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Summary of reviewsNovotel RJ Santos Dumont is widely praised for its highly convenient and central location, particularly beneficial for travelers needing quick access to downtown Rio de Janeiro and Santos Dumont Airport. Its proximity to various public transportation options and key venues like Marina da Glória and Vivo Rio make it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Guests generally find the hotel's breakfast buffet to be varied and high-quality with fresh bread, fruits and Brazilian delicacies being particular highlights. However, some concerns are noted about the cost and occasional lapses in replenishment and hygiene.
The dinner experience, though lauded for excellent service and specific dishes such as pizza, receives mixed reviews overall. Complaints about the limited dinner menu, inconsistent food quality and high prices indicate room for improvement in the dining offerings.
The rooms at Novotel RJ Santos Dumont are described as spacious, clean and comfortable with modern amenities enhancing the guest experience. Yet, there's a noted need for modernization and maintenance with some reports of outdated furniture, musty odors and minor maintenance issues.
Cleanliness is a strong point for the hotel with frequent mentions of well-maintained rooms and common areas contributing to a pleasant overall environment. Despite a few reports of under-bed dust and mold odors, the hotel's cleanliness standards are generally upheld.
Staff at the hotel are often highlighted for their helpfulness and friendliness, particularly the receptionists who handle guest issues efficiently. Nevertheless, some guests have experienced less favorable interactions, suggesting that improvements in staff training and management could enhance the overall service quality.
Wi-Fi service is another aspect with mixed reviews. While some guests had a satisfactory experience, many found the internet connection weak and unreliable, indicating a need for enhancement.
The gym facility is appreciated for being well-equipped and clean, albeit occasionally inconvenienced by renovations. Guests enjoy a variety of exercises despite noting that better air conditioning control and larger space could further improve the experience.
Parking services receive mixed feedback with some guests appreciating the convenience while others criticize the complexity and high cost of fees, along with occasional delays in service.
Families find the hotel mostly accommodating with spacious rooms and a kids' recreation area being beneficial. However, improvements in bedding options and additional family-friendly amenities would enhance the experience for guests with children.
Nightlife around the hotel is limited with the area being described as deserted and potentially unsafe after dark. Guests are advised to stay within the hotel premises during late hours to avoid security concerns.
The beds receive mixed feedback; while many guests find them comfortable and well-furnished with good-quality bedding and towels, there are also complaints about old, uncomfortable or broken mattresses and uncomfortable sofa beds.
In summary, Novotel RJ Santos Dumont offers a strong location advantage, clean and comfortable accommodations and generally positive staff interactions. However, improving dining options, Wi-Fi service, room maintenance and family amenities while addressing nighttime safety concerns would further enhance the guest experience. Show more
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Business Hotel
The Novotel RJ Santos Dumont is near Santos Dumont Airport and has functional apartments with Wi-Fi, plus an event lounge and fitness center. It's ideal for business trips with a focus on convenience.
Hotel with Gym
The hotel includes a fitness area for its guests. The fitness area is suitable for travelers seeking to stay active during their visit.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
Superior Twin RoomThis air-conditioned room features a desk, minibar and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Superior Double Room with SofaThis spacious air-conditioned suite features a seating area, desk, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Superior Room - Disability AccessThis air-conditioned apartment is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom.
Executive Double Room with One Sofa BedThe quadruple room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a sofa, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as city views. The unit has 2 beds.
Executive Double RoomThis double room offers a TV with cable channels. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
The location of Novotel RJ Santos Dumont is a standout feature with numerous reviews highlighting its convenience. Situated near Santos Dumont Airport, the hotel offers exceptional proximity for travelers, making it an ideal choice for those catching early flights or arriving late. Many guests appreciate being able to walk to the airport, emphasizing the practicality and ease of access.
The central location also places guests close to downtown Rio de Janeiro, which is beneficial for business travelers and those attending events or shows at nearby venues like Marina da Glória and Vivo Rio. Additionally, the hotel's closeness to consulates and various public transportation options, including the subway and VLT, further adds to its appeal.
Guests frequently mention the overall excellence of the location with phrases such as excellent location and very well located appearing repeatedly in the feedback. This prime positioning allows for convenient exploration of Rio's tourist attractions and provides a quiet environment that some guests found essential for their stay. While the area around the hotel has a presence of homeless individuals, the convenience often outweighs this drawback.
In summary, Novotel RJ Santos Dumont offers a superbly convenient and central location, particularly advantageous for air travelers and business guests needing immediate access to downtown Rio and Santos Dumont Airport.
Breakfast
Guests at Novotel RJ Santos Dumont have shared diverse opinions about the hotel's breakfast offerings. Many highlighted the breakfast as excellent with a wide variety of options and good quality. Phrases like "excellent breakfast," "very good breakfast," and "great breakfast" were frequent, suggesting that many guests were pleased with their morning meal experience.
There were positive mentions about the breakfast being well-presented, abundant and featuring fresh bread and fruits. Delicacies such as the codfish fritter and Brazilian-style breakfast also received praise. The quality of coffee was another noted highlight. Overall, the breakfast's variety and taste were satisfactory for many.
