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Hotel Glória
If you’re looking for a hotel with bags of personality and historic charm, Hotel Glória is the place. This the grande dame of Rio’s hotels - predating even the majestic Copacabana Palace. The hotel was inaugurated in 1922 by President Epitácio Pessoa, and its antique furnishings, low wooden ceilings and ornate lamps hark back to that bygone age. Located close to the heart of Rio in the downtown neighbourhood of Glória, the hotel has wonderful tropical gardens, an excellent fitness centre with views out across Guanabara Bay, and two large pools. While much of the hotel has the feel of a museum, however, the recently-added annex is completely lacking in charm or character - make sure you ask for a room in the historic part of the hotel when making your booking. Prices are higher for rooms overlooking Flamengo beach, and some of those at the back look directly into the living rooms of the apartments opposite!Despite this, Hotel Glória remains one of Rio’s best-loved hotels, and is a personal favourite of mine. The upstairs corridors are lined with images of the great and good who have stayed here, and you can soak in Belle Epoque opulance while paying a fraction of the price charged at Copacabana Palace.Come at the right time and you might even catch a glimpse of Brazilian president Lula - he’s a repeat guest here, thanks in no small part to the helicopter landing pad on the hotel’s roof.