After having had the two worst experiences ever at other hotels in Rio (Belmond and Chateaux Joa), I finally tried to salvage things by booking into the Emiliano shortly after New Year, and I was not disappointed. The rooms are simple, understated wood on marble, carefully and tastefully interior designed, which flow seamlessly into the rolling sea view. Everything is new and works well, and the details have all been attended to. Yes the hotel is on Copacabana and as such is a little loud if you are a light sleeper but apart from that the location is amazing, in the good area of the Strip, with easy access to Ipanema and surrounding restaurants. Everyone talks about the rooftop pool and that is indeed breathtaking and instantly recognisable (read Instagramabble). But for me the Atrium downstairs was equally impressive, particularly the huge living wall that decorates the outside space. This whole area was very quiet and ideal for working. As an aside there were a lot of people, like me, on laptops doing some work, and I can attest to the fact that the internet is very fast, stable and reliable. There are also several nice areas in which to hop on a laptop and do the digital nomad thing in a relaxed setting. The food in all areas of the restaurant is best in class, particularly breakfast downstairs and lunch on the rooftop, both with plenty of variety and...After having had the two worst experiences ever at other hotels in Rio (Belmond and Chateaux Joa), I finally tried to salvage things by booking into the Emiliano shortly after New Year, and I was not disappointed. The rooms are simple, understated wood on marble, carefully and tastefully interior designed, which flow seamlessly into the rolling sea view. Everything is new and works well, and the details have all been attended to. Yes the hotel is on Copacabana and as such is a little loud if you are a light sleeper but apart from that the location is amazing, in the good area of the Strip, with easy access to Ipanema and surrounding restaurants. Everyone talks about the rooftop pool and that is indeed breathtaking and instantly recognisable (read Instagramabble). But for me the Atrium downstairs was equally impressive, particularly the huge living wall that decorates the outside space. This whole area was very quiet and ideal for working. As an aside there were a lot of people, like me, on laptops doing some work, and I can attest to the fact that the internet is very fast, stable and reliable. There are also several nice areas in which to hop on a laptop and do the digital nomad thing in a relaxed setting. The food in all areas of the restaurant is best in class, particularly breakfast downstairs and lunch on the rooftop, both with plenty of variety and healthy options. The service was impeccable, and they did everything they could to make our stay special. Thank you Emiliano and staff, you saved my first impressions of a very dark, rainy, crowded New Years Rio.More
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