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The Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro Review

Carnaval, Family, and Why I Prefer Barra Over Zona Sul

This review is independent and not sponsored

I personally visited the sites and covered the cost of my stay independently, and this article reflects my experience with complete honesty.

The Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro

GOWITHROMEO RATING: 8.75/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $350

I came to Rio to visit my family and to experience Carnaval with Elliot. If you’ve never been, Carnaval in Rio is not just a party. It’s a cultural explosion. Samba schools rehearse all year. Neighborhood blocos take over entire streets. The city pulses with rhythm, color, sweat, glitter, and emotion. It’s chaotic, joyful, overwhelming, and deeply Brazilian. Being there with Elliot, watching the parades, dancing in the streets, feeling the drums in my chest, it was unforgettable.

During Carnaval, staying in one of the grand hotels in Zona Sul like the Copacabana Palace, Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, or Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro becomes extremely expensive. Rates surge dramatically. For that reason, and because I know the city well, I chose Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro in Barra da Tijuca. And honestly, I would do it again.

LOCATION

8/10

This is where my opinion becomes controversial. Most first-time visitors want Ipanema or Copacabana. That’s where the icons are. But I prefer Barra.

Barra da Tijuca feels more open, less chaotic, and the beach is cleaner. The sand stretches endlessly. There are fewer vendors. The service along the beach is more organized. During Carnaval, when the south zone becomes intensely crowded, Barra gives you space to breathe.

Yes, you’re about 45 minutes to an hour from Christ the Redeemer or Sugarloaf. Yes, it’s not walkable to the classic tourist sights. But Uber works well, and if you already know Rio or want a calmer base, Barra makes sense. For me, it felt like a smarter choice during Carnaval.

AMENITIES

9/10

GYM 9/10 The gym is excellent. Modern equipment, strong strength machines, solid cardio options, and natural light. After long nights during Carnaval, I appreciated having a proper place to reset.

The gym at the Grand Hyatt Rio

SPA - 9/10 The Atiaia Spa delivers. I booked a deep tissue massage and it was exactly what my body needed after hours of dancing. Pricing felt reasonable compared to other luxury hotels in Rio.

POOLS - 9/10 The pools sit inside lush tropical gardens. There’s an adult section and a family section. The design is beautiful, though shade covers much of the pool during peak hours and it can feel busy. Still, it’s a proper resort setup.

The adult pool

OTHER The hotel offers daily activities for guests who pay the resort fee. I took a ferry ride through Marapendi Lagoon and did a sushi class at Shiso. There were also chocolate workshops and other rotating experiences. WiFi is strong. Service is attentive. It feels organized and well run.

ROOM

9.5/10

I booked a standard King and was upgraded to an Ocean Front room. Waking up and seeing the beach from the balcony felt like a true escape from the chaos of Carnaval. The room design is modern and clean, with blackout curtains that were absolutely necessary after late nights. The bed was extremely comfortable. The bathroom had both a soaking tub and separate shower, and the Granado toiletries were a nice Brazilian touch.

The room

BREAKFAST

8.5/10

Breakfast at Tano overlooks the Marapendi Lagoon and is far better than a standard Hyatt buffet. Fresh tropical fruits, Brazilian specialties like tapioca and pão de queijo, smoked fish, eggs, pastries, cheeses. During Carnaval, having a strong breakfast before heading into the madness was essential. It set the tone for the day.

The breakfast

RESTAURANTS NEARBY

If you’re looking for good food in walking distance, here are some Eat My Critique approved options:

Shiso (Japanese - Inside the hotel) - If you are looking for good food that’s worth the drive, here are some options:

Fogo de Chao (10 minute drive) - Brazilian Steakhouse that’s way better in Brazil than elsewhere

Mocellin (15 minute drive) - Brazilian Steakhouse

Maria e o Boi (45 minute drive) - Brazilian

To check out all of the Eat My Critique reviews from Rio de Janeiro, click here.

THINGS TO DO 

Most tourists flock to the south zone of Rio for the most iconic sites, but Barra da Tijuca offers an impressive array of attractions, beautiful beaches, and a modern ambiance. To make your visit unforgettable, we have compiled some attractions in Barra.

Lounge on the Barra beach (steps from the hotel) - This is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro, with clear waters, soft white sand, and far fewer beach vendors.

Shop at the Village Mall (10 minute drive) - It is Rio’s most luxurious mall, home to a wide range of high-end stores, including top Brazilian and global brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.

Hike the Pedra da Gavea (25 minute drive) - This mountain offers breathtaking views of the city and the ocean, and is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing.

South Zone Beaches (40 minute drive) - Though you have more tranquil beaches right outside of the hotel, a trip to Rio wouldn’t be complete without heading over to Copacabana and Ipanema beaches for a taste of Rio’s vibrant beach culture.

Sugarloaf Mountain (60 minute drive) - The most iconic mountain in a city full of them. Taking the cable cars to the top is a must so long as you aren’t afraid of heights.

Christ the Redeemer (60 minute drive) - The 1,145 ton statue is a symbol of the city and though you can see it from all over, there’s nothing like getting up close and personal with the gigantic work of art.

VERDICT

I came to Rio to see family and experience Carnaval, and the Grand Hyatt gave me exactly what I needed: comfort, space, and value during one of the busiest times of year. While it’s not in the iconic south zone, I genuinely prefer Barra, especially during Carnaval. The beaches are cleaner, the atmosphere is calmer, and the overall service feels more organized.

Staying in Barra during Carnaval saved me from the extreme pricing of the grand Zona Sul hotels and gave me a more relaxed base without sacrificing comfort. For first-time visitors who want postcard Rio outside their window, Zona Sul may make more sense. But if you value space, better beach conditions, and a strong resort experience, Barra is, in my opinion, the smarter choice.

And during Carnaval, having a calm place to return to after the samba drums stop is priceless.

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