Tropical Hotel and Resort, Manaus

By Sandra Scott

From the jaguars to the Segways to the folkloric shows, the Tropical Hotel is an excellent option for the visitor to Manaus. Tropical Hotel Manaus is located in the heart of the Amazon jungle on the banks of the Rio Negro, less than 12 miles (19 kilometers) from downtown. Guests enter to find a four-story atria, lobby bar and the ubiquitious H. Stern gem store.

The long wide hallways with marble floors and white walls accented with Brazilian woods and lantern lights give the feel of an elegant pousada. The property offers 594 rooms ranging from comfortable and quaint accommodations to two-storied luxury suites with a private pool.

Guests will find a number of activities around the hotel to check out during their stay, including a zoo with a rescued jaguar, two swimming pools (one with artificial waves!), five tennis courts, a volleyball court, a sauna and a beauty parlor. It is only a short walk to the public beach. Nature lovers will most likely see more wildlife at the Tropical than they will at a nature lodge.

There is also a shopping arcade with 22 stores, two restaurants, several bars and a coffee shop, a nightclub and convention facilities with seating capacity for up to 1,500 people.

The tourist office can arrange tours to the local zoo and other museums to learn about Amazonia: various tours to the Amazon forest and the historical city of Manaus depart daily from the hotel. There is a boat dock and a seaplane dock.

It is the perfect stop for a day or two before exploring the jungle—or for recuperating after a sweaty jungle safari. For those who want the “jungle with the condo,” this is the perfect place. Bring the kids: they have special activities for children. Most guests will find it hard to leave.

Nearby is the newest addition to the Tropical family, Tropical Business, a towering building with a panoramic view of the Rio Negro.