GRAND HYATT RIO DE JANEIRO
CRITIQUE MY STAY RATING: 8.5/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $150
Rio de Janeiro needs no introduction - thanks to its stunning location nestled between majestic mountains and white sandy beaches, the city has garnered international fame. The Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro, one of Rio’s bigger, higher-end properties, is the first beachfront 'urban resort' in town, located in the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, a good distance from the main tourist area. The hotel offers a range of amenities including an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center with a yoga studio, and multiple restaurants, in addition to activities for both adults and kids.
LOCATION
7/10
The hotel gets major points for being steps away from a peaceful, non-touristy beach. Located in the Barra de Tijuca neighborhood, the suburbs outside of the city, you are a ways away from where the action happens. While Barra de Tijuca does offer more tranquility, a variety of good restaurants, and plenty of high-end shopping, if you are visiting Rio for the first time, it may not be the most convenient location if you want to see the sights. Rio’s most famous and beloved attractions, such as Copacabana beach, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer are all about 45 minutes to an hour away. The hotel is only a 40-minute ride from Rio’s international airport. There isn’t much in walking distance of the hotel aside from the beach but there are a number of malls a short drive away and Uber does work in the area.
AMENITIES
9/10
GYM - 9/10
The fitness center at the Grand Hyatt is very well-equipped with state-of-the-art Lifetime cardio and strength equipment. You can book a personal training classes with one of the on-site teachers and enjoy scheduled yoga and fitness classes in the studio. It’s a great gym to work out in.
SPA - 9/10
For those looking to relax and unwind, the hotel's Atiaia Spa is a great option. It offers a variety of services, including massages, facials, and body treatments. We really enjoyed their deep tissue massage treatment after a workout session at the gym and its reasonably priced for a hotel spa.
POOL - 8/10
The pools are really well designed, amidst a lush tropical garden. There is a pool for adults that is situated next to the pool for families. The pool deck is furnished with comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas and you can order from the Canto restaurant while relaxing and soaking up the sun. One downside, as you can see from above, is that shade covered a majority of the pool for many of the best swimming hours and it was also a bit crowded.
OTHER
There are two on-site restaurants, one offering Brazilian cuisine and the other Japanese cuisine. The hotel also offers a range of daily activities and exclusive excursions for guests who have paid the resort fee. We took a ferry ride and explored the fauna and flora of the nearby Marapendi lagoon, took a sushi class at the hotel’s Shiso restaurant but there was also a chocolate class and other activities available. In terms of practical amenities, the hotel provides free WiFi throughout the property, on-site private parking, pet-friendly accommodations, concierge services, and a 24-hour front desk. Additionally, the hotel has conference facilities and a business center to handle the needs of corporate guests.
ROOM
9/10
We reserved a standard King Bed room but were upgraded to an Ocean Front room because of our Hyatt status. The stunning views of the beach, which could be admired both from the balcony and inside of the room, created a true beach resort feel. The room was decorated nicely in a high end, modern style, and included a black out curtains, a closet and a work desk. It was equipped with AC, high-speed internet and flat-screen TV. The bedding was of high quality, with plush pillows and a very comfortable king size mattress and the spacious, well-appointed bathroom had a separate shower and bathtub. As a bonus, the toiletries were provided by Granado the Brazilian luxury bath and body company. Overall, the room was really lovely, especially for a non-suite.
BREAKFAST
9/10
The breakfast at the Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro is a buffet that is located at Tano, a sophisticated, modern space with a beautiful view of Marapendi Lagoon. Prepare yourself for a treat. You'll find an array of fresh fruits (including some local ones), juices, bread, pastries, and cereals to start your day. There are also hot dishes such as eggs, bacon, sausages, and pancakes, as well as Brazilian specialties like tapioca and pão de queijo. The breakfast also includes a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, and smoked fish. It was definitely a step up from the traditional Hyatt breakfast. Because of our status, we also had access to breakfast at the Grand Club Lounge, which was just a simplified version of the main breakfast. Though it wasn’t as crowded, it did not have the same offerings and we preferred the breakfast at Tano.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY
If you’re looking for good food in walking distance, here are some Eat My Critique approved options:
Shiso - Japanese - Inside the hotel
If you are looking for good food that’s worth the drive, here are some options:
Fogo de Chao (10 minute drive) - Brazilian Steakhouse that’s way better in Brazil than elsewhere
Mocellin (15 minute drive) - Brazilian Steakhouse
Maria e o Boi (30 minute drive) - Brazilian
To check out all of the Eat My Critique reviews from Rio de Janeiro, click here.
THINGS TO DO
Most tourists flock to the south zone of Rio for the most iconic sites, but Barra da Tijuca offers an impressive array of attractions, beautiful beaches, and a modern ambiance. To make your visit unforgettable, we have compiled some attractions in Barra.
Lounge on the Barra beach (steps from the hotel) - This is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro, with clear waters, soft white sand, and far fewer beach vendors.
Shop at the Village Mall (10 minute drive) - It is Rio’s most luxurious mall, home to a wide range of high-end stores, including top Brazilian and global brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
Hike the Pedra da Gavea (25 minute drive) - This mountain offers breathtaking views of the city and the ocean, and is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing.
South Zone Beaches (40 minute drive) - Though you have more tranquil beaches right outside of the hotel, a trip to Rio wouldn’t be complete without heading over to Copacabana and Ipanema beaches for a taste of Rio’s vibrant beach culture.
Sugarloaf Mountain (60 minute drive) - The most iconic mountain in a city full of them. Taking the cable cars to the top is a must so long as you aren’t afraid of heights.
Christ the Redeemer (60 minute drive) - The 1,145 ton statue is a symbol of the city and though you can see it from all over, there’s nothing like getting up close and personal with the gigantic work of art.
VERDICT
We had a great time at the Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro and the hotel represents an excellent value for the price. While the location might not be ideal for first-time tourists, the hotel itself had top-notch amenities that really made the stay feel luxurious and comfortable.
Av. Lúcio Costa, 9600 - Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22795-007, Brazil