Kimkim Trip Reviews

The Arena Copacabana Hotel had its pros and cons, making it an overall "just okay" stay for our group. The biggest selling point was definitely the location—right in the heart of the action and directly across from the beach, making it super convenient for exploring and soaking in Rio's vibrant atmosphere. Pros: ✅ Prime Location – Perfect for those who want to be in the center of it all, with the beach just steps away. ✅ Great Breakfast – A solid variety of food, fresh fruit, and Brazilian staples, which was a nice way to start the day. ✅ Good Drinks & Nice Views – The bar served well-made cocktails, and the rooftop and beach-facing areas had stunning views, adding to the experience. Cons: ❌ Safety Concern – Unfortunately, two of our travelers had their wallets stolen from their room while housekeeping was cleaning, which was a major disappointment and something that shouldn't happen in a hotel of this level. ❌ Not the Best Value – While the location is excellent, the hotel itself didn’t feel like the best bang for the buck. The rooms and service didn’t quite match the price point. ❌ Mediocre Roof Bar Service – While the views were great, the service at the rooftop bar was slow and inconsistent, making it less enjoyable than expected. Final Verdict: While the Copacabana Hotel worked well for its location and convenience, the safety issue, service inconsistencies, and overall value left something to be desired. If you’re looking for easy beach access and a lively setting, it’s a solid option—but travelers should be extra mindful of their belongings. Would we stay here again? Maybe, but we’d explore other options first.

Our Welcome Dinner in Rio de Janeiro was the perfect way to kick off our trip! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality, stunning views, and an atmosphere that set the tone for an incredible week ahead. The Setting & Ambiance The restaurant was a beautiful blend of elegance and vibrancy, capturing the spirit of Rio. Whether it was the open-air seating with a view of the city or the lively energy of the space, it immediately made us feel immersed in Brazilian culture. The ambiance struck the perfect balance—upscale yet comfortable, lively but not overwhelming. The Food & Drinks The menu was a fantastic introduction to Brazilian cuisine. We started with delicious pão de queijo (cheese bread) and pastéis (crispy pastries filled with cheese and meat), which were absolutely mouthwatering. The main courses showcased the richness of local flavors—whether it was the perfectly grilled picanha steak, fresh seafood, or the classic moqueca (Brazilian fish stew), every dish was flavorful and well-prepared. Of course, no welcome dinner would be complete without caipirinhas, and they did not disappoint! Fresh, strong, and perfectly balanced, they quickly became a group favorite. The Experience One of the highlights of the evening was the attentive and knowledgeable staff. They were friendly, accommodating, and took the time to explain the dishes, making it an educational and enjoyable culinary experience. The pacing of the meal was just right—giving us time to savor each course while catching up with each other and soaking in the excitement of being in Rio. Final Thoughts This Welcome Dinner exceeded our expectations and was the perfect way to bring our group together. The combination of authentic Brazilian flavors, great service, and a vibrant setting made it a memorable and enjoyable start to our adventure. Would we recommend this experience to others? Absolutely! A must-do for anyone visiting Rio.

Our Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain Tour was an incredible experience, offering some of the most breathtaking views in Rio de Janeiro. The itinerary was well-paced, allowing us to fully appreciate these iconic landmarks without feeling rushed. Christ the Redeemer Visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World was nothing short of spectacular. The journey up Corcovado Mountain was smooth, and once we reached the top, we were rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Rio. The statue itself was even more awe-inspiring in person, and we had ample time to take photos and soak in the experience. Sugarloaf Mountain The cable car ride up to Sugarloaf was an adventure in itself, offering unforgettable aerial views of the coastline and city skyline. Once at the top, we had a moment to relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy a refreshing drink. The visibility was excellent, making for some of the best photo opportunities of the trip. Our Guide, Luis Luis was extremely knowledgeable and professional, providing a wealth of historical and cultural insights throughout the tour. However, he had a tendency to be a bit too chatty and directed most of his commentary toward the trip leader rather than engaging the entire group. While his passion for Rio was clear, his English was sometimes difficult to understand, which made it challenging for some group members to follow along. Final Verdict This tour is a must-do in Rio and delivered on its promise of unforgettable views and rich cultural context. Despite some communication challenges with our guide, the overall experience was well-organized, enjoyable, and absolutely worth it. Would we recommend it? Yes! Just be prepared for a lot of talking and some moments where the guide’s English may be a bit tough to follow.

