[Hotel Lounge Review] Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

My recent stay at the Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro included entry to the hotel Grand Club (see, HOTEL REVIEW).

The Grand Club was located on the 7th floor of the hotel. It was a very nice open room with plenty of tables, as well as outdoor seating on a terrace. There was also a second room in the event this room got too crowded.

Breakfast was served daily in the Grand Club from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (11 a.m. on weekends). I appreciated the extended hours as I generally like to run or work out in the morning before having breakfast.

I was happy with the breakfast in the Grand Club. There was a nice assortment of fish and meats and cheeses. The bread and pastries were freshly baked and plentiful. The fruit was ripe and fresh.

Wondering what was in the pot? But, of course – scrumble eggs!

Actually, speaking of eggs, you could request an omelette or other egg item and the chef would prepare it for you.

There were plenty of fresh juices – I am a big fan of watermelon juice – as well as carbonated and non-carbonated waters.

Nespresso machines make fabulous espresso!

This was a chai tea product – actually manufactured by Coca-Cola. I couldn’t decide if I liked it or hated it.

The evening cocktails and snacks were served from 5:30 to 7:30. I was thankful for the salads and some of the items, but honestly, most of it was not to my taste. Plus, the same items were served every single night, and there were no “cooked” items other than a fish ball that was like a tater tot.

The cocktail selection was fine for me. The bar was self-serve. The hotel also custom-made caipirinhas for the guests. I love caipirinhas and these were just fine.

Overall, I was happy with the Grand Club, but I think that it could use some improvements, especially the evening cocktail service.

First, the space is beautiful but could use some more lounge chairs or sofas, like other hotel lounges. This inspires small talk and even conversations between and among guests.

Second, the evening cocktail hours are too short. Most other hotel lounges remain open even after the appetizers are over, and many serve desert. Here, at 7:30, the club shut down. At a minimum, I think the bar should remain open until 8 or 8:30.

Third, I suggest a little more creativity and diversity of foods offered in the evening cocktail hours. I was at the hotel four nights and the selection was exactly the same each night, except the name of the tater tot like item changed each day (but not the flavor). If the hotel just changes up the food selection a bit, and adds a few hot items, it would be vastly improved.