Rio Holiday Services

Beautiful homes are an important part of the total package necessary for a carefree vacation in Rio.  But, we strongly believe that good service is just as important.  A typical apartment stay involves someone handing you a key and saying "have fun".  Rio Holiday is really quite different.

We offer a very attentive service to our guests, reminiscent of the finest luxury bed and breakfasts.  Blending a mix of full time professionals with part time specialists, we can offer visitors to Rio everything they need for a relaxed, safe, and memorable vacation.  Some of our services are included with the house rental, while others incur additional charges.

Leave the Driving to Us!

Whether you need airport transfers, nightlife, tours, or excursions, this important part of any trip to Rio is handled with safety and efficiency by the professionals at Rio Holiday.

Airport Transfer Services

Pickup from the Rio International Airport (GIG) or Santos Dumont Domestic Airport is included at no extra charge with every rental of 7 days or more.    We greet you at the airport in English and can take you directly to the house.  We do not recommend that any visitor to Rio attempt to rent a car and drive.  There is a lot more about this in our Transportation Guide.  Additional charges may apply if members of your group are arriving on different flights.  Just ask us for details.

If you are staying less than 7 days, we recommend that you let us handle your airport transfers.  The rate for a one way transfer for 1-4 persons is US$60 and can be added to your bill.  Transfers for up to 12 persons are US$125.  We can also transfer you to or from a Rio area hotel if you will be spending time at different locations on your trip.

Transportation Services

While visiting Rio, our recommendation is that you let us provide you with a car and driver.  We also provide tours and guides that speak English, French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese.  There is extensive information in the Guide to Transportation for Guests of Rio Holiday.

Amenities

An important part of our service are the amenities that come with every house.  Checkout a detailed description of the amenities.

Food Services

Breakfast is included in the house rate.  We can provide lunches and dinners and a grocery shopping service for an additional charge.  We can even arrange parties or a poolside barbeque.  See our section on Food Services for more information.

Events

If you are coming to Rio for Carnaval or for Reveillon (New Year's), you will want help with purchasing tickets and deciding which venues are best for you.  Maybe you are attending a convention or a wedding, and need to coordinate with others.  Rio Holiday can handle all of this for you, in most cases free of extra charges and before you even arrive.

Tours, Guides, and Excursions

Your Hospitality Manager can arrange almost any type of tour or excursion for you.  For simple tours, like around Rio, we put a car and driver at your disposal.  These people know Rio and can show you a long list of popular sites.  Pricing for this service is exactly the same as our private car rental and can be found under Transportation Services.

If you would like to go farther afield, Rio Holiday can arrange that to.  Popular day trips from Rio include Búzios, Petropolis, and sometimes even Angra dos Reis.  If you need a flight to the Amazon, or want to visit relatives in Curitiba, we can arrange this.

Specialty tours are our specialty.  Really.  We work with a long list of the most reliable specialty tour guides in Rio and can set you up with any of the popular tours that require more than just a guide.  A partial list includes:

• Hang Gliding
• Para Gliding
• Hiking
• Surfing
• Wind Surfing
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Sailing or Yachting
• Fishing
• Rock Climbing
• White Water Rafting
• Horseback Riding

Many of our guests want to attend shows or games.  Just ask your Hospitality Manager to arrange a visit to a soccer game at Maracanã Stadium, a Samba School, the City of Samba, a night club, a restaurant, a church service, a concert, a museum, or anything else that you can imagine.  Don't know the options?  Your Hospitality Manager can help you with trip planning.

Want to arrange a party or a dinner?  See our section on Food Services.

Personal Services

Massage Therapist Available

We have made arrangements with local massage therapists for your convenience and enjoyment.  She will come to the house and give you a professional massage in your room or out by the pool.  Talk about luxury!

Manicure or Pedicure

Why not have a professional groom your nails while you are relaxing by the pool?  We can arrange many personal services in the comfort and convenience of your house.

Business Services

Of course no one really wants to work on their vacation, but some people don't have the choice.  Maybe this is the primary purpose of your trip, with a few days off squeezed in.  Or maybe you just want to keep track of the kids back home or your stocks and email.  We have an up to date computer center at your disposal, with copier, fax, printer, scanner, and high speed internet access.  We can also provide package receiving and shipping, help you locate office supplies, and even host business meetings at the house.  If you need a translator, stenographer, or someone to run errands, we can handle it.  This can be a fabulous way to impress your clients.

Shopping

There are two kinds of shopping on vacation.  The fun kind can be arranged with our transportation option.  If you need a shopping guide, we can supply one that speaks Portuguese and English so you don't need to be mystified about anything.  See our Rio Guide for more information about items that are cheap or rare in Brazil.

The other kind of shopping is generally a chore.  There is no need for you to see the inside of a grocery store on your trip unless you just want to.  Our staff will procure any food items necessary to prepare any at home meals that you request.  Want the refrigerator stocked with Coca Cola or beer?  Need champagne, liquor, snacks, or candy?  We can get all of these for you - even ahead of your arrival if you desire.  Of course the cost of the items will be added to your bill, plus a small service charge.  See our Food Options for more information.  Did you forget a personal item?  We have some emergency items available at the house, but if you need more, we can easily get this for you.  If you prefer, we can take you to the drugstore that is about a mile away.  Can you think of anything else that might make your trip more enjoyable?  Just ask your Hospitality Manager.

Laundry

When you are staying with us, you can pack light!  Twice per week, our staff will be happy to launder your clothing at no charge.  If you need dry cleaning, we can arrange this as well for a modest fee.

Money Exchange

If you let us know in advance, we can have Brazilian currency waiting for you when you arrive.  When you leave Brazil, we will be happy to buy back any extra Reals that you have for the price that you paid us.  You can't find a zero sum game like this anywhere else.  Also, if you need more money during your trip, we will be happy to stand in line for you.  Please note that for this service, we merely act as your agents.  We are not licensed to be a currency exchange.