Ipanema Inn

Ipanema Inn, a Michelin Key Selected property in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, generally receives high praise for its exceptional location, friendly staff, and vibrant atmosphere. This family-owned hotel offers a stylish and comfortable stay, reflecting Brazilian modernism in its design.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Ipanema Inn is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it highly for its location and staff. Review scores often place it in the "Excellent" category, with specific ratings around 8.9 overall, 9.6 for location, and 9.4 for staff and service. The hotel is considered a strong choice for those seeking a stylish, midrange option in Ipanema.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the Ipanema Inn for several outstanding features. Its "perfect location" just meters from Ipanema Beach is a major draw. The "amazing" and "super friendly" staff frequently receive accolades for their helpfulness and warmth. The complimentary breakfast is also a significant highlight. Thoughtful amenities such as beach towel service, free use of beach chairs and umbrellas, and complimentary bicycle rentals are greatly appreciated, allowing guests to fully enjoy the beach and surrounding areas. The hotel's interior design, renovated by architect Bel Lobo, pays tribute to Brazilian modernism with pieces from designers like Sergio Rodrigues, contributing to an elegant and breezy ambiance.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at Ipanema Inn are described as comfortable, modern, and clean. Standard amenities include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, minibars, laptop-compatible safes, and complimentary wired and wireless internet access. Bathrooms are modern and clean, often featuring showers, free toiletries, bathrobes, and hair dryers. While generally comfortable, some guests note that standard rooms can be on the smaller side, sometimes described as "smallish" or "tiny and narrow," which can be a consideration for those with large luggage. Some rooms are also noted to have sound-insulated walls.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's breakfast receives rave reviews, frequently described as "amazing," "superb," "lovely," and "really tasty with plenty of options." It is often a highlight of guests' stays. Served daily, it includes fresh cakes, natural juices, and croissants, with options like a "Quitéria breakfast" and a vegan breakfast. The on-site restaurant, Quitéria, which shares its entrance with the hotel, offers contemporary Brazilian cuisine, making inventive use of classic flavors in a space adorned with modern art. It is also known for serving brunch until 2 PM on weekends and providing a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Ipanema Inn are consistently lauded as a standout feature. Guests describe them as "absolutely amazing," "incredibly helpful and nice," "super friendly," "attentive," and "professional." The check-in staff, in particular, are noted for their helpfulness. There are accounts of staff going above and beyond, such as providing exceptional assistance during medical issues. Multi-lingual staff are available to ensure a seamless stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Ipanema Inn boasts an "unbeatable" and "perfect" location in the heart of Ipanema. It is situated just one street back from Ipanema Beach, a mere "few meters" or a "short 2-minute walk" away. The hotel is nestled in a vibrant area, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, bars, upmarket shops, and various cultural attractions. Accessibility is further enhanced by its proximity to the Nossa Senhora da Paz Train Station, which is only about 591 feet away. The location is considered safe and provides easy access to explore both Ipanema and nearby areas like Leblon Beach.

7. Value & Pricing

Ipanema Inn is generally considered a "good value" and a strong "midrange option" in Ipanema. Prices for a 1-night stay for two adults can range from approximately $186.50 to $274.72, depending on the season and booking time. Given its prime location, stylish design, and excellent service, many guests find it to be well worth the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms exist. The most frequent complaint concerns noise, particularly due to ongoing construction in neighboring buildings, which can make it difficult to open windows during the day. Some guests have also found the standard rooms to be quite small or "tiny and narrow," impacting space for luggage. Although some rooms are advertised as soundproofed, a few guests have noted that external noise, including construction or sounds from other rooms, can still be an issue. Another minor complaint mentioned was that the air conditioning in the dining area/entrance could be excessively cold.

Sources

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13. ipanemainn.com.br