Rivello Apart Hotel Brazil: Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Rivello Apart Hotel Brazil: My Dream Vacation… Possibly? (A Brutally Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to spill the beans on Rivello Apart Hotel in Brazil. "Your Dream Vacation Awaits!" they scream. Well, let's see if dreams and reality actually, you know, mesh. I'm talking honest, messy, and hopefully, helpful. Consider this your travel buddy's ramblings, not some sterile travel brochure.
First Impressions & the Accessibility Fiasco (Let's Get Real, People!)
The website promised the world. Wheelchair accessible rooms? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Check. Elevator? Check. Okay, good start…but hold on a second. Finding the actual accessible entrance was its own adventure. Let's just say, the "Accessible" signage was more of a suggestion than a clear directive. There was a moment of sheer panic—me, sweating, trying to figure out which ramp was actually, you know, usable for my travel companion's wheelchair. Finally, we found a little side door. Victory! (But seriously, Rivello, tighten up the signage, please. It's 2024!)
Once inside, the elevator worked like a dream. But the hallways…well, they felt a bit cramped. Not ideal for maneuvering a wheelchair. But hey, at least it was possible, not always the case here.
Rooms: Clean, But…Meh.
The room itself? Clean. Spotlessly clean. Let's give them that. Daily housekeeping – another win! The air conditioning blasted like a blizzard on a tropical beach, which was actually a godsend. Plus, the internet? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, thank goodness! The actual internet? Pretty darn good. I could even get some work done (though the temptation to ditch the laptop and hit the beach was strong).
The decor? Let's just say it was…functional. Not exactly the stuff Instagram dreams are made of. The bed was comfortable enough, though my partner, who's a stickler for a good mattress, found it just okay. We had a mini-bar, but honestly? I just wanted the free bottled water (which, thankfully, was supplied). Slippers and bathrobes were a nice touch, I'll give them that, however, it's 2024, and it's about time that these nice touches are provided to guests.
Minor gripes, but important to mention
- The blackout curtains were AWESOME. Slept like a baby.
- Soundproofing? Not so much. We could hear the lively chatter from the outside.
- The "complimentary tea" was more of a suggestion. Bring your own good stuff.
Food, Glorious Food… and the Occasional Hiccup!
Okay, let's talk food. Rivello throws a LOT at you here, and I'm all about it!
Breakfast: Buffet! Huge! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it, they probably had it. Plus coffee! And a coffee shop. I'd make it a point to visit every morning to be sure. The pastries felt a little stale one day, but overall, breakfast was a win. The buffet set-up felt safe, they had sanitizing stations all around, and the staff were on top of things.
Restaurants: They have a few, including a Vegetarian Restaurant! Yay! We ate at the A La Carte once. Good Italian and Western food. The Asian cuisine was good too. Both restaurants had great choices that the hotel was offering.
Other options: They have a poolside bar and a snack bar. Both are convenient. They had a bottle of water and other goodies, including desserts!!
Room service?: Available 24/7. Score! A lifesaver after a long day of exploring. Ordered a pizza one night – it wasn't the best pizza I've ever had, but hey, it hit the spot.
Things to Do? Oh, You Betcha! (And Some Misses)
Okay, let's cut to the chase: the pool. The Swimmimg Pool [Outdoor] was gorgeous! Pool with view. The sauna and spa was also really good.
- Fitness center: It was there. Didn't use it. Travel is about being lazy, right?
- Spa/sauna: They had a steamroom. Not the most luxurious spa I've ever encountered, but certainly passable for a relaxing afternoon.
- Things to do: They have a gift shop, which is fine.
Safety and Sanitization: A Sigh of Relief (Mostly)
Rivello gets serious points here. They were definitely up on their cleanliness game.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. Everyone wore masks, and hand sanitizer was everywhere.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? Nice touch.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Mostly observed.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Why?"
Rivello offers a ton.
Facilities for disabled guests: Check. Though, as previously mentioned, improved signage would be helpful.
Concierge: Super helpful.
Daily housekeeping: Brilliant. I hate making my own bed on vacation.
Cash withdrawal: Essential.
Currency Exchange: Handy.
Laundry service and dry cleaning: Useful for longer stays.
Car park [free of charge]. A massive perk in a busy city!
Business facilities: They have Meeting/banquet facilities, and a business center with print, fax, and photocopy options.
The "Why?" moments: I'm still trying to figure out the shrine (Shrine??). And the idea of a proposal spot is…odd.
