Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Check In
Check Out
1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
Info
Summary of reviewsPlaza Rio Residences - Barra First consistently receives high praise for its prime location and comprehensive facilities, making it an outstanding choice for both leisure and business travelers. Situated in a tranquil yet accessible neighborhood in Barra da Tijuca, the hotel offers easy access to amenities such as markets, bakeries, restaurants, bars and shopping malls, including Barra Shopping. The nearby public transportation options, including a bus stop right outside the hotel, further enhance mobility. Guests particularly enjoy the ease of access to the beach via a lagoon ferry and the peaceful, safe surroundings.
The hotel itself is well-equipped with facilities like a pool, gym and free parking. It also offers large, comfortable rooms that are clean and well-maintained, featuring balconies with beautiful views. The cleanliness and service are often highlighted with the housekeeping staff recognized for maintaining a high standard of cleanliness. Although some minor maintenance issues have been reported, the spaciousness and comfort of the rooms generally leave a positive impression on guests.
Breakfast at Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First receives mixed reviews. While many guests describe it as complete, delicious and offering a great variety, others feel it lacks freshness and variety. Despite these concerns, many still find it satisfactory and worth the additional cost. Dinner experiences are similarly mixed with positive remarks about the food quality and presentation but criticisms regarding portion sizes and value. Nevertheless, the dining atmosphere is often commended for the friendly and attentive staff.
The hotel's staff are frequently praised for their exceptional service. Reception, housekeeping and restaurant staff are noted for their attentiveness, friendliness and professionalism, greatly enhancing the overall guest experience. While there are occasional reports of less-than-friendly interactions, the majority of reviews reflect a highly favorable sentiment towards the staff.
Free Wi-Fi at the hotel garners mixed feedback with many guests finding it reliable, while others report issues with connectivity. The gym facilities, however, are highly praised for being well-equipped and spacious, adding to the positive fitness experience. Similarly, the pool area receives excellent reviews for its beautiful design, cleanliness and ambiance, particularly at night.
Family travelers find Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First to be a particularly suitable option, thanks to the spacious, well-equipped rooms and the calm, inviting atmosphere. The hotel's leisure facilities, including the pool, enhance the family-friendly experience, making it a great choice for those traveling with children.
Overall, Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First is widely recommended for its strategic location, comprehensive facilities and excellent service, providing good value and a pleasant stay for guests seeking a relaxing and convenient option in Barra da Tijuca. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Located in Barra da Tijuca, this hotel is approximately 1.01 km from the Olympic Golf Course, offering convenient access for golfers. It provides comfortable accommodations in a well-connected area.
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Hotel with Gym
4-Star Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Superior Double RoomThis bright air-conditioned room features a TV with cable, minibar and a chair. The private bathroom features a shower.
Superior Twin RoomThis air-conditioned twin room is comprised of a TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony with lake views. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First boasts a prime location that consistently pleases guests, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and business travelers. Situated in a quiet yet convenient neighborhood, the hotel offers easy access to a variety of amenities such as markets, bakeries, restaurants, bars and shopping malls, including the renowned Barra Shopping. The proximity to public transportation, including a bus stop right outside the hotel, enhances mobility around the area.
Guests appreciate the hotel's strategic position within Barra da Tijuca, making it a great base for exploring nearby attractions. The ease of access to the beach via a lagoon ferry is a particular highlight, allowing visitors to enjoy the coastline without the hassle of driving. The surrounding area is described as peaceful, safe and perfect for escaping the city's hustle and bustle.
For those attending events or conferences, the hotel's proximity to event venues is highly convenient. Guests attending weddings or other local functions find the location advantageous. Moreover, the nearby malls, such as Rio Design and Vogue Square, provide a wide range of dining and shopping options, adding to the location's appeal.
The hotel itself is not only well-placed but also offers comprehensive facilities, including a pool, gym and free parking. The large, comfortable rooms and friendly staff contribute further to the positive guest experience. Cleanliness and service are frequently praised with many guests noting the excellent cost-benefit ratio.
