Renovated in 2012, this towering 12-floor hotel is fronted by a bank of tinted windows giving it a corporate look. The entrance is marked by a international flags above and a pair of bronze lions to either side of the sliding door. Inside, the front desk and small lobby lounge are surrounded with blonde-wood wall panels. Tufted black leather sofas, white leather benches, and glass-and-chrome coffee tables give a streamlined look. But the low ceilings, harsh lighting, and faux flowers dispel any elegance. The hotel's restaurant has a similar look with blonde-wood, emerald-green chairs, white tile floors, and overly bright lighting. The hotel attracts both business travelers and tourists alike.

The Astoria Copacabana is well situated in a central location close to the beach, public transportation, and the tourist attractions of Copacabana. The metro station is a five-minute walk away, and the beach is just two blocks away. Several bars, restaurants, boutiques, and shops are in the vicinity, as well as movie theaters and night clubs. 

Ipanema Beach can be reached in five to 10 minutes by taxi or bus. The main tourist attractions of Rio de Janeiro -- Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer -- can be reached in 15 to 30 minutes by car. Galeao International Airport is a 30- to 40-minute taxi drive away.

Astoria Copacabana's rooms come in four categories: Standard, Deluxe, Superior Deluxe, and Suites. All rooms feature a neutral color palette of white-tile or wood-laminate floors, cream-colored walls, and streamlined, somewhat '80s decor. Most rooms have a small seating area with a glass table and blonde-wood closets and drawers. Standard and Deluxe rooms are cramped with too much furniture crowded into their small footprints. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, safes, bathrobes, and alarm clocks. Most of the bathrooms are small and dated as well, with granite vanities, hairdryers, basic toiletries, and shower stalls. Aside from additional space, Master Suites include a few luxurious extras such as a furnished balcony with loungers, an outdoor jetted tub, and a private steam room.

The hotel has a small ground-level restaurant that serves a hot buffet breakfast included in the room rate and a la carte meals for lunch and dinner. Room service is available as well, but it stops service at night. 

There's a small rectangular rooftop pool with a handful of navy-blue chairs and loungers. It's not suitable for swimming, but it offers a cooling dip when the beach feels too far away. There's also a tiny fitness center with three cardio machines, free weights, and strength training machines. But by far the most appealing feature is its charming blue-tiled steam room.

The lobby has a couple of computers and printers for guests' use (for a fee). Wi-Fi is also available for a fee. The hotel offers laundry service and free towels for beach goers. Limited parking space is available at the garage for an extra charge.