PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

One of Rio's most elegant hotels, the Sofitel is also one of the most cleverly designed: the U-shaped structure guarantees a large number of the 388 rooms a full or partial view of the shimmering ocean. Located on the edge of Copacabana directly opposite the Copacabana Fort, this flagship of the French Sofitel chain also offers superb service and a clean modern look to match. All rooms have balconies, soundproof windows, and electronic safes big enough to hold a laptop. Superior rooms are elegantly decorated with brand-new furnishings and fixtures, and come with a partial ocean view. Deluxe rooms differ only in offering a guaranteed full ocean view. For sunbathing there's a complimentary beach service on Copacabana beach itself, or else a choice of two swimming pools, one to catch the morning sun and the other for the afternoon rays. The pool area, the hotel bar, and the outstanding Pré-Catelan restaurant have all been renovated recently. Breakfast not included (R$50/US$25/£14).

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Brazil, 4th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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