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
- Airport transfer: Yes! Use it! It's a godsend after a long flight.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
- Car park [on-site]: Huge bonus, especially in a city.
- Valet parking: Yes. For the lazy ones, like me.
The Verdict: Worth It? (Maybe)
Look, Rivello isn't perfect. The accessibility situation needs improvement. The decor won't blow your mind. But honestly? It's a solid choice. Clean rooms, good food, a pool that will make your Instagram followers weep with envy, and a staff that, mostly, understands how to cater to all needs.
My advice?
- Be upfront about your accessibility needs. Contact the hotel in advance to confirm the accessibility of the rooms.
- Pack good insect repellent.
- Enjoy the pool! Dive in. You deserve it.
SEO & Metadata (Because, Why Not?)
- Keywords: Rivello Apart Hotel Brazil, dream vacation, accessible hotel, Brazil hotel, South America travel, pool with a view, spa, fitness center, wheelchair accessible, free Wi-Fi, Brazilian food, breakfast buffet, 24-hour room service, clean hotel, family-friendly hotel, city break Brazil.
- Meta Description: Honest review of Rivello Apart Hotel Brazil! Find out if this is truly your dream vacation. Accessibility, food, safety, and more!
- Title Tag: Rivello Apart Hotel Brazil: Your Dream Vacation? (Honest Review!)
- Focus on: honest review, accessibility, facilities, pool, food, location, South America, Brazil
Bottom line? I'd recommend Rivello. It's a good base camp for exploring the area. Just go in with realistic expectations, and embrace the messiness of travel!
Escape to Paradise: Pousada Margareth, Brazil Awaits!Rivello Rhapsody: A Brazilian Breakdown (and Breakdown In Brazil!)
Okay, people, buckle up. This isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is real life, Brazilian style, at the Rivello Apart Hotel. And let's just say my expectations and reality are already doing a samba that’s making my head spin.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Airport Cafeteria Coffee – It’s Always the Coffee, Isn't It?
- 10:00 AM (ish): Landed in Rio. Glorious, right? Wrong. Delayed flight. Luggage MIA (still haven’t found it, by the way – send prayers and/or contact lens solution!). Honestly, the airport was a chaotic, sweaty jungle of lost souls. Felt instantly like I was in a film, and I was the slightly overwhelmed, hopelessly lost protagonist.
- 11:30 AM: Found a guy (who may or may not have been a smuggler, let’s be honest) who spoke enough broken English to help me with a taxi. Negotiating the fare felt like a game of high-stakes poker. I think I won. Maybe.
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Rivello Apart Hotel, breathless and sweating. The receptionist was lovely, though. Gave me the key to my "apartment" – which is, let’s be clear, a slightly-more-than-a-hotel room but still a tiny, charming-ly cluttered box.
- 1:30 PM: Found the coffee machine in the room. Victory! Until I tried to make a coffee and burned myself just like that.
- 2:00 PM: Shower. Finally. And oh, the water pressure! Like a tiny, angry gnat trying to wash me. But hey, it's Brazilian, right? Embrace the chaos!
- 3:00 PM: Wandered around the neighbourhood, searching for a shop to find new clothes as my luggage with mine has not arrived, oh my God. The streets are alive, overflowing with life, sounds, and the scent of something frying delicious. But I’m still in the “freaked out tourist” stage, clinging to my phone like a lifeline to the internet.
- 4:00 PM: Found a tiny cafe and had what was supposed to be an espresso. I'm pretty sure they mixed the coffee with espresso, and that's it. I think I just had a bit of everything, and oh, the sugar! I'm buzzing, but it tastes like heaven.
- 5:30 PM: Checked on my luggage to see if it's arrived. No luck. Cue the internal existential crisis (and a second, possibly unnecessary, espresso).
- 7:00 PM: Attempted to eat at a small, local restaurant that looked fantastic. The guy was probably making fun of me the whole time. I was convinced something I ate had a bit of chili, which made my lips burn like hell.
- 9:00 PM: Fell asleep. The best part of the day.
Day 2: Christ the Redeemer and the Existential Dread of Public Transport – and the Best Sandwich I’ve Ever Eaten
- 7:00 AM: Woke up early, filled with a sense of manic energy. I, for some reason, decided to be proactive and go to see Christ the Redeemer.
- 8:00 AM: The train to Corcovado was packed, sweaty, and felt like being crammed into a sardine can. I swear, I made eye contact with a guy who looked like he’d wrestled a bear yesterday. He probably had.
