Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Rio’s major international airport is a relatively quick and easy trip from downtown. For flights landing late at night the Airport Hotel Guru finds it more convenient (and, arguably, safer) staying at one of the hotels attached to the airport and then heading downtown the next morning. Otherwise, there’s no reason to stay by the drudgery of the airport when you can almost as easily stay amongst the beauty of Ipanema or Copacabana beaches.
Overall Best Rio de Janeiro Airport Hotel:
There’s little remarkable about the Luxor Aeroporto Hotel except for it’s convenient location on the third floor of Terminal 1 inside the airport. There’s little to really complain about either — the Luxor’s beds are comfortable enough, the rooms are clean enough, the lobby bar is decent enough. We would have liked a swimming pool though there is a gym (which could also be described as “decent”). Most rooms have internet for a fee, but not all. Request an internet room if that’s important to you.
“The Other” Rio de Janeiro Airport Hotel:
Hotel Pousada Galeao
The location of the Hotel Pousada, on the ground floor inside the airport’s Terminal 1, is very desirable. The hotel itself is very much not. The rooms are sad and small. There’s no internet and little in the way of other amenities. And since the Pousada’s rates average only $10~$20 less than the Luxor Hotel there’s no reason to stay here as opposed to our best airport hotel choice, reviewed above. If you insist, you’ll have to call the hotel to make reservations at +55 (021) 3398 3852 — as far as we can determine the Hotel Pousada has no website and is not bookable online.
GIG Airport Info:
Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport
Rio might be known for its petty crime but its international airport is safe and hassle free. That said, it is better to take a taxi from the official taxi queue rather than accept a ride from a driver who approaches you.
