Windsor Barra Hotel

Our trip to Rio was initially planned as a work conference though my family was able to join me. Overall, the hotel itself was gorgeous. Impeccably clean and modern. The food in the hotel restaurant and various bars was really good. The attention to detail in the conference center could not have been better. The pool was pretty though small. The hotel proximity to the beach compensates for the small pool. My only complaint was that I am an active person and enjoy using a gym in the morning time. The hotel gym had a # of equipment pieces that were broken. I would stay at this hotel again without hesitation. The Windsor Barra made our stay in Rio exceptional.

In summary, very disappointing. Marketing photos are a lie, no umbrellas by the pool, no sunbeds or umbrellas on the beach. We asked the duty manager and they claimed that they can't have umbrellas by the pool due to the wind but hotels opposite with the same level rooftop pools have them and from old photos it appears this hotel used to have them. He also claimed the ones on the lower level have broken. Like so many things in this hotel it appears hotel management are unwilling to invest in replacing old and broken things. The rooms are looking very old and worn, with mould on the ceiling of the bathroom, and clearly haven't been updated in 20 years. The level of cleaning isn't great which makes it worse. Level of service and room amenities are also poor: had to call 3 times for a baby cot bed and iron for the room, and no coffee/tea making facilities in the rooms. I don't understand how this hotel can be classified 4* without basic amenities and such old/worn decor. Also don't bother trying to order food at the rooftop pool as it takes over an hour when it's busy, despite them saying 15mins, and they don't keep track of who ordered first so don't be surprised if someone else orders after you but gets their food sooner. A huge shame as the location is amazing. The hotel could make a lot more money if they were willing to invest.

Excellent location. However, the property's overall condition is visible suffering. The rooms look old, and the furniture looks like they were bought from a vintage store in the 80s. The service is average. For the price, I would expect more. It is not recommended for families.