Rio Holiday FAQ

The houses are all located on the east side of Guanabara Bay in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro.  Two are in the beautiful and tranquil beach suburb of Itacoatiara, and one is in the neighborhood of São Francisco.  It is about 45 minutes by car between Itacoatiara and downtown Rio de Janeiro, 25 minutes from São Francisco. Part of Greater Rio, this is an ideal location - safe, tranquil, beautiful, but still close enough to pop in to Copacabana or Ipanema any time you want to sample the nightlife.  There is more about the location on our Location page.

Yes. You can find a map on our Map Page. Google Earth push pins are available on request.

It takes about one hour by car or taxi to get to Copacabana or Ipanema from Itacoatiara, and about 20 minutes less from São Francisco, depending on traffic. Rio is about the size of New York City, and the tourist areas of Copacabana and Ipanema are not downtown.

Most would-be visitors to Rio fail to internalize the size of the city. With 13 million people in Greater Rio, it rivals New York City. Most of the traditional tourist activity is centered in and around Copacabana and Ipanema, two tiny but interesting parts of the city that are a short distance from each other fronting the Atlantic. The reason is fairly simple - that is where the hotels are, for a variety of historic and geographic reasons. While Ipanema has the most nightlife a few streets in, Copacabana has the most hotels and restaurants fronting the beach. It has been described as the heart and soul of Rio de Janeiro, and even though many Cariocas disagree, all concur that it is definitely a place to visit.

Having said this, staying in Copacabana or Ipanema is not best for everyone. It really depends on what you plan to do in Rio (be sure to see the discussion of what types of groups do best at the house). In making reservations, many think they can just stay at Copacabana or Ipanema and walk everywhere, sort of like Cancun. This is most definitely not true.  First, Copacabana beach itself is over two miles long and Ipanema is another 2. The entire area is fronted with apartments, hotels, some restaurants, and is separated from the beach by a 6 lane boulevard with some of the highest traffic in the city. Major attractions, such as Cristo atop Corcovado, are a considerable distance away, and even for relatively short distances you should be taking a taxi at night for security reasons. Note that this is the same type of advice given visitors to New York. You can stay in Midtown Manhattan, but it is very expensive, Downtown has many night spots, the Statue of Liberty is not close, and Times Square is not entirely safe at night.

It is unfortunate that much of the travel literature implies that the only place to stay in Rio is the Copacabana area. Copacabana and Ipanema are rightly known as the tourist center. They have the most tourist services and hotels, but also the most prostitutes and pick-pockets. One of the things I really hate about the area is that tourists are made to feel like easy pickings for every vendor. There is a constant barrage of beach vendors selling everything from souvenirs to jewelry, street vendors that come right up to your table while you are eating, and even aggressive waiters. The prices are higher all the way around in this area which the locals have given over largely to the tourists. Other than hotel employees, prostitutes, and vendors, you are 10 times more likely to encounter other tourists than Brazilians.

No, that is not recommended.  Most people staying at Copacabana or Ipanema will use taxis to go everywhere.  The train depot for Corcovado is about 30 minutes from Copacabana, about 45 minutes from the houses.  Again, most things are not walking distance from your hotel.  You can also rent a car, but it is really rare with tourists.  I don’t recommend it because of the need to understand some basic Portuguese, deal with parking, very stressful driving conditions, and the fact that most people will be drinking during their visit.  On the other hand, I drive here all the time, but it took a little getting used to.

See the page on Rio Holiday Transportation Services for a detailed discussion of the transportation options at the house.

Itacoatiara Beach is about a 2 minute walk from the property front gate at the Mirante de Itacoatiara, about 6 minutes from Mirante do Atlantico.  This is actually closer than being right in a beachfront hotel at Copacabana because there is no 6 lane boulevard between you and the sand.  In Sao Francisco, the beach is perhaps a 10 minute walk, but it is not suitable for swimming. The closest swimming beach is about 15 minutes by car. There are dozens of beaches in the Rio area, each with its appeal.  To get to other beaches, you will need to use transportation.  There is more about the beach on the Location Page.