Our Rio de Janeiro Carnival experience was nothing short of spectacular! This was the highlight of our trip—full of energy, music, dazzling costumes, and an electric atmosphere that truly brought the city to life. The Experience From the moment we arrived at the Sambadrome, we were immersed in the heart of Brazilian culture. The energy was infectious—the samba dancers, extravagant floats, and pulsating rhythms made it impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. Watching the samba schools perform up close was mesmerizing, and you could feel the passion and dedication behind every performance. A Few Challenges While the experience itself was phenomenal, having a guide or clearer instructions would have been helpful. Navigating the event, understanding the schedule, and knowing the best way to experience Carnival as first-time visitors required some guesswork on our part. A bit more direction beforehand would have made the logistics smoother. Our Driver, Maximo We absolutely loved our driver, Maximo—he was punctual, kind, and got us where we needed to be safely. However, the language barrier made communication a bit tricky, which added a little challenge to coordinating our pickup and drop-off plans. That said, he had a great spirit, and we appreciated his hospitality. Final Verdict Despite the minor logistical hurdles, Carnival in Rio was an absolutely magical experience that exceeded all expectations. The energy, music, and sheer spectacle made it one of the most memorable moments of our trip. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat! Next time, we’d just bring a guide or ensure we had clearer instructions ahead of time.

Our Full-Day Rio Queer Tour with Damiana and Rio Queer was an absolute highlight of our trip! This experience gave us a deep dive into Afro-Brazilian and LGBTQ+ history, blending cultural education with fun, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Damiana – An Outstanding Guide Damiana was knowledgeable, engaging, and truly passionate about sharing Rio’s queer and Afro-Brazilian history. She took us through important landmarks, sharing stories that are often left out of mainstream narratives. Her ability to connect past and present made the experience meaningful and thought-provoking. The Lesbian-Operated Restaurant One of the standout moments was our visit to a lesbian-owned restaurant, where we enjoyed an amazing meal in a space that felt warm, inclusive, and community-driven. The food was delicious, and the fact that it was run by members of the LGBTQ+ community made it all the more special. A Minor Challenge – The Traffic The only downside (which was out of anyone’s control) was the heavy traffic, which limited how much we could see in one day. While we still got to experience a lot, we would have loved more time to explore additional sites. Final Verdict This tour is a must for LGBTQ+ travelers who want to experience Rio through a queer and historical lens. Despite the traffic, the experience was incredibly enriching, and we left with a deeper appreciation for the city’s culture and activism. Would we recommend it? Absolutely! And next time, we’d carve out even more time to explore.

Our Farewell Dinner & Game Night was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable trip to Rio! It was a night filled with great food, laughter, and meaningful moments, making it a truly special send-off. The Picture Signing Activity – A Thoughtful Touch One of the most memorable parts of the evening was the picture signing activity. It was such a creative and heartfelt way to reflect on our journey together. Everyone had the chance to share personal notes, inside jokes, and words of appreciation, creating a keepsake that we’ll all treasure. The Food – A Delicious Farewell Feast The dinner itself was fantastic! We enjoyed a delicious meal with flavorful Brazilian dishes that left everyone satisfied. The relaxed atmosphere made it the perfect setting to share stories, relive highlights from the trip, and simply enjoy each other’s company one last time before heading home. Damiana – The Guide Who Felt Like Family Once again, Damiana from Rio Queer was an amazing presence. She wasn’t just a guide—by the end of the trip, she felt like family. She kept the energy light and fun while making sure everything flowed smoothly. Final Verdict This Farewell Dinner & Game Night was the perfect combination of sentimental, fun, and delicious. It gave us a chance to celebrate the friendships formed, the memories made, and the incredible experiences we shared in Brazil. Would we do it again? Without a doubt! A must-do for ending any group trip on a high note.

