Stayed 5 nights at Nacional in Rio. Boy oh boy where do I even begin. I was expecting 5-star quality but was disappointed with sub 3 stars at max.
Staff (3/5): Understaffed and unaccommodating. Arrived at 10:30 AM; no early check-in or breakfast offered, though people were still at the buffet. Asked for a plug converter, but they sold it for 70 Reals instead of lending one. Basic courtesy and service fell short of 5-star standards.
Food (1/5): Worst breakfast at any 5-star hotel I’ve stayed in. Limited variety, no non-pork meat options, and inconsistent answers from staff about ingredients. Coffee wasn’t fresh, buffet lacked cleanliness, and cheese looked old.
Room (3/5): Towels smelled, faucet leaked, and corners weren’t clean. Felt more 3-star than 5. However, the view—Christ the Redeemer, Santa Marta Favela, and the ocean—was spectacular, making sunrises and sunsets unforgettable.
Location (3/5): Upscale area near Leblon and São Conrado Beach. Quiet and safe, but far from Ipanema and Copacabana. Uber is cheap but traffic adds up to 45 mins each way, and excursions don’t pick up here.
Rio itself was amazing, but this hotel did not live up to its 5-star claims.