For the least expensive believable hotel accommodations, try Flamengo and the neighboring Catete area. These are centrally located, though a bus or subway ride away from the beach. See below. If the beach is a must, then you will pay a premium to stay in Ipanema, with a number of options in Copacabana as well. Prices and exchange rates in Brazil are volatile and so are given in approximations in US dollars. Rates are for double rooms.

Flamengo and Catete
This area offers cheap eats and Rio's largest selection of low-end accommodation. Additionally, you are just around the corner from the Museu da República with its relaxing and inviting park, a great place for a coffee and pão de queijo (cheese bread). Here are a few suggestions:

In Flamengo, try Hotel Paysandu ($35) at Rua Paissandu 23 (2558-7270) or the Hotel Venezuela just across the street at number 34. One of Flamengo's most graceful streets, Rua Paissandu is lined with palm trees and art deco apartments.

Moving into the more down-market Catete, you will find Rua Artur Bernardes just past the Largo do Machado square. On this quiet little street are two of the most reasonable options, Hotel Rio Lisboa ($20) at number 29 (2265-9599) and Hotel Monterrey just a couple of doors down at 39 (2265-9899) for a similar price.

Up a little farther on Rua Ferreira Viana are the Hotel Regina ($35) at number 29 (2226-1647) and the more upscale Hotel Flórida ($75) at 69-81 (2555-6000). One block further will put you on Rua Silveira Martins where you can find the Hotel Hispânico Brasileiro at number 135.

Back on Rua do Catete, the main artery connecting Flamengo to Glória, there are yet more options. Two are the Hotel Imperial ($45) at Rua do Catete 185 (2556-5212), and the Hotel Riazor ($20) at number 160 (2225-0121).

Ipanema
The Arpoador Inn at Rua Francisco Otaviano 177 (2523-0060). Not amazing, but a superb location, with some rooms facing the ocean, and the advantage that at this point there is no street between you and the sea. Prices from $55 to $110 (beachfront).

The Ipanema Inn at Rua Maria Quitéria 27 (2523-6092). Same management as the Arpoador Inn. $75.

The San Marco Hotel at Rua Visconde de Pirajá 254 (2540-5032). This is as cheap as Ipanema gets at $40-50. Simple and clean. Excellent location for the price.

The Hotel Vermont at Rua Visconde de Pirajá 254 (2522-0057) $45.

Mar Ipanema at Rua Visconde de Pirajá 539 (3875-9190) $60-75.

Everest Park at Rua Maria Quitéria 19 (2525-2200) $90.

Sol Ipanema at Avenida Vieira Souto 320 (2525-2000). It's worth the extra few bucks for an oceanfront room. $85-100 (oceanfront).

Copacabana
If you've got the bucks ... blow it out at the Copacabana Palace on Avenida Atlântica 1702 (2548-7070) - but your taxi driver won't need the address - where you can rub shoulders with the stars in grand old-fashioned style for a mere $400 or so. On a distinctly cheaper note, you might check out the Hotel Angrense at Travessa Angrense 25 (2548-0509). They offer doubles for $40. Beware of the Pousada Girassol, just next door to the Angrense.

Hostels
The hostel situation has improved dramatically over the last few years, and there are now a number of excellent options. Pay careful attention to location. A number of hostels are now located in Ipanema, which is ideal. Another is in lovely, leafy Urca, an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter locale. For listings, see the BootsnAll hostel guide to Rio.

For more hotel listings, online booking and rates, check out BootsnAll's hotel site.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our South America Insiders page.