunning vistas.
Service and Facilities
The JW Marriott is very good at what it does: staff are charming and attentive, and there’s a sense of fun as well, with those on reception dressed in cheerful straw hats and stripy shirts in classic Rio style.
The majority of visitors are Brazilians and Americans, often visiting Rio for work. Marriott Rewards members and those in more expensive rooms have exclusive access to the Griffin Club.
As well as providing all business and conference facilities, the hotel takes great pride in its events service. There is an entire wedding showcase area with pictures of beaming couples on the wall. Upstairs, on the roof, there is a spa and gym, swimming pool and, surprisingly, a food truck. Deckchairs and service are available on the beach.
- Parking
- Restaurant
- Bar Laundry
- Room service
- Pool Sauna
- Spa
- Wi-Fi
- Fitness centre
- Beach
Rooms: Marriott Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
The hotel was built for purpose so all the rooms are evenly sized and with decent, marble bathrooms. Looking past the swirly patterned carpets and upholstery, particularly in the corridors, the rooms are fresh and simply decorated, with polished wooden headboards and pictures of Rio above.
There are 245 rooms, including 15 junior suites and a presidential one too. The views from the picture windows in the oceanfront rooms would be enough to keep you from leaving the hotel for a week.
Marriott Rio Food and Drink
A breakfast buffet or an all-American breakfast are available the Terraneo restaurant for US$20 (£16) per person. Along with continental choices and Brazilian favourites, like tapioca and pão de queijo, it serves American cereals like Fruit Loops. It also opens for brunch on the weekend and a buffet lunch. Throughout the day, uncomplicated international and Brazilian food is on the menu at the other restaurant, La Carioca.
There is a small bar in the lobby with plenty of intimate seating nearby which lend themselves well for business meetings and get-togethers. The Moonlounge Rooftop bar has live music on Friday and Saturdays and burgers from the first food truck on a roof in Rio.
Value for Money Marriott Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Rates for a Deluxe room start from US$258 year round. Breakfast not included (US$20/£16). Free Wi-Fi.
Access for guests with disabilities?
As well as accessible rooms, there is a separate entrance in the lobby, access to the pool, fitness centre and meeting spaces. Service animals are welcome too.
Family-Friendly?
Sofa beds and cots can be provided.
