I arrived at 11am but unable to check in until 1pm, normally it’s 2pm. I had my luggage stored and went out for lunch. The hotel is just 2 blocks to Copacabana beach, so I did went there and had my lunch on the beach restaurant, there are multiple choices. I didn’t exchanged money in the airport, I did exchanged it 3 blocks from the hotel. Ask the front desk, they will give you directions for it. Last week it was $1 = 4.7 reals. At the airport it’s only $1=3 reals. I took uber from the airport so my stored credit card was used even the tip. They have taxis at the airport and everywhere in copacobana but I used uber, I feel safe using it. And the ride from the airport to hotel in copacobana was $11, 50 mins drive including traffic. And around copacobana it charges bet $2-4usd.
The hotel staff are good, welcomed me and my luggage (i was traveling solo) home for 4 nights. The hotel has great breakfast, many choices. They served from 0630am to 1030am. I just loved the brazilian flan! My room was 1101 on the eleventh floor, kinda quiet has ample space. Bathroom has bidet, feels at home using it. And water pressure is strong, there’s hot and cold water. There are many restaurants around the hotel ane there’s also a small grocery store to buy your water or sodas and snacks. When you get out of the hotel, take left and left and cross the street it will be there.
I booked my tours through expedia. And check the weather, it rains alot. Esp if you take the walking tour of the Favela.