“Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro” is a very daunting question to ask especially if you are visiting Brazil for the first time (trust me, I have been there)! The first thing I was concerned about was safety, followed by ease of access, cost and how close the hotel I would pick was to the best things to do in Brazil. Barra de Tijuaca is one of the popular tourist spots in Rio de Janeiro, and a lot of travelers tend to go there because of the Barra beach (Playa Barra), one of the best beaches to see in Brazil. So whether you are exploring Barra de Tijuaca or want a homebase that makes it easy to access popular tourist spots like the Christ the Redeemer Statue, or the Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio, I recommend the Radisson Barra hotel.

It is a great mid-range hotel, with a great staff and a good location without paying luxury beachfront prices. This is a great hotel for travelers on a budget who still want comfort, safety, and excellent service, and I will give you even more reasons why you should consider it in this article. But first… 

Location: Is Barra da Tijuca the Best Area to Stay in Rio de Janeiro?

When people ask about the best areas to stay in Rio de Janeiro, neighborhoods like Copacabana and Ipanema usually come up first. But Barra da Tijuca is an underrated gem especially for travelers looking for space, calm, and better value for money. When you are at Barra de Tijuaca, you can easily access Barra Beach, which is one of the top beaches to see and spend time in Brazil. The Radisson Barra is located in Barra da Tijuca, a modern, well-developed area with wide roads, shopping malls, and easy beach access. Because it’s not right in the heart of the tourist-heavy zones, it offers a quieter, more relaxed experience, which to me makes it a great option if you’re asking where to stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on a budget.

This location also works well if you’re balancing sightseeing with work, conferences, or longer stays. For my part, I traveled to Rio de Janeiro to attend the Black Travel Summit, a premiere conference that connects black travelers, black travel media and black tourism allies and companies with destinations that seek to amplify our core motto and attract more black travelers. So, traveling for a conference, it was fitting for me to stay at a hotel that offers peace, quiet, serenity and also happened to be steps away from one of the best beaches in Brazil ! (We are talking 15 minutes walking, 5 minutes driving).

Rooms & Comfort: Affordable Without Feeling Cheap

One of the biggest surprises at Radisson Barra for me was how comfortable and spacious the rooms feel for the price point. This is not a “budget hotel” in the traditional sense, I would qualify it as affordable without cutting corners.

The rooms are generally clean and modern, well-maintained, spacious by Rio standards and equipped with comfortable beds and work areas. The executive suite was my favorite because it provided ample space to move around, and I absolutely loved the decor, the set up, the view of the pool and the city, and the overall aesthetics. If you are traveling solo or with a partner and would like some quality time, I feel this room will give you the “upscale” and “cared for” feeling that no other room at the hotel would. And this is definitely a room I would book if I were to return to this hotel.

Breakfast at the Radisson Barra: A Highlight of My Stay

If breakfast matters to you (like it does to me), then the Radisson Barra is definitely where to stay in Rio de Janeiro: because the breakfast did not disappoint.

From the time I became a traveler, I have loved buffet breakfasts and believe me when I say this: I will rate hotels based on their buffet breakfast offerings! One thing I have found traveling to South America has been this: the buffet breakfast offerings are very varied, diverse and offer something to taste for every (or most?) palates. And whether I travel for business or leisure, I love to kick off my day with an amazing breakfast: a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, meats, dairy products and hot chocolate. At the Radisson Barra, I found the breakfast spread was generous, fresh, and varied. I loved being able to taste different  Brazilian staples, fruits, pastries and hot dishes. And once I found what I liked, I made sure to repeat those items for every single day of my stay. It’s the kind of breakfast that actually sets you up for a full day of exploring Rio, whether you’re heading to the beach or into the city.

So if “a great breakfast to start the day” is your thing when you travel, then I put the Radisson Barra on your list of best hotels in Rio de Janeiro. And yes, the breakfast was included in my room rate.

Service & Staff: Warm, Professional, and Helpful

One thing that truly elevates the experience at Radisson Barra is the staff. From check-in to daily interactions, the service is friendly, professional, and efficient. And whilst you can think that this is a given (or should be natural), it can be difficult especially in popular hotels, or the best hotels in Rio de Janeiro. At the Radisson Barra, I found my staff interaction with the check-in agent was very good, especially at peak time! And every single time I came back to ask for help/directions or recommendations, they were always courteous. I want to particularly highlight Roberto, who worked there as a concierge agent during my stay (and gave me a tour of the gym), and Ricardo? who ensured my check-in and gave me directions to the closest mall (3 mns away walking) where I could buy a brazil travel adaptor because yes, I had forgotten mine! But for your trip to Brazil, you can anticipate and get your international travel adaptor ahead of time!

Proximity to the Beach & City Access

I loved that the Radisson Barra was so close to the Barra beach, which made it easy for me to check off one item from my Rio de Janeiro bucket list! A lot of people who travel for business or work end up going back home without even exploring the country/city where they are. But if one of the top tourist attractions is steps away from your hotel, it takes away the hassle and makes it easier for you. Barra Beach is one of the best beaches to see in Rio de Janeiro. The area is also well-connected by major roads, making trips to downtown Rio and other neighborhoods manageable, especially if you’re using rideshare services like Uber. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for downtown access, while still enjoying beach proximity, this hotel strikes a good balance.

Final Verdict: Is Radisson Barra Worth It?

Yes it is, especially if you are looking for where to stay in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro on a budget, in one of the best areas to stay in Rio de Janeiro. I felt this was an affordable hotel (with different price points based on each budget) with great breakfast, reliable service, and easy beach access. It may not be the flashiest or most iconic beachfront hotel, but it delivers where it matters most: comfort, consistency, and value for money. For travelers who want a dependable stay without overspending, it earns its place among the best hotels in Rio de Janeiro for budget-minded visitors.