Located along what's quickly emerged as hostel row, the Wave Hostel is the nicest of the eight or so options here. The sleeping quarters and common area are clean and well-maintained, with handsome wood floors and a decent lounge area for mingling with other travellers.

Set on a tiny peaceful street in Copacabana, this three-storey hostel has a friendly, welcoming ambience, basic quarters and ample lounge space. It's about a 10-minute walk to the beach.

One of Santa Teresa's hidden gems, Rio Hostel is one of the city's most atmospheric places to stay. In a converted mansion overlooking downtown, you'll find a good mix of travellers enjoying the backyard pool, the comfortable lounges and the close proximity to Rio's best...

This small, homely spot is one of Rio's newest additions to the hostel scene. The hostel consists of eight-bed dorm rooms and one private double (with a fold-out sofa). The Lighthouse is three blocks from the beach.

Right around the corner from the beach, the Ipanema Inn is a decent option for those seeking comfortable but simple accommodation in an excellent neighbourhood - and at a price that won't erode the vacation budget.

A few blocks from Copacabana beach, this fairly straightforward hotel offers decent rooms at fair prices. Owing to its age (less than 10 years old), the whole place is still in good shape, and the service and amenities are just right for the price.

Set on a quiet street in charming Santa Teresa, this handsome two-story house has been converted into a simple familial guesthouse that remains one of the neighborhood's better-kept secrets. It's within a short walking distance to the bonde (tram) as well as the area's best...

Overlooking Arpoador beach, this battered, six-story hotel has seen better days. The pluses are the beachfront location, the proximity to both Ipanema and Copacabana, and the laid-back restaurant on the first floor.

Despite the 13-story building, the Orla Copacabana, which opened in 2001, has something of a boutique feel. Its stylish, understated rooms, attentive service and location overlooking the beach make it a top pick in Copacabana.

One of Rio's best hotels, the Caesar Park has all the features you expect in a five-star hotel: impeccable service, a lavish restaurant, top-floor pool and fitness centre, as well as the excellently appointed rooms overlooking a grand stretch of Ipanema beach.

There are only a few doubles here, though most guests come to stay in the dorms to meet up with other travellers. It's a decidedly young crowd and many people who stay here don't make it much further than the hostel or the beach. There's a small bar on hand, serving cocktails...

Located less than two blocks from Ipanema beach, this popular budget spot attracts a mix of young travelers. The rooms and services are pretty basic here, but the hostel is on a quiet, tree-lined street with excellent restaurants and a few bars nearby.

The Copacabana Palace is Rio's most famous hotel. Its classical white facade dates back to the 1920s when it became a city icon. Inside, the trappings of luxury abound, from its spacious, antique-filled rooms to its opulent restaurants and lounges.

The 11-storey Copacabana Praia is an ageing hotel located in Arpoador, a neighbourhood within walking distance of both Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. Rooms are simple, clean and comfortable.

One of Rio's newest additions, this stylish 13-story hotel demonstrates real design smarts in its handsome rooms and suites. It lies toward the calmer southern end of Copacabana, within two blocks of the beach.

Another one of Ipanema's elegant high-rise hotels, the Everest Rio features nicely decorated rooms ranging from small to spacious, along with professional service and an enviable location. Although none of the rooms has sea-facing views, many have balconies, and the 90-second...

Overlooking Copacabana beach, this all-glass high-rise has handsomely appointed modern rooms, with the granite-trimmed lobby, professional service and all the other creature comforts you could expect for the price.

The looming white Hotel Glória was once a grand 1920s beachfront hotel. Although it has lost its beach, the Glória still retains some of its old splendour, amid its classically decorated rooms and red-carpeted hallways.

Overlooking a lovely stretch of Ipanema Beach, this popular 16-storey hotel offers trim, comfortable rooms, which have been made-over and now earn a place among Ipanema's top hotels. Ipanema Praia also has excellent service and lovely beach views, with the best of Rio just...

Another of Copacabana's top hotels, the Rio Internacional has an excellent location overlooking Copacabana beach, and its stylish and comfortable rooms, excellent amenities and top-notch service make it a good choice for those seeking the best of Rio.

Along one of Copacabana's most peaceful streets, this simple three-storey hotel has some charming, old-fashioned features, and it's a nice alternative to the high-rises found elsewhere in the neighbourhood.

The Hotel Vilamar is set on a quiet street in Copacabana. Here you'll find pleasant rooms that are excellent value for the money, and although it's not right on the beach, it's just a short stroll to the shoreline.

Framed by gorgeous beachfront to the south and the towering peak of Pedra Bonito to the west, the monolithic Intercontinental has hundreds of rooms and excellent facilities. The only catch is that you'll be far from the heart of Rio. If you're looking for the true...

One of Rio's loveliest hostels, the Ipanema Beach House offers accommodation in a converted two-storey house on one of Ipanema's most charming streets. Staying here is very much like staying in a private Ipanema villa with 30 strangers who may just become your closest friends...

One of Ipanema's newest addresses, the 18-storey Ipanema Plaza has a range of stylish, modern rooms, excellent service and that all-important location just half a block from the beach.

One block back from Leme beach, the four-star Le Meridien is 37 storeys of decadent glory. Here you'll find crisply dressed staff, elegant lobby, excellent restaurants and, of course, comfortable rooms - all of which have earned it a place among Rio's top hotels.

Smack in the heart of Copacabana, this beachfront property has excellent service and amenities, but its rooms are in need of a serious update. The quality of the rooms vary quite a bit between categories.

The recently renovated Mar Ipanema may not dazzle with beach views and gilt-trimmed lobbies like other hotels in this neighbourhood, but for the price, its small, nicely maintained rooms are an excellent option. The hotel's best feature is its proximity to the beach, just two...

Overlooking busy Nossa Senhora avenue in Copacabana, this reasonably priced hotel is a sensible option if you want to be near the beach, but don't want to pay beach-facing prices. Completely renovated in 2003, the Mar Palace is a sleek glass-and-steel high-rise with trim...

One of Rio's most stylish hotels, Marina All Suites has beautifully decorated rooms, doting service and all the creature comforts you can imagine. The best rooms in the ocean-fronting hotel have splendid views of the shoreline, and one of the city's best bars is on the 2nd floor.