However, it should be noted that the location might not be ideal for all tourists, particularly those looking to explore areas beyond Barra da Tijuca. Despite this, the majority of reviews highlight the exceptional and advantageous location, making Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First a well-recommended hotel for its convenience, amenities and overall value.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First has received a mix of reviews from guests. Many praise the breakfast, describing it as complete, very good, wonderful, delicious and offering great variety. Highlights include the good quality of the food and efficient service with some labeling it as a "top" or "superb" breakfast. Guests appreciate the tasty offerings and the pleasant dining experience.
However, there are also several criticisms. Some guests feel the breakfast is lacking in variety and not up to the standard expected given the price of the stay. Issues such as stale bread, poor quality coffee and limited options, particularly for whole grain products and fresh items, have been mentioned multiple times. Some also noted the presence of small flies around the breakfast area and a lack of cleanliness.
There are varied opinions on whether the breakfast was worth the additional cost, especially since it is often not included in the daily rate. While some find it a good cost-benefit, others feel it could be significantly improved with fresher products and better service to match the hotel's level. Overall, while many guests find the breakfast satisfactory, there is a notable desire for enhancements in quality and variety.
Dinner
Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First's dinner experience has garnered mixed feedback from guests. Many praise the food for its delicious taste and commend the presentation of the dishes, suggesting that dining at the hotel restaurant can be quite enjoyable. The restaurant is generally open for dinner and offers a la carte options that some guests have found very appealing. Additionally, the staff has been consistently noted for their friendliness and positive attitude, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere.
However, there are significant criticisms as well. Some guests found the portion sizes to be small, comparable to a Kids' meal and the overall value not worth the price. The quality of the restaurant appears to have declined over time with reports of mediocre food and unclean conditions. Instances of poor room service and undelivered orders have been cited and some guests felt compelled to dine elsewhere due to their dissatisfaction.
Breakfast at the hotel has also been a point of contention. While some enjoyed the offerings, others felt that the quality was inconsistent with certain items not appearing fresh and a lack of variety on different days. Additionally, the absence of a bar or restaurant at the poolside for snacks and beverages is noted as a drawback.
Despite these issues, when the food and service meet expectations, Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First can provide a delightful dining experience. However, guests might want to keep alternative dining options in mind should the need arise.
Rooms
Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First offers rooms that consistently impress with their significant spaciousness and comfort. Guests often highlight the large size of the rooms, describing them as huge, well-ventilated and bright with plenty of space for a comfortable stay. The rooms also feature balconies, offering beautiful views and an airy feel, which adds to the overall attractiveness of the accommodations.
Cleanliness is generally well-maintained with many guests noting that their rooms were very clean and organized and they appreciated the modern, minimalistic aesthetic of some of the rooms. Comfortable beds and good showers are frequently mentioned, enhancing the overall guest experience. Room service has been praised for its quality and efficiency, adding to the value of the stay.
However, the rooms do show signs of age with some guests mentioning outdated furniture, small TVs with limited channels and minimal outlets. Issues such as peeling wallpaper, mold in the bathrooms and occasional plumbing problems like leaking floors and water damage have been noted. Maintenance could be improved, as guests reported worn-out curtains, musty smells and poorly maintained furniture and fixtures. The cleaning service could also be more consistent with some guests noting that their rooms were not cleaned daily and towels and bedsheets were not changed regularly.
Despite these issues, the overall perception of the rooms tends to be positive, particularly due to their spaciousness and comfort. Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First's large and comfortable rooms, featuring modern amenities and beautiful views, provide a good value for those seeking ample space and a pleasant stay, although some aspects could benefit from updates and more consistent maintenance.
Beds
At Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First, guests frequently praised the comfort of the beds, describing them as comfortable, spacious and cozy. Many specifically highlighted the beds as a pleasure to sleep in with some reviewers referring to them as great or excellent. The availability of extra pillows and blankets was also appreciated, contributing to an overall comfortable atmosphere.
