Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro

The hotel offers a vibrant and modern experience within a charming old building, with its rooftop bar serving as a signature feature, providing guests with a lively social hub, great views, and dining options. Its prime location in a fun and central district makes it an excellent choice for sightseers eager to explore nearby attractions and party-goers looking to immerse themselves in the local nightlife. The hotel also caters well to digital nomads and remote workers with its dedicated coworking spaces and reliable internet. While most guests appreciate the overall cleanliness and comfortable accommodations, some note inconsistencies in housekeeping and noise levels from both the street and the rooftop. To ensure a more restful stay, guests might consider requesting a room on a lower floor if sensitive to rooftop noise, and utilizing ride-sharing services for nighttime travel in the surrounding area.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities to be well-appointed and conducive to both work and leisure. The lobby and downstairs cafe provide pleasant spaces for relaxation or casual meetings, while a dedicated coworking space is highly valued by those needing to work remotely, offering a quiet and professional environment with good internet connection. The popular rooftop bar is a significant draw, serving as a versatile area for socializing, enjoying views, and even working. Most guests appreciate the efficient elevators and the strong emphasis on security measures, with 24/7 security guards present. While a shared kitchen is available for guest use, some reviewers noted it could be cleaner and better stocked with crockery. A few guests experienced issues with Wi-Fi connectivity during their stay, and one mentioned a broken water fountain.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is somewhat mixed, though many guests describe the rooms as spacious and modern. The beds are consistently praised for being comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. However, some guests reported issues with overall cleanliness, specifically mentioning dirty mirrors, unclean bathrooms, and dusty beds or sand in the sheets. A recurring concern is noise, with many rooms facing busy streets or being affected by music from the rooftop bar due to thin windows and poor sound isolation, leading to disturbed sleep for some. While the air conditioning is generally effective, some units were reported as noisy or even broken, and a few guests noted a lack of a top sheet for the bed or the absence of a refrigerator or minibar. Additionally, some rooms lacked a closet or safe box, and televisions were not always present.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied feedback, with the rooftop restaurant and bar being a popular choice for both food and drinks, often featuring live music. Breakfast is a significant topic; many guests praise its quality and variety, describing it as delicious and fantastic. However, some experienced long waiting times for their meals, and a few noted that the food could be cold or that the quality varied from day to day. There were also instances where breakfast did not start at the advertised time, causing guests to miss it. The cafe downstairs provides additional options, and while the overall food service is available, some guests found it to be very slow, particularly during peak times. One notable issue was the unexpected closure of the restaurant on major holidays without prior warning, leaving guests without on-site dining options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in the vibrant Lapa district, making it highly convenient for exploring many of Rio's iconic attractions, including the Selaron steps, Arcos da Lapa, and the cathedral, all within easy walking distance. This area is also renowned for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars and restaurants nearby, appealing to guests seeking entertainment. While the proximity to these attractions is a major advantage, some guests noted that the surrounding area can be hectic and feel less safe, particularly at night, due to the presence of homeless individuals. Therefore, many recommend using ride-sharing services like Uber for nighttime travel. For broader city exploration, the hotel is conveniently located near metro stations, providing easy access to areas like Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, though these are a considerable distance away. The hotel does not offer parking.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive positive feedback for their friendliness and helpfulness, with many guests highlighting the professionalism of the reception team and security guards. Guests appreciate the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to assist with requests, such as storing luggage after checkout. Many reviewers commend the attentive service provided by the housekeeping team, although some noted inconsistencies in daily room cleaning and sheet changes. Despite overall positive comments, some guests experienced instances of unhelpful or stressed staff, particularly during busy periods like Carnival, or encountered specific individuals who were perceived as rude. There were also reports of difficulties in communicating with the management team regarding issues, with some finding them unresponsive.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few specific operational details during their stay. The standard check-out time is 11 AM, which some guests felt was too early. Regarding housekeeping, the hotel has a policy of changing sheets every three days to conserve water, though some guests reported this policy was not consistently followed, requiring them to request fresh linens. The hotel maintains a lively atmosphere, with music from the rooftop bar often playing until 11 PM or midnight, which can be heard in some rooms. For convenience, the hotel offers a welcome drink upon arrival and provides a WhatsApp group for sharing information with guests. Additionally, power converters are available for purchase at the reception desk for those who may need them.