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There are many things which make Rio de Janeiro one of the most fascinating places on earth: the gigantic Christ the Redeemer statue which guards the city, the golden sands of the Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, the Maracana Stadium, which used to host almost 200,000 spectators at soccer games, and the effervescent samba festival that takes place in the month of February. These and many other attractions are the reason why hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the city all year round. If you intend to join their lucky ranks anytime soon, it is advisable that you book your flight and hotel as early as possible, preferably two months in advance. To save you some research time, here are some of the best hospitality establishments which Rio de Janeiro has to offer.

Augusto’s Copacabana, as the name suggests, is a hotel situated right next to the famous Copacabana beach. The numerous night clubs, bars, and restaurants make Augusto’s the perfect choice for people whose idea of a good holiday includes partying hard, meeting new people, active socializing, and little else. All 102 rooms and suites have air conditioning, wireless Internet, cable TV, and a mini bar. The average price for a room (double-bed or twin-bed) is $223, while the suites come at $246. The hotel has a restaurant, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness center, sauna, and a roof café with vista over the beach and the surrounding green hills.

Arpoador Inn is a hotel located within a walking distance of the Ipanema beach and but a few blocks away from General Osório Square, the focal point of Ipanema's Street Carnival celebrations. From the hotel, you can easily reach all major attractions of the city, go up the Sugarloaf Mountain or make a trekking tour. Paid hang-gliding and paragliding courses are available to the more adventurous visitors. The standard rooms cost between $190 (single) and $220 (double-bed). All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, cable TV, refrigerator, and safety box. Judging from guests’ reviews, the rooms and bed linen are kept impeccably clean, and the staff is polite and helpful.

Windsor Guanabara is a good place for people who visit the city on business. The hotel features multiple conference rooms, a business center, exhibit space, and banquet halls. It offers audio-visual equipment for presentations, photocopiers, fax machines, and Internet. Rooms and facilities for disabled persons are available. Services include car hire, laundry, and room service. For your leisure time, the hotel offers a swimming pool, sauna, and gym. Pets are not accepted. The average room price is $150, but it fluctuates during the year. The hotel serves only breakfast; however, thanks to its central location, you can take advantage of the numerous small restaurants scattered nearby.

Beach Backpackers Hostel is a good choice for people with more modest means. A bed in one of the dormitory rooms costs $20 (low season) or $30 (high season), while private single rooms come at the price of $70 or $85. There is free Internet available as well as bed linen and a towel. Breakfast is not provided; however, there is a spacious kitchen where you can cook your own meal. The hostel is close to the Botafogo beach and next to a metro station and a bus stop, which means you won’t have any difficulties reaching any of Rio’s famous sights.

If you prefer to stay close to the airport and money is not an issue, check the Guanabara Palace Hotel. You can book a room for $230 USD, but keep in mind that prices skyrocket on New Year’s Eve and other holidays. Naturally, the rooms have soundproofed windows. The rooms are fitted with telephones, fax machines, satellite TV, high-speed Internet connection, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, phones, and hairdryers. Extra towels and bedding are provided on request. There are smoking and non-smoking rooms, and only breakfast is offered (included in the price). Among the recreational amenities are a fitness facility, health club, and outdoor pool. Aeroporto Othon is another hotel at the airport you can check. Hotel rooms start at $85. The hotel is located close to the airport, the National Library, and the Museum of Modern Art. All rooms include satellite and cable television service, phones, clock radios, private bathrooms, and air conditioning. Housekeeping and room service are available. Only breakfast is served at the restaurant.

Looking for a short rental in Rio de Janeiro? These are a bit pricey, and you can easily pay $800 - $3,500 a night. Still, you can check the Quinta Rosa Residencies where an apartment costs between $139 and $618 a night. The property is a restored colonial mansion with luxurious fittings. You will get an apartment with two bedrooms and one bathroom, fitted with air conditioning, ceiling fans, deck, gas stove, microwave, fridge, outdoor dining area, etc. Housekeeping is provided and wireless Internet is available.