Rio de Janeiro

Latin Trade, Feb, 2004

BEST HOTEL

Sheraton Rio Hotel & Towers. With pools between ocean and mountainside and private beach access, the Sheraton Rio has 559 rooms including 61 suites, all with balconies and ocean views, cable television and telephones with voicemail. The executive rooms, called Smart Rooms, have direct-line phones, fax, printers and office furniture. In the Towers, on the fourth floor; guests have access to special services with independent reception and checkout, a private breakfast room and afternoon tea room, a reading room, meeting rooms, butler service and an exclusive business center. There are business centers on several floors, but the 26th floor is a standout, with six rooms with panoramic views of the water. All of the hotel rooms offer high-quality services such as translators, cellular and handheld computer rentals and all the technology necessary to carry out even the most demanding business. To complete the stay, the Sheraton Rio has three restaurants and two bars with excellent views and for all tastes, from the traditional feijoada to a sophisticated Sunday brunch. A night in the Towers is US$150 to $215. Avenida Niemeyer, 121. Phone: [55] (21) 2274-1122. www.sheraton-rio.com

BEST FORMAL DINNER

Cipriani. This Italian restaurant is in the famous Copacabana Palace, a Rio institution for more than 80 years. Waiters in tuxedos whisk you to your table, which, if you call ahead, has a wonderful view of the uniquely lit swimming pool area. Chef Carli will send out a little something to whet your appetite. Now, comes the key decision: Choose a main dish such as the ricotta gnocchi and black truffles or, partake of Chef Carli's tasting menu, our readers' favorite. Avenida Atlantica 1702. Phone: [55] (21) 2545-8747.

BEST TRIP OUTSIDE THE CITY

Buzios. On Rio de Janeiro state's east coast, Buzios is remembered as starlet Brigitte Bardot's hideaway, two hours from Rio on the Buzios peninsula. More than 20 beaches with crystalline waters contrast with dense jungle and exotic vegetation. Orginally home to European pirates and slave merchants, this rich mix of peoples and cultures transformed itself into a quaint fishing village, famous for its combination of rustic charm, architectural harmony and elegant restaurants and shops. Visitors from all over the world come to this spot for its tranquillity and its good food. www.buziosonline.com.br

BEST CAR RENTAL

Hertz. Eighty years of experience back Hertz car rental, and LATIN TRADE readers were appreciative of that record in several Latin American cities, citing efficiency and quality of service. The Rio office of the U.S. car rental chain was among those held forth as an example of Hertz's best. Three locations serve the city, one downtown and one each at the Galeao International Airport and at the Santos Dumont Airport. The airport locations are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and the downtown location is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and until noon on Saturday. Galeao phone: [55] (21) 3398-4338.

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Maringa Turismo. Opened in 1959, this agency covers today 80 countries worldwide and is very diversified in terms of services, ranging from vacactions to organizing events, conferences and special executive trips. Like the ocean? Choose a curise. Not much for the high seas? Go by train. Maringa Turismo, readers say, has customer service down cold and travel agents who can help you maximize your stay. Avenida Rio Branco, 109, Grupo 203/204. Phone: [55] (21) 3231-8700. www.maringawtt.com.br

BEST RESTAURANT FOR A BUSINESS MEAL

La Plancha. A simple place for those who love Spanish style shellfish and fresh fish in generous portions. The menu includes paella, barbecued meat, baked fish, shell fish stew, and grilled calamari. The salads, if you're not into fish, are also very good. Mercado Produtor da Barra, Avenida Ayrton Senna 1.791. Phone: [55] (21) 3325-3383.