However, there were consistent criticisms as well. The cost of the breakfast was a recurring point of contention with several guests describing it as very expensive. Some reviews pointed out issues such as the lack of fruit options, poor replenishment of food and even incidents of flies on the food, indicating concerns about hygiene and freshness. Despite the variety, some guests felt that the quality did not match their expectations.
In summary, while the breakfast at Novotel RJ Santos Dumont generally receives high marks for variety and quality, concerns about the cost and occasional quality lapses were also noted by guests.
Dinner
The dining experience at Novotel RJ Santos Dumont delivers a mixed bag of reviews from guests. On the positive side, many patrons commend the dinner staff for their attentive service, noting that they go out of their way to accommodate requests, even after the kitchen has officially closed. Diners who had a great experience describe the restaurant as excellent and praise the food, especially for its delicious pizza and satisfactory meals that leave no room for complaints. The room service also receives high marks, emphasizing the convenience and quality it brings.
However, this praise does not overshadow the issues some guests have encountered. Several reviews point out that the hotel's restaurant only opens for breakfast and serves snacks at night, which limits options for a full dinner experience. The food quality is a major concern with criticisms focusing on tasteless and cold dishes, tough and raw meat and even spoiled ingredients in salads. Some diners felt let down by the high prices that did not match the expected quality, labeling the meals as expensive yet weak. The hotel’s kitchen staff appear to be overwhelmed at times, leading to insufficient replenishment during breakfast and poorly executed dishes.
Overall, while there are commendations for service and certain dishes, the dining experience at Novotel RJ Santos Dumont falls short for many with some satisfied guests but a notable number of dissatisfied diners.
Rooms
Novotel RJ Santos Dumont receives numerous comments about the comfort and practicality of its rooms with many guests praising their spaciousness and overall comfort. The clean, well-decorated rooms often come with modern amenities such as large televisions and effective air conditioning. Beds are frequently described as comfortable, enhancing the overall experience.
Nonetheless, several reviews highlight the need for modernization, citing issues with old furniture, worn-out air conditioning units and occasional bad odors, including musty smells. Some rooms have minor maintenance issues like leaking faucets, poor sealing and broken auxiliary beds, along with sporadic reports of cleanliness lapses.
Despite these shortcomings, the cleanliness and comfort, alongside the practical layout and good room sizes, remain key positives mentioned by guests. The rooms, while sometimes smaller than expected, manage to be functional and well-organized. Additionally, the convenient proximity to Santos Dumont airport is noted as a significant advantage for travelers.
Overall, Novotel RJ Santos Dumont offers a blend of spacious, clean and comfortable accommodations that are well-suited to a variety of guests, although attention to maintenance and modernization would further enhance the experience.
Beds
The guest reviews of Novotel RJ Santos Dumont highlight a mix of opinions regarding the hotel beds. On a positive note, the beds are frequently described as comfortable with mentions of good quality bedding, towels and pillows. Some guests specifically appreciated the comfort of the room and its furniture, including large and soft mattresses.
However, several guests reported negative experiences, such as beds being in poor condition, having old and uncomfortable mattresses or even broken bed frames. The sofa beds did not fare well in the reviews with multiple comments about their lack of comfort. There were also mentions of specific issues like uneven mattresses and discrepancies in room bookings, such as the absence of a queen-sized bed that was reserved.
Overall, while many found the beds comfortable and satisfactory, there is a clear need for improvements in bed quality and maintenance to meet the varying expectations of the guests.
Cleanliness
Novotel RJ Santos Dumont generally receives positive feedback regarding its cleanliness. Guests consistently describe the rooms and bathrooms as clean and well-maintained with frequent mentions of clean linens and towels. The hotel itself is noted for being very clean and organized with spacious rooms and attentive staff. The cleanliness extends to common areas and the overall environment of the hotel.
However, there are occasional reports of less thorough cleaning, particularly under beds and in bathrooms. Some guests noticed dust, dirt and mold odors in the rooms and there were mentions of dirty curtains and plates left in hallways. Despite these issues, the hotel is commended for its good amenities and well-prepared response to the pandemic. The building's cleanliness is generally well-managed, contributing to a comfortable stay for most visitors.
Staff
The staff at Novotel RJ Santos Dumont generally receive positive feedback for their helpfulness and friendliness. Many guests commend the attentive, courteous and polite service provided by the team. Receptionists have been noted for their professionalism and efficiency, particularly in swiftly resolving issues and being proactive in assisting guests. The overall demeanor of the staff is often described as super friendly and supportive.
However, there are consistent criticisms regarding the staffing levels and training. Some guests experienced rudeness and unpreparedness from certain employees, especially during the check-in and check-out processes, which were sometimes slow and disorganized. This inconsistency in service quality suggests that while many staff members strive to offer a positive experience, there are areas for improvement, particularly in reception and management.
Instances of slow service at the bar and during check-in, as well as occasional mistakes by overwhelmed attendants, highlight a need for better training and support for the staff. Despite these challenges, when the staff is at their best, they contribute significantly to a welcoming and pleasant stay at the hotel.