It takes about an hour to get to the house from the international airport - the same as Copacabana.  The airport is now named after Antonio Carlos Joabim, one of the famed writers of "The Girl from Ipanema" and introducer of the Bossa Nova to the World.  The airport letter code, GIG, comes from the old name, Galeão Internacional which is still used by some people and in some tour books.  The other airport in Rio, Santos-Dumont (SDU), is used almost exclusively for flying within Brazil.

Itacoatiara and Sao Francisco are generally much safer than the high traffic tourist areas. Itacoatiara is a haven for upper class Brazilians and youth. It has a first class beach very popular with the surfing crowd. Like Manhattan, there are no houses for rent in the main tourist areas as all of the properties are high rise apartments or hotels. For everyday beach loafing and people watching, the beach at Itacoatiara really can’t be beat and is one of the favorites among the locals. The usual beach type vendors are available, but there are many fewer and their prices are oriented toward Brazilians, not foreigners. We supply umbrellas, towels, chairs, body boards, coolers, and other things you can take right from the garage to enhance your beach experience. There are several other beaches nearby, and of course there is the very private pool just outside the door for excellent relaxation and comfort. There are several hikes nearby, as the house and development adjoin a nature preserve. Traffic and noise are just a tiny fraction of what they are in Copacabana – buses cannot enter the development. Also, I was interested in the privacy and increased luxury that a house affords.  I don't like apartments.  Rio is a very large city, and you have to go out a little ways to find the suburbs that contain modern houses.  All of the best known tourist areas have high-rise beaches, where only hotel rooms and apartments are available.  There is not a single building in Itacoatiara over 3 stories.

São Francisco is the center of nightlife on the eastside of Guanabara Bay.  Houses situated here offer some of the best views in all of Brazil, as attested by the photographs of Rio and Cristo taken from the verandas of the house.  There are literally dozens of restaurants and bars in this area that come alive in the evening.  During the day, there are many small huts called kiosks that line the beach.  A perfect place to sit in the shade and have a cool drink with your feet in the sand.  São Francisco is also very safe compared with the Copacabana area, and people stroll the main avenue until the wee hours of the morning.

Sunbathe, swim, enjoy beach activities, hike, read, feed the monkeys, watch TV, surf the Internet, send email, play the XBOX, learn Portuguese, visit a beach bar, go on a picnic, have a pool barbeque, throw a party, or just relax and unwind.  Of course, with transportation, you can do anything that you can do in the major tourists areas, except that it will take a just little longer to get there.  Excellent restaurants are 5-10 minutes from the house.  São Francisco is about 20 minutes away from Itacoatiara and has a very active nightlife and a spectacular view of Rio across the bay. In fact, the sunset banner photo on this website was taken from São Francisco.  See what Rio is like among Brazilians, not tourists.

Yes.  This is addressed on the page describing the House Locations.

First, Itacoatiara is a small, secure bedroom and beach community that is one of the safest areas around.  It has a single entrance with a police station and a video system that photographs everyone that enters 24 hours a day.  If there is a problem, this single entrance can be closed so that police can inspect all vehicles that leave.  This is a powerful deterrent and Itacoatiara is a generally safe place to walk even at night.  There are many visitors to this area because of the beach, so normal security awareness is always a good idea.  There is also a private security service that patrols the area in marked vehicles.  We subscribe to their service and they will come to investigate any disturbance with just a phone call.

As is common in South America, the Mirante de Itacoatiara is surrounded by a security wall.  You can't enter the grounds at all without a key or garage door opener.  The garden is well lit when anyone is out and about, as is the street in front of the house.  The Mirante do Atlantico is actually within a second gated community called the Village at Itacoatiara.  You must pass through this gate that is manned 24 hours per day.  Likewise at São Francisco, the house is inside a small gated community.  In Brazil, this type of arrangement is called a "condominio" even though the dwellings are all single family residences.  To put your mind at ease about your money and other small valuables, we offer a room safe for the use of our guests.

