How nice are the hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires?

Question

I want to order a vacation package for those two cities, but am afraid that the cheapest hotel/flight option might find me in a really crappy hotel. In my experience, 2 star hotels in Europe are fine to stay in, but I am not so sure about South America. Do I have to shell out major money and stay in a 4 star hotel? Does anyone know?

Answer 1

They are pretty nice.

Answer 2

Personally I would go for a 3 star hotel at least (to be safe) and depending on the neighbourhood. In Buenos Aires I would opt for Recoleta or Palermo and as a last resort go to downtown. In Rio I would go to Ipanema, even if it was a 2 star hotel. I wouldn't go to Copacabana even if it was a 5 star hotel, that neighbourhood is quite rough.

My best web site to check hotels is www.tripadvisor.com where you have reviews of the hotels but also pictures taken by travelers.Once you order your vacation package, ask the travel agent to offer you two hotel choices at least (a 2 and a 3 star hotel) and do a little research.

From my experience, a 2 star hotel in Europe is the equivalent of a 3 star hotel in South America. Not all 2 star or 3 star hotels in Europe have a private bathroom, in South America they do.

Answer 3

It's standardized. The star system is internationally standadized, isn't it?

Answer 4

I think 2 star hotels in Brazil in Argentina are much better quality than Europe.  You should post your hotel options here (or Thorntree at Lonelyplanet) and get advice before you select.  Most people who have lived in Rio or Buenos Aires will know just from looking at the neighborhood or picture what the lowdown is on it.  there are a lot of hotels in BA, but I can tell based on the address and photo if it is any good or not.