Cheap hotels in Rio de Janeiro are relatively easy to come by, which is good news for budget travelers or anyone who doesn't plan on spending a lot of time in the room. There are lots of fun things to do in Rio both day and night, so you might not want to overspend on a room that you might do little more than sleep in. Either way, you will be happy to know that you don't have to look outside of the hottest neighborhoods to find a cheap accommodation in Rio. All you need to do is arm yourself with some recommendations for some of the best.

One of the best places to search for cheap Rio hotels is the Centro neighborhood, or the historic downtown. Many of the hotels in this part of town qualify as airport hotels, since they are close to the city's smaller Santos Dumont Airport. Airport hotels in general are relatively cheap, and it's no different in Rio. Whatever you label them, the hotels in this area are among the best overall values. They include the Hotel Regina and the Ibis Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont. At the Hotel Regina, the rates might be relatively low, but all 117 rooms feature a mini bar, an electronic safe, cable TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. The more deluxe units, should you be interested, also have balconies and whirlpool tubs. A satisfying breakfast is included in the rates, and the hotel's small wellness area is a nice touch. Over at the Ibis Rio de Janeiro, 300 rooms that are clean and relatively chic await travelers. This contemporary hotel also features a bar and a restaurant for guests to enjoy when they're not watching a soccer game at Maracana Stadium, hiking the area trails, or enjoying any other number of fun Rio pursuits.

While hotels like these in the Centro District can make excellent places to stay, many people who are interested in cheap hotels in Rio de Janeiro will prefer being closer to the city's famous beach neighborhoods. There are a lot of relatively expensive hotels in neighborhoods such as Copacabana and Ipanema, but you can also find a few discount gems. These gems include the Arpoador Inn. As its name implies, this delightfully cheap beach hotel is found at Arpoador Beach, which is a small beach between Copacabana and Ipanema. Surfers like this beach, and it remains relatively quiet on the whole thanks the fact that it is shut off from cars. All 50 rooms at the Arpoador Inn are equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, your choice of twin beds or a double, and even a mini refrigerator. Included in the rates is a breakfast buffet, and should you please, breakfast can be delivered to your room for a small added fee. Some of the rooms at this inn are more deluxe than others, and the cheaper standard rooms go very fast, so you'll often need to reserve well in advance.

Rio de Janeiro Map

In Ipanema proper, those who are looking for a cheap accommodation in Rio that is near the beach might take interest in the Hotel Vermont or the Ipanema Inn Hotel. The 84-unit Hotel Vermont can be found right in the heart of one of Ipanema's top shopping zones, so you might apply your savings to a shopping spree. As for the rooms, they are attractive enough and feature safes, cable TV, a mini bar, and air conditioning, which is all some travelers will need. You'll also enjoy 24-hour Internet access, and you should you book the right room, views of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain will figure among the views. Choose the Ipanema Inn Hotel instead when looking for cheap Rio hotels in Ipanema, and you'll enjoy similar amenities. One of the great things about the Ipanema Inn Hotel is the fact that guests can head down to the reception desk to book tours, get restaurant tips, and things the like.

Over in nearby Copacabana, travelers that have their sights set on the cheap hotels in Rio de Janeiro is likely to appreciate the Luxor Continental or the Martinique Copa (pictured). The Luxor Continental is found on a quiet residential street and offers 275 relatively well-equipped rooms at an excellent price. As you might expect at a more upscale hotel, the Luxor Continental offers room service, as well as a small business center, and guest can also take advantage of the outdoor pool, the bar, the restaurant, and the fitness club if they please. As is true at the Luxor Continental, guests at the 117-unit Martinique Copa will get a lot of bang for their buck. Standard in-room amenities include a mini bar, air conditioning, a safe, a mini bar, and cable TV.

If these cheap hotels in Rio de Janeiro aren't cheap enough for you, then there are other options. The city is full of affordable hostels, and some of them offer private rooms with bathrooms for those who aren't up for sharing a room or a dormitory with travelers they don't know.