What to expect: Billing itself as the city’s only beachfront resort with an extensive recreational area and spa, the Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort is set on lush, landscaped grounds above a sandy-white beach fronting the tropical South Atlantic. Flanked by towering mountains, the towering 33-story resort is located between Ipanema Beach and the trendy Barra da Tijuca residential and shopping district.

Amenity highlights: The Sheraton offers direct beach access, as well as three palm tree-shaded pools (including a children's pool) and two lighted tennis courts overlooking the ocean. Also on site are a full-service spa, fitness center, steam room, and sauna. The resort offers complimentary shuttle service to Leblon (1 km/0.5 mi), Ipanema Beach (3 km/2 mi), Copacabana Beach (6.4 km/4 mi), and Rio Sul shopping mall (9.5 km/6 mi).

Insider tip: Sunday is a great day to walk the famous Ipanema Beach and get a bit of local color. Cariocas (Rio citizens) stroll the oceanfront, hear live music from Bossa Nova to jazz, and sample local delicacies from food kiosks. The Handcrafts & Art Fair, popularly known as the "Hippie Fair," is a great place to buy a souvenir, with handmade art, Brazilian musical instruments, and more on offer.

This 23-story hotel offers guests the enjoyment of dramatic landscapes, a stunning beach, and gourmet cuisine of Rio de Janeiro. The bustling avenue and boardwalk in front of the hotel offer numerous shopping and dining options. The lobby has large, semi-oval couches for relaxing and a trendy lounge. The hotel has hosted celebrity guests, business executives, and an international mix of vacationers.

What to expect: In the fast-growing Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, this Sheraton faces Rio’s longest stretch of beach and is surrounded by businesses, restaurants, and shops. Guests include businesspeople and vacationers who want to experience a quieter, more peaceful side of Rio. Composed of two towers, one section is for hotel guests, and the other houses private residences.

Amenity highlights: Facing a long stretch of white-sand beach, the hotel offers complimentary use of beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels. Other recreation includes an outdoor pool and spa tub, indoor squash courts, and a health club with saunas.

Terral Restaurant spotlights Mediterranean-Thai fusion cuisine, and serves Brazilian specialty-stew feijoada on Saturdays. The hotel also provides a staffed business center, and wireless Internet access (surcharge) in the lobby.