Brazil Up Close: The Sensuous & Adventurous Guide

ISBN: 9781556507557

¶¨¼Û: 99.00

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SURVIVING
BRAZIL IN STYLE
Before You Go
Accommodations
stylish and often reasonably priced??? quaint pousadas (or inns) in historical
houses??? and - for the truly budget minded - two-star hotels??? youth hostels???
and simple pensions with ceiling fan. Most hotels are rated according to a
five-star scale by EMBRATUR??? the official tourist board. Be aware???
however??? that the board s values are not always equivalent in different
regions of the country (or comparable to international standards). The
quality of five-star properties in Rio and S~o Paulo is variable??? but more
often competitive with international expectations. Such hotels usually offer
an array of facilities??? including excellent pools??? gourmet restaurants???
~ashiortabie decor??? exercise equipment and/or sauna??? boutiques and fine
service. As you move up the northeast coast and into the Amazon region???
tttrea-star hotels will sometimes challenge American standards of
deardiness??? and those rated with two stars??? unless otherwise stated??? can
0nly be recommended for backpackers.
A recent tourist trend??? particularly in Rio??? Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte???
are apart-hotels??? which are usually exquisitely decorated apartments
costing much less than five- and sometimes four-star hotels. They are
exceUent choices for families??? large groups??? or even singles wishing to
escape the tourist hubbub of larger hotels. Youth hostels are generally
upbeat and clean??? do not discriminate by age??? and provide an extremely
valuable social network.
Room rates fluctuate greatly throughout the year??? not only because of
inflation??? but in response to the various seasons. During low season
(Mar.-June and Aug.-Nov.)??? a 20% discount is not uncommon??? but you or
your agent must ask for it. The highest rates are charged between Dec. and
Feb. (end of Carnaval)??? the month of July??? and especially the weeks around
fiarnaval. Reservations should be made up to six months in advance during
Camaval and other regional folkloric events??? such as Oktoberfest in
Blumenau.
Exc
ackage deals can be obtained through various private tour
at you will find listed under Package Deals below and the