I have not been paid by any entity in any way (financially, benefits) to write this JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro review. Any airport, airline, lounge, hotel, and or loyalty program policies may have changed since then.

The JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro holds a special place in my heart, as it was the same hotel I stayed at when I was five years old, visiting my dad in the beautiful city of Rio. Being back here brought back so many memories, but also reminded me why this hotel is premium and worth the cost. After staying at the JW Marriott Berlin, I had high hopes for what this hotel had to offer!

Quick Take: JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro Review

Category	Rating (Out of 10)
Room Quality	✅ 9/10
Dining	✅ 8/10
Service	✅ 8/10
Location	✅ 10/10
Worth the Cost/Points	✅ 9/10

The JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro is a beachside property with incredible views. A great use of Bonvoy points, especially with Platinum or Titanium status.

Hotel Info

Hotel Name: JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro
Location: Av. Atlantico/Copacabana
Brand/Chain: Marriott Bonvoy
Nights Stayed: 1 night
Room Type: Ocean View King Bed (Complimentary Upgrade)
Cost: $150 USD + 26,000 Bonvoy Points (Cash + Points)
Status: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium

Overview

Built in 2001 and renovated in 2008, this hotel has 245 rooms across 16 floors, this JW Marriott is in the Copacabana area of the city, right on the very busy Avenida Atlantico. The street is adorned with several luxurious hotels, restaurants, and shops. Although my stay was only one night, it was a highlight of my trip in Brazil! A definite treat after my flight into town on American.

Arrival & Check-In

First impression of the hotel was that the lobby area was smaller than expected. There were about 5 check-in desks, and a small bar in the back of the lobby. There was also a seating area in the center of the lobby, where plenty of folks seemed to be hanging around before either going to the airport or elsewhere.

Upon providing my passport to the staff, they recognized my Titanium elite status, and let me know I had been upgraded to a beach view room. Additionally, they informed me of the executive lounge’s hours, the amenities on site, and asked if I would like to receive a welcome gift. More on that later!

Room & Features

My stay for the night was in room 714, which I was told is an upgraded room with an ocean view.

The room was a good size, and seemed refreshed. The bed was a nice king size bed, which was perfect for slumber after my night flight in from Miami.

Now this was the view from my room. Although it’s a little discolored from the tint on the window, it is a great view of Copacabana beach.

The room had plenty of desk space and drawers. There was also a coffee machine with complimentary teas and coffees. There was also a minibar, with snacks and drinks for purchase.

The restroom was pleasantly bright, and had a shower tub to the left, and commode to the right. The water pressure was decent, and the towels were soft and felt premium. At the sink, you could also find some little amenties, such as cotton pads.

Now in Rio and in most of Brazil, the pipes are older and cannot handle much toilet paper waste. That’s why in most facilities, whether its a hotel, restaurant, office building, etc., you’ll find a waste basket next to your commode. Sometimes there will also be a bidet available to use.

The room also came equipped with an ironing board, and iron, a nice bathrobe. On the hangers, you’ll also see the laundry service and their prices.

You also can’t forget the safe and standing mirror. In this closet, you’ll also find some flip-flops to use during your stay.

As is the case across most if not all Marriott Bonvoy hotels, high speed wifi is complimentary for all Marriott Bonvoy Gold members and higher.

Lastly, although not a fixture of the room, the hotel sent over my welcome gift, which was a nice touch!

Coconut water in a coconut, with fresh fruit was a lovely arrival gift, and it included a hand-written note.

Dining & Room Service

The JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro has three dining establishments to choose from. The Carioca is the main hotel restaurant, and offers all-day-dining with local cuisine, international favorites and refreshing drinks. The restaurant is located on the Mezzanine, overlooking Copacabana beach and is where the breakfast buffet is held.

This breakfast buffet was incredible, and featured fresh honey, fruits, traditional hot food, an omelette bar, juices, etc. It was a fantastic experience, and was complimentary thanks to my Titanium status with Marriott!

The Moonlounge Rooftop Bar is the JW’s rooftop lounge area that offers handcrafted cocktails and inspired street food overlooking Copacabana beach.

Finally, on the lobby level, you’ll find the Cafe Bar, where you can enjoy alcoholc drinks and a drink experience based on coffee and tea infusions.

Unfortunately, I did not order any room service during this stay.

Amenities & Facilities

Fitness Center

The fitness center, is located on the rooftop, and has several cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights.

There is also a small yoga/equipment station with additional equipment.

Additionally, while not exactly part of the fitness center, there is an outdoor pool area.

SPA by JW

The hotel also operates a SPA by JW, where you can book a variety of services, such as massages and facials.

JW Marriott Beach Area

The JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro offers guests a reserved beach area on Copacabana, with complimentary umbrellas offered. You’ll be able to see the white umbrellas, they have the JW Marriott logo on them. As I neared the area, a worker asked if I was a guest at the hotel, I said yes and preemptively showed them my room key, and was led to a beach chair and umbrella.

You can also order food and drinks from a specific vendor that the hotel has a partnership with, however I’m not sure if you have to pay on the spot or if it can be charged to your room. Additionally, be aware that there are other independent vendors walking around the beach area, trying to sell tourists food, drinks, souvenirs, and massages.

The food vendors aren’t much of a problem, but the massage vendors are very insistent and will charge you high prices. I recommend being polite yet firm and upfront on the fact that you will not be paying and you do not want a massage, and if they proceed to give you a “demo,” remind them politely yet firmly that you will not be paying whatsoever. I speak from experience!

JW Marriott Executive Lounge

Access to the JW Executive Lounge is complimentary for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador guests.

I had last been in this lounge in 2013, and before then in 2002, and the view from this space never gets old.

The lounge is open 24 hours, offering light refreshments and snacks throughout the day, such as soft drinks and trail mix-type snacks.

There is also a water and tea station, while on the other side you can find a coffee machine and a small business area.

The lounge has happy hour from 5:30PM until 7:30PM, where you can grab hors d’oeuvres. This happy hour spread was very impressive, and more than enough for dinner. It featured several hot food items, salads, soups, fruits, and breads.

This was more than enough food for the night, leaving me well fed and ready for a well-deserved sleep!

Location & Accessibility

The JW Marriott is located across the street from Copacabana beach, one of the premier beaches in Rio de Janeiro. This is a touristy area with several restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is relatively safe, and as is the case in most of Rio, it is recommended that you leave all valuables in your hotel room safe and explore light. Getting around is pretty easy as well, with Ubers being pretty affordable.

Value & Redemption

I managed to book the JW with $150 USD + 26,000 Bonvoy Points on a cash and points redemption rate. The cash rate was over $250, and for a single night, I felt like the points and cash were a great way to experience as deluxe hotel without forking over too much. I’d say that given the amenities, the location, and the service, it was definitely worth it!

Final Verdict: JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro Review

The JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro hotel lived up to the expectations. The executive lounge, the breakfast, and the hotel amenities definitely remind you that this is a premier property in the Marriott Bonvoy network. Granted, I wouldn’t say that it offers the same level of luxury and service as a Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, or Four Seasons, but it definitely makes you feel welcome and taken care of. I loved the reserved space for guests out on Copacabana beach, and its location is nestled into a semi-busy part of the city that has plenty of restaurants and shops.

With the points and cash redemption option, I felt like I got a bargain given the value, and I’d stay here again in a heartbeat! I definitely missed this hotel when I had to leave the next day and move over to the Ibis Botafogo!

Overall Rating: 8.8/10

Have you had a chance to stay at the JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro? Let me know your thoughts on Instagram, Threads, or Twitter!

As always, Live Life One Trip at a Time!

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