- 9:00 AM: Arrived at Christ the Redeemer. Mind. Blown. The sheer scale! The view! Even with the crowd, it was awe-inspiring. For about five minutes. Then the selfie sticks started, and I was plunged back into the reality of the over-touristed world.
- 10:00 AM: Managed to escape the selfie stick mayhem and found a quiet spot to just… breathe. The view of Rio was incredible. Okay, maybe this whole trip thing wasn’t a colossal mistake after all.
- 11:00 AM: The walk down from Christ the Redeemer was intense. The heat was, like, a living, breathing thing. I felt like a melting ice cream.
- 12:00 PM: Found a small, hidden sandwich shop on the way back to the hotel. And this, my friends, is where the magic happened. The best sandwich I’ve ever eaten. Freshly baked bread, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and something green & delicious i don't even know what it was. I could have cried with joy. I actually teared up. The simple pleasures, right?
- 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel, utterly exhausted after the "emotional" sandwich experience (the heat got to me).
- 2:00 PM: Another shower. This time the water pressure was even lower.
- 3:00 PM - 5:30 AM: I decided not to go out. I decided to stay in the room and rest.
- 5:30 PM: Found a place for dinner, and I ate everything there, I swear.
- 7:30 PM: Bed. Sleep. Repeat.
Day 3: Beach Bliss and the Brutal Honesty of a Coconut (and a Lesson on Brazilian Time)
- 9:00 AM (ish): Actually made it to the beach! Ipanema, baby! The sand was hot under my feet, the waves were rolling. It was like a picture postcard. Until…
- 9:30 AM: Got absolutely swindled by a beach vendor for a coconut. Expensive, but refreshing. Though the guy took a long time to open it.
- 10:00 AM: Tried to swim. The waves were powerful. I got tumbled around like a laundry in the wash. A wave almost swallowed me. I think I swallowed half the ocean.
- 11:00 AM: Found a shady spot, read a book, and tried to embrace the relaxed beach vibe. (Spoiler alert: I failed.) The people watching was fantastic, though. The Brazilians have a way of just being. Effortless cool.
- 12:00 PM: Went for lunch with two new friends that I've met in the hotel.
- 2:00 PM: Decided to get some snacks. But in Brazil, nothing is simple. The store owner decided to chat up a storm with a friend. And I'm just standing there, wanting to buy a beer, and he's talking about his cat. It's this glorious, frustrating, beautiful chaos.
- 3:30 PM: Back to the beach. The water has calmed a bit, and I'm starting to enjoy it. The heat is bearable now.
- 5:00 PM: One final sunset beer on the beach before heading back to the hotel. It's the best beer I've ever tasted.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a nice restaurant. Very nice. I love Brazil.
- 7:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: The Final Day
- 8:30 AM: I wake up with a feeling of melancholy. I'm sad to leave this chaotic world.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The best breakfast I've ever had.
- 10:00 AM: Pack up. My luggage still hasn't arrived. I's on my way to the airport now.
- 11:00 AM: The plane will departure in an hour.
- 12:00 PM: Goodbye Rivello, goodbye Rio, goodbye Brazil. I will miss you.
Overall:
This is it. My Rivello Rhapsody. I’m exhausted, sunburnt, and probably slightly dehydrated. I've faced chaos, I've eaten the best sandwich of my life, and I've seen a truly breathtaking sight. It’s been a mixed bag of joy, frustration, and a strong dose of "what the heck is happening?" This trip certainly hasn't been picture-perfect. But now, I feel like a little bit more of a real person thanks to the experience. I hope I can enjoy it again. Ciao!
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Rivello Apart Hotel: Got Questions? Honey, I Got *Answers*! (And Maybe Some Rambling…)
So, you're thinking of heading to Rivello? Good choice! Well, hopefully. I mean, I've been, and let me tell you... it's an experience. Let's break it down, shall we? Brace yourself... it's not going to be all postcard sunsets and perfect beaches, you know?
1. What's the absolute BEST thing about Rivello Apart Hotel? Spill the tea!
Okay, okay, buckle up. Honestly? It’s that feeling of... freedom. Not the 'free as a bird' kind, more like 'finally escaped the laundry pile' kind. You're in Brazil! The sun’s baking your skin (in a good way), and you're not tied to a schedule. That, and… the ridiculously strong caipirinhas they make at the bar. Seriously, one of those things could knock out a small rhino.
