Emiliano Rio, an SLH Hotel — Hotel in Região Geográfica Imediata do Rio de Janeiro

Soooo much is wrong with this hotel. Most important of all: it’s mouldy in the rooms, in the gym and probably at the restaurant as it smells damp and bad there as well as everywhere else in the hotel. Apart from that: It’s not by any means a luxury experience.

We spent two nights in an ocean view junior suite.

The Emiliano markets (and prices) itself as a luxury hotel. We have stayed in luxury hotels all over the world and this couldn’t be any further from what we think is an upmarket standard.

They give you a list on how to behave. Like in a hotel close to a red light district you‘re forbidden from bringing outside people into your room (see photo). Like in a lowcost party hotel, you‘re not allowed to play music on your own devices. There’s more rules and most are ridiculous. They make you sign them at reception.

Like in a budget hotel, everything is extra, even a coffee capsule on the room (6 R). They have the longest price list on the room ever and assume that you‘ll steal every washcloth or pillowcase. There are items on room that are wrapped up and can’t be seen / touched / used. They’re only for sale (like an emiliano book or a branded scented candle).

They have „hidden fees“: an uncorking fee for wine bottles bought at the rooftop bar of 150 R - the fineprint on the last page of the menu.

The emiliano doesn’t trust you: you will steal something, therefore everything is nailed down, even the shampoo, the staff shows up at your door to check the mini-bar at random times.

Everything is mouldy and damp and rotting away - there was a lot of water on the windows and mirrors when we checked in, the floor we were on stank of mould and so did our room. The air con is way too loud, even on the lowest setting, so you can’t have it on during the night.

Cocktails are priced at a point that suggest some sort of skill, but don’t expect it. Least effort I have encountered in years. Any cocktail we had was just a few poor tasting, watered down (probably artificial) juices poured together. For comparison: go to the Belmond pool bar. They charge the same, but they are masters at their trade.

Poor maintenance: everywhere is rust, mould, decay, wear and tear: the wooden floors show heavy usage, the wooden wall panels show dark spots where water has damaged them or where there’s probably mould behind them, the faux marble tiles in the shower are throwing bubbles, the towel rail is hanging off the wall, the fabric wall covers in the hallways and our bedroom is torn and dirty everywhere.

The rooms can’t be considered clean: dirty spots everywhere, which even when specifically asked to clean aren’t taken care of (our mirror was dirty for the whole stay).

I asked twice for flip flops in my size, wouldn’t get them. Only found out later that they charge for them and therefore probably reuse them. Would you want to wear shoes a number of other guests have used before you?

The sunbeds at the Copacabana are the dirtiest sunbeds and umbrellas you can think of. Towels are yellow from sunscreen of previous users and the state of the umbrellas is a sentiment for the hotel itself. Please look at the pictures.

Personell is not sufficiently trained, especially at reception, but the staff at the restaurant and at the rooftop bar is extremely nice. The breakfast is really good.

All in all the most...

