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, this urban 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.