Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro

The hotel is super well located just a few minutes walking to the "Arcos da Lapa" and "Selaron Stairs". The infrastructure, including the pool and amenities, is really good. The room was decent-sized, the beds comfortable, and the room was really clean. The breakfast was all I hoped for, with fresh fruits, juices, breads, and even an "egg" station where you could order your preferred option and it was done right in front of you within a few minutes. The staff was incredibly nice and gave us all the tips we needed and answered all our questions.

Great staff. I was worried there would be a language barrier but they all speak great English. I flew in early on the New Year's Eve and my room wasn't ready so I was offered a place where I could freshen up. Also my first room was quite shabby - the aircon didn't work, there was no hair dryer and the light in the toilet was broken. When i mentioned the aircon to the front desk staff my room was immediately changed. The room was good in size and quite comfortable overall the pool, always a great addition

The breakfast was wonderful! The selection of foods at the buffet, and the service was exceptional. I wanted a downtown location, and the hotel courtyard was truly an oasis from the hustle and grime of Centro. The hotel was an easy walk from my conference downtown, as well as top Centro attractions. Although I didn't take advantage of municipal buses, preferring to walk everywhere, numerous bus route makes frequent stops on the Rua Riachuelo half block from the hotel, and the famous Blonde de Sana Teresa tramline to Carioca Station has a stop right around the corner!

It was a nice experience, one of the staff at the front desk was very nice (can't remember his name) and got us an early check-in since I had my baby with me. We could wait in the pool area and they even let us leave our suitcases for 4 days while we were out in the city to Buzios, it was very kind of them. The breakfast was nice and the people were kind, with good fruits, and nice beds...overall it was a good experience.

Vila Galé doesn't disappoint you. From the moment you arrive, you are treated with respect and that warm welcome to Rio. This is our second visit. We chose the renovated antique rooms, high ceilings, with "garden view". Some on the first floor, so do bear in mind there are steps to carry your case up, or if a senior, this because lots of Cruise passengers choose to stay here, close to the port terminal of Mauá. Perhaps choose the modern rooms with lift access would suit better. The breakfast is excellent! Airy place, plenty of tables and food Brazilian breakfast to it's best. To pass the time, the picturesque swimming pool is not only a picture perfect but also warm to swim and catch a bit of sun by the umbrellas, whilst getting the waiter to bring you some refreshments. There's a small shop selling women's "light clothes" with Brazilian fabrics and bright flowers and colours. Check in is 3pm but they can store your bags, also on departure, as check our midday. Nothing is too small to please customers. I really recommend here. And we had dinner as well, not included in the rates, but not disappointed either. A brilliant chef coming up with a simple but delicious menu. The area didn't disappoint. A barber opposite, chemists and 3 big supermarkets (turn right from the reception around 15 min walk. One interesting thing was to find that the supermarkets are cash only or pix payments that I don't have a clue what it is. I just want to point out that the location of the hotel is excellent to explore Rio, walking out catching that Uber to Sugar Loaf is as easy as close. A big thank you to the manager, that made me feel at home. If you arrive very early, and they have rooms available, you can go to your room but will pay 1/3 of the rate. It was a saving grace for us as we don't sleep on planes. And the breakfast (not that we were hungry, was good to have a bowl of fruit and tea then crash in bed. Worth asking.