This is my third or fourth visit to this hotel, and I've enjoyed it a lot. I'll offer the pros and cons (with the pros definitely outweighing the cons).||Pros:|1). People: The folks who work here are, without exception, outstanding. They know the name of every guest. They generally anticipate needs. All are kind and welcoming. I am terrible with names (better with faces if i had their org chart), but I tried to remember those who were particularly outstanding this trip: Andreeza (radiates warmth, always friendly at the restaurant and on the rooftop), Duarte (my main breakfast guy, knows my order by heart), Henry (bellman - helped me find the ATM, had my bags moved in an instant, and anticipates everything guests need before they know that they need it), Gabriel Silva (check in and checkout, great guy who is a veteran of this hotel), and Enzo (butler, great with recommendations and helpful during early checkin). There are many more, but these are standouts.|2. Breakfast: I love the breakfast at this hotel. Mix of Brazilian and "international" - great variety, great service, and generous portions and options.|3. Rooms: Very nice bedding and shower. Also rooms have AC units that are able to get very cold, which I prefer.|4. Rooftop pool: I spend a ton of time here. Great view, good ability to get a lounge chair, and great service. |5. Location: On copacabana beach, walkable to many things.||Cons:||1). Guest Policy: This is my largest complaint. This hotel STRICTLY adheres to one guest per person (or per room?). At one point, I had a few friends over in the early evening to have a pre dinner drink in my room, and it is not allowed. I understand any fine hotel does not want a "party" that would create noise or disturbance, but they're borderline tyrannical with policy. Outside of more repressed areas, i've never seen this kind of thing anywhere in the world. Guests should be admitted (with proper documentation) according to the wishes of the hotel guest. I'd like to see them change this, as it's draconian in my opinion.|2). Gym: It's nice enough, but extremely small. Hard to accommodate more than 3-4 people at at time.|3). Spa: Facilities are nice enough, but treatments are meh.|4). Upgrades: I generally book with a credit card that offers free upgrade but I've never received one at this hotel nor is it ever mentioned. I was told several times by staff during the stay that the hotel was "not very full this week" so this is a (admittedly unimportant in the big scheme of things) disappointment. A suite or an ocean view / balcony room would be nice.||I plan to return to Brazil 2-3 times per year going forward. I will happily stay at emiliano again. There are others I may try (e.g. Fasano) if the "cons" above persist; if those areas improve, I would likely make Emiliano the only hotel I'd choose in the future. Overall, it's a very pleasant...

This is my third or fourth visit to this hotel, and I've enjoyed it a lot. I'll offer the pros and cons (with the pros definitely outweighing the cons).||Pros:|1). People: The folks who work here are, without exception, outstanding. They know the name of every guest. They generally anticipate needs. All are kind and welcoming. I am terrible with names (better with faces if i had their org chart), but I tried to remember those who were particularly outstanding this trip: Andreeza (radiates warmth, always friendly at the restaurant and on the rooftop), Duarte (my main breakfast guy, knows my order by heart), Henry (bellman - helped me find the ATM, had my bags moved in an instant, and anticipates everything guests need before they know that they need it), Gabriel Silva (check in and checkout, great guy who is a veteran of this hotel), and Enzo (butler, great with recommendations and helpful during early checkin). There are many more, but these are standouts.|2. Breakfast: I love the breakfast at this hotel. Mix of Brazilian and "international" - great variety, great service, and generous portions and options.|3. Rooms: Very nice bedding and shower. Also rooms have AC units that are able to get very cold, which I prefer.|4. Rooftop pool: I spend a ton of time here. Great view, good ability to get a lounge chair, and great service. |5. Location: On copacabana beach, walkable to many things.||Cons:||1). Guest Policy: This is my largest complaint. This hotel STRICTLY adheres to one guest per person (or per room?). At one point, I had a few friends over in the early evening to have a pre dinner drink in my room, and it is not allowed. I understand any fine hotel does not want a "party" that would create noise or disturbance, but they're borderline tyrannical with policy. Outside of more repressed areas, i've never seen this kind of thing anywhere in the world. Guests should be admitted (with proper documentation) according to the wishes of the hotel guest. I'd like to see them change this, as it's draconian in my opinion.|2). Gym: It's nice enough, but extremely small. Hard to accommodate more than 3-4 people at at time.|3). Spa: Facilities are nice enough, but treatments are meh.|4). Upgrades: I generally book with a credit card that offers free upgrade but I've never received one at this hotel nor is it ever mentioned. I was told several times by staff during the stay that the hotel was "not very full this week" so this is a (admittedly unimportant in the big scheme of things) disappointment. A suite or an ocean view / balcony room would be nice.||I plan to return to Brazil 2-3 times per year going forward. I will happily stay at emiliano again. There are others I may try (e.g. Fasano) if the "cons" above persist; if those areas improve, I would likely make Emiliano the only hotel I'd choose in the future. Overall, it's a very pleasant...