We have stayed at many lovely resorts but this one is in a class by itself. The Amanpuri effortlessly and graciously exudes elegance. We were picked up at the Phuket airport and dropped off at the hotel's open-air lobby; the setting is breathtaking and set the promising vibe for our entire stay. The staff were so attentive and polite, seemingly with only one objective in mind...ensuring that our visit was amazing. And thanks to them it was. The physical setting is out of a storybook...stunning buildings, spectacular amenities (especially the restaurants...the food is so darned good), incredible rooms and beachfront location that can't be beat. For all of the resort's physical attributes, they pale in comparison to the men and women who made the place tick, from the General Manager (who personally greeted us when we arrived) to the restaurant wait staff to the team on the beach attendants who adjusted our towels and umbrellas and made sure that all of our needs were taken care of. And best of all, this service was discreet, seamless and elegant. We will definitely be back...even though our flight to Phuket took 25 hours in each direction!!!

Good hotel mice location

Great location,for Rocks tours and site seeing, historic site quaint hotel

Great hotel great location near the Esplanade,good rooms great service

This was a a surprise only 3/4 years old a real special place clean inviting pool to spend a long day of sun and relaxation.

Definitely bong miss this one a family owned Great Barrier Reef excursion done right. Great Staff Well trained and safe guides Great Lunch After dive snacks And cake and fruit all day Great long snorkel and Dive time on the reef

The Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge was outstanding. The location was perfect, right in the middle of nature, making the experience truly unforgettable. The staff were wonderful and immediately made us feel welcome. The accommodations were just as we hoped they would be: clean, comfortable, and beautifully integrated with the surroundings. I have absolutely no complaints.

Our stay at the Cloud Forest Lodge in Monteverde was amazing. The highlight was the restaurant - every single meal from appetizers to dessert was incredible. The food was fresh, light, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. Even though we typically eat light while traveling, we couldn't resist indulging here. The quality of the meals would make me want to return to Monteverde just for the food. The hotel itself was also fantastic, truly a great experience.

Staying at the Rio Celeste Hideaway Resort was a fabulous experience. Everything about this place was great - from the accommodations to the staff, I felt well taken care of. It was a wonderful end to our trip, and I would highly recommend anyone visiting Bijagua/Rio Celeste to stay here.

Hotel Presidente in San José was a nice stay overall. The staff were great, and the hotel was clean and well-situated. However, we experienced significant noise from the water pipes in our guest room throughout the night, which disrupted our sleep. It's an older hotel, so I understand these things can happen, but it affected our comfort during the stay. Had it not been for the noise, it would have been a perfect stay.

We had a great hike around the Sirena Park Station. Our guide, Maria, was outstanding. If she wasn't with us, we would not have seen any wildlife. It was amazing how she could spot all the animals high in the trees! Using her monocular allowed us to see the animals in detail. We saw a tapir, anteater, sloth, squirrel monkeys, and many birds.

Our guide, Maria, was amazing. She made this a great hike. She is very knowledgeable. She could find animals high in the trees that we never would have seen on our own. We saw spider monkeys, a lot of colorful Macaws. a lot of other birds, and on our way back to our lodge, she found a puma!

The Rio Celeste river, Blue Lagoon and Waterfall were gorgeous. The blue color of the water was amazing, unlike anything else we have ever seen. Our guide, Mariano, was great! He was very knowledgeable and made this a very enjoyable hike.

This night tour was a great way to see tapirs. It also allowed us to see other animals that we hadn't seen elsewhere on our trip to Costa Rica, such as the red-eyed green tree frog, and a night owl. It was nice to see the wildlife up close. This was a unique experience.

