I recently stayed at the Fairmont Rio for a week. Overall, it was a pleasant experience, but the hotel is showing its age. The entire property, including the rooms, feels extremely tired, as if it hasn’t been renovated or properly maintained in at least 20 years. Many details were worn or damaged: the basin had chipped edges, some facility signs were broken, and general wear-and-tear was noticeable throughout.
Worse, there seemed to be an issue in every room. My original room had an air conditioner that rattled nonstop, making it impossible to sleep properly for two nights. The staff were friendly and promptly moved me to another room, but in the new room, the shower drain didn’t work, leaving a pool of water after every use that only cleared when housekeeping came.
That said, the location is unbeatable. The hotel is surrounded by fantastic restaurants and plenty of breakfast spots. It’s also just a short stroll to both Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, making it ideal for exploring.
The hotel breakfast was disappointing - very basic for the price. You can find much better quality and variety outside at a fraction of the cost. On the plus side, the gym was well-equipped, with dumbbells up to 26kg, four 20kg plates, and a Smith machine, a great perk for fitness enthusiasts.