However, there were some criticisms. A number of guests pointed out issues with bed arrangements, noting instances where a double bed reservation resulted in two single beds pushed together, which was uncomfortable for some. Others mentioned that the beds were either too small, moved when occupants moved or were too soft. Maintenance issues such as mold and water leakage in rooms were also reported. Bedding sometimes appeared old and used, detracting from the cleanliness experience.
On the plus side, large rooms were noted to add extra comfort and some beds came with beautiful sheets or spacious layouts. Despite a few reports of subpar bed conditions and room infrastructure needing attention, the overall sentiment from guests indicated a generally high level of bed comfort at Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First.
Cleanliness
Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First receives mixed feedback regarding its cleanliness. The standout positive remarks emphasize that many guests find the cleanliness impeccable, noting that rooms are very clean, spacious and organized. Bedding is often described as worn but clean and smelling good and facilities such as pools also receive high marks for cleanliness.
However, issues do arise in specific areas. Some guests report dust balls behind furniture, deteriorated fittings such as doors, paintings and cabinets and occasional musty smells in rooms and corridors. Bathrooms receive some critical comments with reports of them being filthy and lacking hair conditioner. The maintenance of common areas like corridors and elevators is highlighted as needing improvement and certain facilities like the sauna and breakfast area are criticized for poor hygiene.
Specific incidents, such as the need to request room cleaning and encountering uncleaned rooms post request, point to inconsistencies in service. Mechanical issues, like leakage in the bedroom and the presence of dust, add to the concerns raised by some visitors.
Overall, while many guests enjoy and commend the cleanliness organization and functionality of their private rooms, the hotel's management appears to need more consistent upkeep and thorough cleaning practices to ensure a uniformly positive experience.
Staff
At Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First, guests consistently praise the hotel's staff for their exceptional service. Visitors frequently highlight specific employees by name, such as Augusto, Alex and Priscila, for their outstanding attentiveness and friendliness. The reception team, in particular, receives commendation for being welcoming and polite, ensuring guests feel well-received upon arrival.
Throughout their stay, guests note that the staff remains consistently helpful and professional. Employees in various roles, including housekeeping and restaurant staff, are recognized for their politeness and eagerness to assist. The positive demeanor of the employees, always smiling and communicative, contributes to a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere.
However, while many reviews lauded the staff's friendliness and efficiency, there were occasional criticisms regarding the friendliness and professionalism of some personnel, particularly within the reception and security teams. Some guests reported issues such as unhelpful or rude staff members and a lack of commitment from certain employees.
Despite these isolated concerns, the general sentiment towards the staff at Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First remains highly favorable. The consistent kindness, competence and helpful attitudes of most employees significantly enhance the guest experience, making the hotel a recommended choice for travelers seeking attentive and friendly service.
Wi-Fi
Guests' reviews on the Wi-Fi at Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First reveal a mix of experiences. Many have found that the internet functions without problems with some noting that the Wi-Fi works perfectly and well. Specifically, guests appreciated that the internet connection is reliable, unlike in many other hotels. However, there are contrasting opinions indicating that the Wi-Fi can be unstable, limited or poor in certain areas. Some guests even faced trouble with connectivity in their rooms. Despite these issues, there are positive mentions of good and great Wi-Fi from satisfied visitors.
Gym
Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First boasts impressive gym facilities that have garnered positive feedback from guests. The gym is frequently praised for being well-equipped and offering a wide range of equipment. Guests appreciate the completeness and size of the gym, describing it as excellent and wonderful. Additionally, the hotel features a partnership with the gym, granting guests easy access to its amenities. Alongside the gym, the hotel's pool and overall fitness structure also receive commendations, adding to the comprehensive fitness experience available to guests.
Pool
The pool at Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First has garnered a wealth of positive feedback from its guests. Described frequently as excellent and very good, the pool area is praised for its beauty and well-maintained condition. Many guests enjoyed the pool service and noted the cleanliness of the facilities. The pool itself is highlighted for being large and unique, featuring a current that creates a pleasant walking experience around a central island.
The illuminated pool at night adds to the ambiance and charm, making it a particularly lovely spot for evening relaxation. Guests laud the leisure facilities available, including the gym, although some mentioned they didn’t use them due to time constraints.