Sena Cruise was an incredible experience. The cruise director did a great job, and they efficiently arranged for our early departure to catch a changed flight. The entire process was handled smoothly, and the staff ensured we were well taken care of, even putting us on a speedboat when needed. The level of organization and care they showed made the cruise a highlight of our trip.

La Niche d'Angkor Boutique was a fantastic hotel with wonderful staff who looked after all our needs. The facilities were great, and the entire stay was enjoyable. However, the beds were very hard, which made the first two nights uncomfortable as we struggled to sleep. By the third night, we were either too exhausted or had adjusted to it.

This was a mid-range hotel. Upon arrival, we were told that the owners were away, so certain options, like a boxed breakfast were not available, until they returned. This was also apparent in the quality of the served breakfast on the first morning. Some other small details made the hotel seem unprepared for guests. For example, they had only one small slip of paper with the wifi information on it, which could not be taken to your room, as their was only one copy and this information was not printed anywhere else. Additionally, we had 2 matrimonial rooms, however, one of the rooms was clearly larger and with a bigger bed than the other one. We were told the rooms were the exact same when asked to move the smaller room to a bigger one. Breakfast on Day 2 and 3 were much better (maybe the owners were back?). There were a lot of beatles on the floors of the rooms and all over the hotel. The rooms were fine, air conditioning worked well and cleaning services arrived and tidied rooms daily. Location was off the beaten path, so was quiet, if that's what you like. It was also across the street from 2 very nice cocktail bars and a 10 ten minute walk to town.

excellent service and room perfect great restaurants near by and boardwalk

not the best

this was a beautiful place clean great breakfast and staff were amazing

This was much better than expected. Loved going to the market and learning about the food and culture. Our guide was amazing and kept it very fun

One of the best tour guides. Loved Anne jist knowledgeable

The hotel was very cold and the food wasn’t too good.

The staff were very helpful. The rooms are very clean and spacious. We were upgraded. The restaurant staff were exceptionally well trained. Especially Satyajeet Mondal.

We both suffered from altitude sickness. Try and have some free time to relax

From the peppermint tea and cookies at arrival to the beautiful rooms we really liked this place. Great location right on the edges of the souk.

This is the only way I’d want to camp. Such comfortable beds, cosy and warm and the shower was excellent, we really didn’t expect that. Watching the stars at night and listening to the drummers was so fun. Arriving to the camp by camel was a highlight of our trip.

Everyone was so friendly and kind, especially Fatima on reception and the staff at breakfast. Because it was my birthday they gave me a rose at breakfast and even delivered a cake to my room including a birthday serenade. They really know how to make you feel special. I would return to this hotel again and again.

What a unique place. The owner is an absolute treasure and has amazing stories. She makes you feel like you’re old friends coming to visit. The hotel is a beautiful renovation and food was great.

Great location in the centre of everything. Great rooftop view of the city.

Marrakesh was our first city so having a guide really helped us get used to the city and understand the Houston’s culture, and as we’re only there for a short time was saw a lot.

What a tremendous experience. We learned a lot, and the direct encounters with the animals exceeded our expectations. Importantly, these interactions were managed in a way that put the animals health and safety first.

Terrific trip with great guide. The nature beauty of the landscape was amazing. And our guide Chris did a fantastic job.

The reef speaks for itself, but the crew on the boat was amazing. They really looked out for everyone and made the trip special. One of the best snorkeling experiences we've had.

We saw the penguin parade, as well as the Koala habitat and pyramid rock. Our guide, Adam, did a great job taking us to the right places and spotting the local wildlife.

We visited four wineries. We also asked to visit a dairy farm and the tour company made that happen (it was nice to have a cheese break from the wine). We finished with a visit to the chocolate factory. It was a great trip.

We had a nice drive out to the blue mountains. There are some amazing views, but I am not sure that they were worth the time it took to get out there.

This was a nice way to see the city from the water. Very relaxing on a nice night. It is not a must do, but it was a cool way to see the city and the harbor.