When you are away from the property, we provide a cell phone for you to carry.  Incoming calls are free, and we give you a calling card for your outgoing calls.  Included is up to R$ 10,00 in calls for free, but you can purchase more if you like.  This way, you always have a method of reaching your Hospitality Manager or your driver or even to keep in touch with other members of your party.

Most security issues around the house are really just a matter of feeling comfortable.  I cut my finger and I don't speak Portuguese!  Relax, we keep a first aid kit in the kitchen, but if you need something more, you can reach one of our English speaking staff 24 hours a day.

Carnaval (this is the Portuguese spelling) is almost one continuous party, punctuated by various official events. This party is everywhere in Brazil.  Most beaches have a virtually continuous party during the day, and at night, every bar and nightclub has a party of some type. Some neighborhoods have street parades as the various Samba Schools get geared up for the official competition at the Sambodromo. There are also a few famous events thrown in. Some are very expensive and cater to the social register, some are more oriented towards youth or young adults or alternate life-stylers or music lovers, etc. The Copacabana Palace Hotel Ball (on Friday night) is one of the most famous, but also the most expensive and snobby. Street parties are everywhere also and will be very cheap (beer for R$ 2,50) and many Brazilians that cannot afford the official parties manage to have a great time anyway. The parade at the Sambodromo is also very famous and is Sunday and Monday nights from 9 PM to about 6 AM. Tickets can cost anywhere from US$ 80 and up. Obviously, this can cut into your party time as you can't really circulate there to meet people. Get more information at www.riotur.com.br (be sure to select the English version at the top).

Even though the parties are everywhere, there are more in the Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon areas than in any other part of the city. Special transportation can be arranged for guests that want to spend time in the Copacabana / Ipanema area for the day or the evening.  Having your driver and van close by is actually much safer than trying to walk to the venues.  It can also be very difficult to get a taxi when you need one, especially late at night when you have been drinking heavily.  Meanwhile, the house and beach at Itacoatiara remain a welcome haven from the rush and crowds of over 600,000 that visit Rio every year just for Carnaval. One of the main differences that you will notice if you stay at our houses is the price. The Copacabana and Ipanema areas are ridiculously expensive, where a typical hotel room can cost about US$ 1000 per night per couple with a 5 night minimum.

The Rio Holiday Experience is our name for what you will see and do when you come and visit Rio with us. It is more than just a view and pool, but the total package of our facilities and services that is designed to help you get the most out of your precious vacation time. We have compiled a list of the Top Twenty Reasons to Visit Rio with Rio Holiday.

Large private pool, large living areas, ability to share your trip with friends, full kitchen with cook, private sunbathing area, barbeque area, US size beds, sauna (in some houses), free bottled drinking water, free Caipirinhas, DVD player, beach equipment, loaner cell phone, high speed Internet access, PC with USB, XBOX and other games, private color fax, copier, scanner, and printer.  Private concierge and customized service, 24 hour emergency attendance in English, currency exchange, shopping service, massage therapist on call, and free laundry service.  Tranquility and Privacy.

Like other top of the line accommodations, we provide: Full time maid service (except Sundays and Holidays), sumptuous daily breakfast, food service, bar service, private taxi and tour service with English speaking guides, ocean and beach views, and a safe in each bedroom.