Wi-Fi
Guests at the Novotel RJ Santos Dumont have expressed mixed opinions about the hotel's Wi-Fi service. While some reviewers highlighted having a good or very good internet experience, many others found the service lacking. Common issues included weak and unstable signals, slow speeds and intermittent connectivity problems. Specific complaints noted that the Wi-Fi sometimes failed to work properly, or didn't work at all due to registration issues at check-in. Despite these challenges, other amenities such as complimentary water and a Nespresso machine were appreciated by guests. Overall, internet improvement seems to be a necessary focus for the hotel.
Gym
Novotel RJ Santos Dumont offers a gym that guests generally find to be well-equipped and clean. The gym facility stands out as a highlight, featuring a range of sports equipment and amenities like a sauna. Guests appreciate the good condition and the variety provided in the gym. However, there have been some issues noted, such as the gym's air conditioning control being absent and the gym being under renovation multiple times, causing inconvenience for those who were looking forward to using it during their stay. Despite these occasional interruptions and the suggestion that the gym could be bigger, it remains a positive aspect of the hotel for many guests.
Parking
The Novotel RJ Santos Dumont offers convenient taxi services right in front of the hotel, making transportation effortless for guests. It's just a perfect location for travelers, being next to the airport. While parking is available, it comes at an additional cost which some guests find prohibitive. The parking service is notably outsourced and the attendant team has received mixed feedback. Some guests appreciate the notable effort made by the parking staff, while others have experienced lengthy delays, sometimes up to 20-30 minutes without any apparent reason. Despite this, the valet parking service allows guests to have their luggage stored, enabling them to enjoy the rest of their day without the burden of carrying their bags. However, overall feedback on the parking fees indicates that they are complex and expensive, occasionally causing inconvenience for guests.
Family
Novotel RJ Santos Dumont offers a mostly pleasant experience for families with children, despite a few key areas that could improve. The hotel features spacious rooms, which makes it well-suited for family stays. Families can also find adjoining rooms, providing convenience and flexibility. The presence of a kids' recreation area stands out as a highlight, giving children a dedicated space for activities. However, some reviews point out that the sofa bed for children is uncomfortable and could be better. While the hotel creates a child-friendly atmosphere with various children's attractions, it falls short in providing double beds which are more suitable for families. Additionally, the fact that no dog amenities are available makes it less accommodating for pet owners. Overall, Novotel RJ Santos Dumont is commendable for its space and child-oriented facilities, but tweaks in bedding and additional services could enhance the family experience.
Nightlife
When considering a stay at Novotel RJ Santos Dumont, it's essential to plan your nighttime activities with care. The immediate area around the hotel has been noted by guests to be deserted and dark at night, which can give a sense of insecurity. Some have described the location as dangerous after dark with incidents such as attempted robbery being mentioned. There is also an open-air nightclub nearby, which might contribute to noise disturbances for some.
In terms of nightlife, the options appear limited, as the area feels abandoned and there aren't many activities or attractions close by. Additionally, the streets can be lonely and the presence of homeless people adds to the overall feeling of insecurity. Guests have advised that it's best to avoid venturing out too late, recommending staying within the hotel premises where the restaurant is available until 10 pm.
Overall, while the location may be convenient for daytime activities and travel, caution is advised during nighttime hours and it's recommended to plan accordingly if considering a longer stay in Rio.
4 Star
The Novotel RJ Santos Dumont has received mixed feedback from guests, particularly regarding its classification as a four-star hotel. Some reviews indicate that the hotel lacks several amenities typically expected from a four-star establishment, such as leisure activities beyond the gym and a swimming pool. Additionally, the rooms and overall care of amenities were found lacking by some guests with several suggesting that the quality does not align with the four-star rating.
Despite these criticisms, there were positive mentions highlighting certain features of the hotel. Some guests used words like exceptional and very good to describe aspects of their stay. However, specific details about these positive experiences were not noted. Overall, while offering some commendable features, the hotel may benefit from enhancements to meet the expectations commonly associated with its four-star designation.
Business
Novotel RJ Santos Dumont is highly recommended for business travelers, particularly due to its excellent location and proximity to the airport. The hotel's strategic positioning makes it convenient for short business trips or overnight stays, as it is close to many business offices and the city center, which is ideal for work-related appointments.
Guests mention the good cost-benefit ratio and note that the hotel is suitable for corporate needs. The business amenities and facilities are well-planned and functional, ensuring a comfortable and efficient stay. The rooms are accessible and, while the facilities are not brand new, they remain accommodating and quiet, making it a good choice for professionals needing to work in downtown Rio.
Additional services such as parking and room service are appreciated with some guests humorously noting the fast-paced valet service. The hotel also provides luggage storage, allowing guests to maximize their time in the city. Overall, Novotel RJ Santos Dumont meets the essential requirements for business accommodations, ensuring a smooth and productive experience for its guests.
No, Novotel RJ Santos Dumont doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Novotel RJ Santos Dumont.
Yes, Novotel RJ Santos Dumont welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Novotel RJ Santos Dumont.