noplasticshowers

The Janeiro Hotel in Rio is one of the best hotels in the city.  Directly on (well, across the street from) the Leblon beach, the Janeiro is beautifully located to walk to Ipanema (that is, if you even feel like leaving Leblon).  The beach is typical Rio, less crowded in the early morning and then a mob scene from 11am on.

We were on the 8th floor in the suite (maybe 851).  The idea was this:  Our friends D&C were getting married on the 6th, so we decided to head down early for NYE in Rio and some time on the beach.  It was a great plan.

Dave points out that the wedding is that way.

The trip to Rio is long (18 hours for us over two flights, the longest one being almost 11 hours). We reserved our room the night before arrival for easy check in. Car service from the airport was provided by the hotel.

The hotel itself is modern, clean, and well-designed.  Our shower was top notch (built into the room with two showerheads, lots of room, and a view of the beach).

Non-traditional layout avoids the hamster-cage problem with panache.

We were greeted with a personal note and a NYE welcome kit, including some great stuff from local designer Osklen and a bottle of Mumms.

The staff at the hotel is highly professional and world-class without being stuffy or stuck up. And the hotel itself is an easy place to hang out. So we did.

Our haunt at the top of the hotel included a great bar with yummy snacks.

Christ the redeemer was obscured by clouds. Fitting.

Of course we had a bazillion caipirinhas while in Brazil.

Breakfast was available in the room…

Or in the dining room on the second floor…

The (tiny but nice) pool was also at the top of the hotel.

We had ramen in town at Pabu Izakaya and an excellent dinner at Teva (a vegan restaurant).  Don’t get pizza from Fratelli (you have been warned).

On NYE we visited the happy couple and met some of the crazy Australians in Ipanema.  NYE Dinner at the Janeiro (a special occasion) was only so-so.  This was kind of a surprise given the high quality of the hotel’s food otherwise.  Cooking for a large crowd is a thing.  We skipped the big party in our zombie-jet-lagged state and watched the fireworks from our picture windows.  It was a nice evening.

BTW, Brazilians wear white on NYE. We had no idea. Next time we’ll be better prepared.

The holy trinity: espresso, fernet branca, and the Redeemer on the mountain.

And yes, lots of time at the beach.  Alto risco!

Our New Year’s Day Blade Runner tradition was upheld with a bottle of champagne.

We did some shopping while in Leblon, picking up some great clothing at Osklen and some special wedding shoes.

All in all our first few days in Rio were outstanding. We had some fun with our friends, spent some quality time on the beach, and decompressed by the pool during the New Years festivities.  We even upheld the Blade Runner tradition.

Five showerheads and a tip of the NYE hat to the Janeiro.