Gamboa Rio Hotel

To be honest, I was a little scared about staying at this hotel after reading some reviews. I pictured a lone hotel on some abandoned street. The truth is that the street is really ugly, but just a block away is a major industry where white collar workers in ties and some in suits walk morning and night. Another block away is a fresh fruit market where they sell the greatest fruit at really low prices. The room I had was SUPER quiet, and the maids cleaned it every single day. Hot water, crisp clean sheets, spotless towels, a really great breakfast (the best I have had in Brazil), the cook fills all the ham and cheese even up to the last minute, fresh fruit, great coffee, rolls, eggs, etc... free internet near the front desk, great desk helpers, especially Selma who knew so many things!) And being so close to the metro you can go to so many places. My friend and I walked about 7 minutes to the Kandinsky art exhibition at the Centro Cultural Banco du Brazil! I had arrived from Sao Paulo, and was at the main Rio bus station, had the address to the hotel, and after a short ride from the bus found out that it is just around the corner from Metro Presidente Vargas! The next day I walked down one of the streets about 3 blocks and was at the same bus station!! I could have just walked. Well, to get to the hotel find the Metro Presidente Vargas. You will see one of the stops in the middle of the huge busy street. Go underground, and walk to the place where they sell tickets. Exit that stop, and then you will be on another street that is behind some buildings, and runs parallel to Ave. Vargas. Walk 2 blocks to the right and you will find the street Rue Alexandre Mackenzie. Walk straight, past the shops, little restaurants, and the different company entrances, and then you will see it!