Gamboa Rio Hotel

This hotel offers a functional stay for budget travelers and event attendees, particularly those visiting nearby cultural landmarks like the Sambodrome. While its central location provides access to various city points, guests should be prepared for the surrounding urban environment. The hotel is often chosen by business travelers and those seeking a practical base for exploring the city during the day. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to utilize ride-sharing services for evening travel and to manage expectations regarding the immediate neighborhood.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential facilities to support a basic stay. Guests noted the presence of air conditioning in rooms, though some found units to be noisy or older models, while others reported them working effectively. Wi-Fi connectivity received mixed reviews; some guests found it reliable, while others experienced frequent disconnections. In-room amenities included a TV, though channel options were often limited to local broadcasts. Some rooms featured unique sauna and jacuzzi facilities, but guests frequently reported these were either non-functional, not permitted for use, or simply took up valuable space. The frigobar in rooms was often found to be empty or non-operational.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort was mixed. While some visitors reported their rooms were acceptably clean, others noted issues such as mold, worn linens, and general signs of age. The beds received varied comments; some guests found them comfortable and conducive to rest, while others described them as hard or motel-like. The bathroom experience was inconsistent, with some guests encountering unpleasant odors, water leaks from the shower, or challenges with hot water availability. Many rooms were described as having an older room condition, sometimes lacking a wardrobe or featuring dated furniture. Additionally, noise levels from the street and the air conditioning units were frequently mentioned, potentially affecting the tranquility of the stay.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast service garnered varied opinions from guests. Many described it as basic, simple, and repetitive, offering limited variety with common items like bread, cheese, ham, and eggs. Some found the food quality to be low, citing issues such as stale cake or questionable egg appearance. However, other guests considered the breakfast acceptable for the price, appreciating the fresh fruit and coffee. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, with some guests praising the food quality and reasonable prices. Room service was generally reported as unavailable or inconsistent, requiring guests to go to the reception for basic needs like water.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant point of discussion among guests. While it offers proximity to various cultural landmarks such as the Museum of Tomorrow, Pedra do Sal, and the Sambodrome, the immediate surroundings are frequently described as a challenging urban environment. Guests noted the presence of many street dwellers, general uncleanliness, and unpleasant odors in the area, leading to a feeling of insecurity, especially when walking at night. Public transportation, including VLT and metro stations, is accessible nearby. However, guests often reported difficulties with ride-sharing services, with drivers sometimes canceling or being reluctant to enter the neighborhood. Parking is available, though it is not directly affiliated with the hotel and is located a short distance away.

Staff & Service
The staff generally received high praise for their attentive service and helpfulness. Many guests highlighted the friendly staff at the reception and in the dining areas, noting their willingness to assist with requests and provide information. The check-in process was often described as quick and efficient, though some guests encountered minor issues with self-check-in procedures. While housekeeping was available, some reviews indicated it was provided upon request rather than daily, and there were isolated reports of staff entering rooms without knocking. Overall, the hotel's team is commended for their efforts to provide a positive experience, despite some language barriers with international guests.

Additional Information
Guests frequently commented on the hotel's value for money, with opinions varying widely; some felt it was a good budget option given the price, while others believed the conditions did not justify the cost. A recurring observation was the hotel's motel-like ambiance, particularly regarding room layout and furnishings, which some found unusual for a standard hotel. Guests should be aware of potential late check-out fees if they wish to extend their stay beyond the standard time. Furthermore, some in-room amenities, such as sauna and jacuzzi facilities, were often found to be non-functional or restricted from guest use, which was a source of disappointment for some visitors.