While the pool is generally praised for its size and design, a few guests felt it was a bit small or distant from their accommodations. However, the overall consensus remains highly favorable with repeated mentions of the pool being fantastic, amazing and wonderful—a great place to rest and unwind.
Parking
Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First offers complimentary parking, a notable perk for guests traveling by car. While many guests appreciate the convenience and safety of the parking facilities, some have identified areas for improvement. The spaciousness and security of the parking lot are praised, although it's mentioned that the lot can fill up quickly, occasionally forcing guests to park on the street. The visibility and signage for the hotel’s car entrance could be better marked, as some have nearly missed it. Additionally, the designated parking spaces for the elderly and disabled are sometimes not respected. Overall, the parking experience is generally positive with ample free parking spaces contributing to its convenience and reliability.
Family
Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First is particularly noted for its family-friendly environment, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with children. Many reviews highlight the spacious and well-equipped rooms that cater comfortably to families, including the availability of almost connected rooms that provide added convenience. The atmosphere is described as calm and inviting, set within a quiet condominium.
Parents and their children can enjoy various leisure options, such as access to a pool, contributing to a great family atmosphere. The staff is often praised for being kind and accommodating, enhancing the overall experience for families. Additionally, the hotel’s location is considered excellent with facilities and services that include family-friendly entertainment options.
While there are a few mentions of inconveniences, like parking concerns and the layout of the hotel, the overall sentiment is that Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First is a decent and pleasant place for families to stay.
4 Star
Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First is frequently recognized for its excellent cost benefit with many guests highlighting its four-star rating and suggesting that it comes close to five-star quality. The hotel provides comfortable accommodations that meet the expectations of a four-star establishment, featuring room sizes and amenities that guests find quite satisfactory. Flexible checkout times are a notable perk, uncommon for this category of hotel. While some reviews suggest that the hotel's facilities and professional services may be limited in certain aspects, the overall sentiment recommends the hotel for its value and service, which are consistent with a good four-star experience.
Business
Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First is highly regarded for its business-focused facilities and services, making it a convenient choice for professional travelers. Guests have highlighted the hotel's event rooms and office spaces, noting that they are suitable for formal conferences and business meetings. The good Wi-Fi connection allows for uninterrupted work, which is crucial for business activities.
While the hotel can get busy during conferences, the general atmosphere remains professional and accommodating. The staff are often described as polite and friendly, contributing to a positive experience. The suites offer a relaxing environment after a long day's work and the common spaces in the rooms are functional for business needs.
However, there are areas for improvement. Some guests mentioned that the team could benefit from better training to meet guests' needs more effectively and there is a noted lack of offers for excursions, which might be a minor drawback for those looking to mix business with leisure.
Overall, Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First is well-suited for business trips, combining good structure and essential business services to support a productive stay.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool at Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First consistently impresses guests with its beauty and size. Visitors highlight the pool as a beautiful and excellent feature of the hotel, often describing it as wonderful, clean and well-maintained. The pool's structure is noted for being nice and providing a good place to relax with many appreciating its ample space.
Beyond its aesthetics, the pool area offers added benefits such as access to gym facilities for an additional fee. Though some mention needing to only stay partially during their visit, the convenience of the ferry service directly to Barra Beach adds to the appeal of the location. Overall, the combination of the large, well-kept pool and easy beach access makes Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First a favorable destination for travelers looking to enjoy pleasant temperatures and an inviting outdoor environment.
Dog Friendly
Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First caters to guests traveling with dogs, offering a generally pet-friendly atmosphere. Guests appreciate that the hotel is accommodating to pets, making the check-in process seamless for those with animals. The policy allows for pets, provided that dog vaccination documentation is submitted. However, some guests feel that the hotel is not fully pet-friendly, which has occasionally impacted their travel plans with dogs. Additionally, there is a mention of a high nightly fee for dogs. Despite some hindrances, the overall pet-friendly attitude of the hotel is noted positively, even accommodating a cat in at least one instance.
Yes, Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First.
Yes, Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First.
Yes, Plaza Rio Residences - Barra First has a gym.