Many different types of visitors have rented our houses and the Rio Holiday experience is recommend for almost all types.  Here is a brief summary of the types and recommendations.  If you don't see something that applies to you, please contact us for more information.
Families - Perfect for a family traveling together or a small family reunion.  We have had several families with grandparents from both the US and Brazil that have rendezvoused at the house.  Families generally enjoy the more normal living style, and the extra security and piece of mind of having the kids under the same roof.  We have had children from 6 months to 18 at the houses
Couples - The original design of our service was to accommodate couples who like to travel together.  Comfortable rooms and beds means that they can enjoy Brazil and the companionship of their friends around the pool, on the beach, or at the bar.  Seeing Rio with friends is ideal and lots of fun.
Honeymooners - Ideal for the couple that wants to get away from it all, our houses specialize in privacy and service.  But if you want to kick up your heals, Rio is just a private car ride away.  You can be completely alone at times, have servants helping you, or step out to the fabulous restaurants and night life.  A great opportunity to unwind from the stress of a wedding or to get to know each other all over again.
Friends - This is very similar to couples except that at least a few people are singles.  Everything that applies to couples still applies, but you might keep in mind that if you have the full complement of guests at a house, some people will be sharing queen beds.  Friends are generally there to check out Brazil, its culture, food, and sites, and to enjoy the beach and night life.  Their idea of a goodtime is a little different than the Singles category below.
Individuals - Need to get away from it all?  Writing a book or trying to finish that project documentation?  Maybe you need that computer, high speed internet access, and printer.  Perhaps you are in Brazil for an extended business trip and you need to entertain clients?  For some, single is the best way to travel because nothing has to be negotiated with other travelers.  The great thing about our service is that you don't have to be alone 100% of the time. Your Hospitality Manager and her friends can introduce you to some normal Brazilian folks - good and friendly people that love to share a drink or a pizza.
Singles - This is usually a group of males, but can also be females on a mission in Rio to have fun with other singles that they might meet at a club or on the beach.  Keeping in mind the comments about the beds above under Friends, the two houses at Itacoatiara are very popular because of the proximity of Itacoatiara Beach, and the Mirante de São Francisco is well liked because it is closer to the nightlife and is ideal for entertaining guests.  Whether for a pool party, lunch, or a cocktail party, the house is a far cry from the typical hotel room.   There is special advice for single males available by email.

Only two.  We unfortunately are not setup to accommodate people who cannot climb stairs.  Also, our houses are drug free and we do not welcome guests for which drugs are an important element of a tropical vacation.

So much depends on what you wish to do in Rio. For a relaxing beach vacation, sight seeing, luxury at an affordable rate, ultimate privacy, a high level of personal safety, and services and amenities oriented towards visitors, the Rio Holiday houses just can’t be beat (of course I am not prejudiced). And with the various transportation options, you don’t have to give up the famous Rio Nightlife. You will find the houses cheaper in most cases, even including the somewhat higher transportation choices. You will also be able to get a glimpse of real Brazilian people and culture in an area where tourists are the exception, not the rule.

If you are more interested in being around a lot of people in a high energy environment, Copacabana or Ipanema is best.  Sometimes a “split” vacation is the best recommendation for singles. Stay for a few days at Copacabana and get that out of your system, then come on out to the east side to relax for the remainder. If you have met some locals, it is a great place to invite them for a day at the beach, cocktails, or dinner.

The table below summarizes the differences in the two locations for most tourists.  The comments about Copacabana apply equally well to Ipanema.  Decide what is most important to you and your group, and compare.

	Rio Holiday House	Copacabana Hotel	Copacabana Apt
Entertain Guests	best	poor or unavailable	better
Amenities	best	varies with $	poor
Beach Activity Level	good	high	high
Beauty	best	good	good
Language Help	best	poor	unavailable
Luxury	best	varies with $	poor
Night Life Convenience	fair	high	high
Privacy	high	low	low
Restaurant Convenience	fair	high	high
Safety Inside	high	high	good w/doorman
Safety Outside	high	poor	poor
Service	high	varies with $	poor or unavailable
Size	best	poor	varies with $
Sun bathing (at pool)	best	better	poor or unavailable
Tranquility	high	poor	poor
Transportation costs	good	better	better
Value	best	poor for groups > 2	poor
Business Practices/Reliability	good	good	often questionable