I remember one time, I was chatting with this *amazing* guy at the pool bar (let's call him "Ricardo," because, well, he *was* Ricardo). He spoke about as much English as I do Portuguese, but we managed. Three caipirinhas in, and we were practically planning a joint business venture. The next morning? Vague recollections, a throbbing headache, and a deep, abiding appreciation for the power of Brazilian sunshine and strong liquor. Ah, memories…
2. How's the location? Is it actually ON the beach (because that's what the pictures *say*)?
Okay, so location. Yes, it's relatively close to the beach. "Relatively" being the key word here. It's not *literally* on the sand, like, you don't roll out of bed and onto your towel. More like a pleasant, five-minute stroll. Think of it as a pre-beach warm-up. Good for working up an appetite for those incredible *pão de queijo* (cheese bread) they sell down there.
But here's the thing. The walk itself is great! You get to see the local life, maybe dodge a rogue scooter or two, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Plus, I once saw a *massive* iguana sunbathing near the path. (Okay, maybe it wasn't *massive*, but it was definitely lizard-sized. And I had *definitely* had a caipirinha. Maybe two.) Location is good, not perfect, but definitely doesn't detract from the overall experience.
3. The rooms... Are they, you know, *livable*? Or like, "hostel chic" - which is a polite way of saying "questionable"?
Look, let's be honest, the rooms aren't going to win any design awards. They're… functional. They’re clean, which is a *huge* win in my book. And the AC *actually works*. Praise be! You get what you pay for.
I remember one time, trying to *iron* a shirt. Yes, I’m one of *those* people. And the iron was… well, let's just say it had seen better days. Left a few… textures. But hey, I was in Brazil! Who cares about a few wrinkles? embrace the "I'm on vacation!" and rock it. The balcony, though? Gold. Perfect for a sundowner while watching the chaos of the Brazilian day go by. Take it! Use it! You WILL love it.
4. Food! Tell me about the food! Is it... edible? Or am I packing a suitcase full of granola bars?
Okay, the food situation is… interesting. The breakfast buffet? Decent. Fruit to die for. Bread? Fantastic. The "hot" offerings? Well, let's say I didn't exactly *rave* about them. I stuck to the fruit and the bread and occasionally dabbled in the scrambled eggs (iffy!).
But here's the REAL insider tip: venture OUT. Go explore the local restaurants! There are some incredible little places nearby, serving up fresh seafood, amazing feijoada (Brazilian bean stew), and more deliciousness than you can shake a stick at. One time, I stumbled into this tiny hole-in-the-wall place, and the owner, this tiny, smiling woman, made me the best moqueca (seafood stew) of my LIFE. It was so good, I almost cried. Seriously. Don't be afraid to explore!
5. The pool... because, you know, it's Braziiiiil!
The pool is… a pool. It’s there. It's *usually* clean. It's a good place to cool off after a day of sun and exploring. You can order cocktails there. That’s a BIG plus in my book. The seating situation around the pool? Can get competitive. You'll need to strategically place a towel and maybe a slightly aggressive glare to secure your spot. And don't expect Olympic-sized swimming. Think of it as a social hub and a place to get gloriously sun-kissed.
I’ll tell you what, though: the number of conversations I overheard by the pool was entertaining. Everything from marriage proposals (success!) to whispered business deals (suspicious!). So, yeah. The pool is *definitely* a focal point.
6. Are there any hidden costs or things to be aware of? Spill the dirt!
Okay, let's talk about the slightly less glamorous side of things. Hidden costs? Not really. Watch out for those mini-bar prices; they’re usually inflated. And the laundry service? Pricey. Do your laundry by hand!
Also, be prepared for the occasional power outage. It happens. Embrace the adventure! And the Wi-Fi… don’t expect lightning-fast speeds. It's Brazil, not Silicon Valley. Slow down, relax, and enjoy the fact that you're *not* glued to your phone. (Unless you're posting pictures. I'm guilty.) It's a small price to pay for the overall experience. So don't freak out. Just be prepared.
7. Safety! Is it safe? Should I be walking around at night?
Okay, safety. Brazil has a reputation, and you absolutely need to be aware. Generally, the area around the hotel is relatively safe, but common sense is key. Don't flash expensive jewelry. Don't wander around alone at night, especially in areas you don't know. Stick to well-lit streets and take taxisEscape to Paradise: Ipe Hotel, Brazil - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
