We stayed as a couple for 5 nights. We were not aware but there was a public holiday on the Thursday and there was a Lady Gaga concert on Saturday. As a result, we paid double the price for those nights. We paid an additional amount for breakfast however it had a good variety. |||Pros|The room had a big comfortable bed|There was a safe and minibar fridge in the room|The bathroom was spacious with a shower that always had hot water.|Fresh towels replaced daily. The cleaning service was excellent, our room was always neat and clean when we came back.|Convenient location|It was safe and short walk to the beach. |There is free luggage storage, a ticket is given to you when you leave your luggage.|The doorman or bell boy was always readily available to open our taxi or Uber car doors. We also had to take a Uber a street away from the hotel as the road closed for the concert, they offered to pull our bags to the next street, which was quite nice of them even when they really didn't have to. ||Cons|The hotel reception and restaurant are very small.|The restaurant is cramped.|The elevators are small with one of them being adequate to carry the baggage, however there was no wait for an elevator as there are 3 of them. |No kettle, tea or coffee in the room|No complimentary bottles of water in room|Employee shout-out:|Gabriella was very friendly and helpful. She answered our questions with as much information as possible. |When Gabriella was not there, we asked Victoria. Victoria was unhelpful and said she doesn't know when we asked questions. When we used a translator app to explain our questions, assuming it was a language barrier, she was still of no help. It seemed to us that she was not interested in assisting us. We ended up waiting for Gabriella the next day, and she answered the same questions with much detail.||Tips|We stayed in room 603, which had a partial view of the ocean. I would assume 703 would also have this view. I believe these maybe be the best rooms with an ocean view. |The hotel is a 5-minute walk to the beach. You can use the life guard tower 5 as a landmark.|There is a market about a 5-minute walk from the hotel which is open from 5pm. The souvenirs and t-shirts are affordable.|As you exit the hotel, turn right and right again, and you will find a supermarket. This is a two-minute walk. If you continue to walk down this street for about 10 minutes, you will find Domino's pizza.|At breakfast, you can ask for cappuccinos. They don't offer it unless you ask but it is included.|You can take hot water if needed from the restaurant where they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ask the reception before you go and get some.|The hotel one day tour in Rio (Christ the redeemer, Selaron Steps, sugar loaf, Samba Stadium, soccer stadium and buffet lunch) was the most affordable as compared to Viator and Get Your Guide. When the guide arrived, we noticed it was Pepe Rio tours.|We found all other tours that the hotel offered expensive, eg the Gingo show. |The hotel lends you towels for the beach, which can be collected at reception. At the beach, you can hire an umbrella for 20 Brazilian reals for the day. There are also chairs for hire.|Attached photo of the tour pamphlet from the beach walkway. I didn't use it, sharing as information.||Overall: based on its affordability on a normal day and convenient location, it is good value for money and I...
Read moreMy stay at the Windsor Martinique Hotel during Carnival week was a memorable experience, thanks to its excellent location, comfortable accommodations, and attentive staff. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism, setting the tone for a pleasant stay.
Check-In and First Impressions: Our check-in process was seamless, thanks to Vladimir at the front desk. He was kind, thorough, and highly professional, clearly understanding the importance of hospitality. His welcoming demeanor made us feel valued as guests right from the start. The hotel’s entrance is always staffed with friendly faces, not only to greet guests but also to ensure security, which added a sense of safety and comfort throughout our stay.
The Room: Our room was spacious, clean, and well-appointed. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a good night’s sleep after long days of exploring Rio. The bathroom was modern and tidy, and we appreciated the amenities like the in-room safe and small fridge. However, it would have been a nice touch to have a coffee maker or electric kettle in the room for heating water for tea or instant coffee, especially for those early mornings or late-night cravings.
Housekeeping: The housekeeping team deserves special recognition. Their attention to detail was impeccable, and they maintained the room spotlessly throughout our stay. These hardworking ladies truly went above and beyond to ensure our comfort.
Breakfast: Breakfast was offered daily at $17 USD per person. The variety was impressive, with options to satisfy any appetite, from fresh fruits and pastries to hot dishes and local specialties. However, the service in the restaurant could use some improvement. While the staff was polite, they often seemed preoccupied, and I found myself having to wave to get their attention for coffee or other requests. A bit more warmth and attentiveness would elevate the dining experience significantly.
Location: The hotel’s location is one of its strongest assets. It’s within walking distance to the famous Copacabana Beach, making it incredibly convenient for guests who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. The surrounding area is lively and generally safe, but as with any major city, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions.
Overall Experience: The Windsor Martinique Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient stay in Rio de Janeiro, particularly for travelers looking to explore Copacabana and its vibrant surroundings. The staff, for the most part, are kind and caring, and the hotel’s security measures provide peace of mind. While there are minor areas for improvement, such as the restaurant service and in-room amenities, these did not detract significantly from our overall positive experience.
I would happily recommend the Windsor Martinique to anyone visiting Rio, especially during festive seasons like Carnival, when the city’s energy is at its peak. It’s a solid choice for travelers seeking a blend of comfort, location, and genuine...
Read moreThe hotel messaged me prior to my stay asking what time I'd be arriving. I told them 7am, and they said that I could check in early if my room was available. Upon arriving (at 7am) they said my room was available but if I wanted to check in early I'd have to pay for another day. Knowing I had been awake for over 24 hours travelling and the fact it was raining heavily outside they knew they had me at a disadvantage. I paid it but was very disappointed by this mean spirited and money grabbing welcome. Especially since I am already spending a lot of money with them as I am staying for a week. You only get one chance to make a first impression and mine was not a good one. Good hotels will always let you check in early if the room is available as a goodwill gesture. What a shame this hotel shows no goodwill. What a shame this is my first impression to Rio, and Brazil.
Also, my room is dated, smells of something strange, has a tiny window with a view of a wall and air conditioning unit and the noise from not just my aircon, but everyone else's in neighbouring rooms is deafening. Also, when any of the neighbouring rooms has a shower it sounds like thunder in my room. A very noisy hotel over all - constant banging and scraping on the floors. The safe in my room was broke - it was locked shut. I didn't have my room made up for a week because I didn't have anywhere secure for my valuables. If i hadn't already paid upfront I'd leave.
I'm only giving it 2 stars because of the proximity to the beach, the shower was hot and I found some nice cafes nearby. The rooftop pool is a nice area to chill out too. I didn't feel welcome at this hotel though - none of the staff ever...
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