Have been long time Regent supporters but this time they have dropped the ball. The hotel they have selected in Rio de Janeiro is less than the usual standard that Regent provided in the past. The Royal Tulip was recently and Intercontinential. It is an old hotel in need of an update. While I take trip advisor reviews with a large grain of salt, this place is consistantly getting lousy reviews. Don't want to hear it's not clean. Have talked to Regent but their is nothing they can do since this the only hotel they are using. Must have gotten a great deal since it books on line for less than $200 a night. I think they are being pennywise and pound foolish. Know I can book on our own and would usually do this but want the convience and safety of letting Regent take care of everything. Rio is not one of our favorite cities as far as feeling safe is concerned. Last time we were there we had armed tourist police with our bus everywhere we went. Just venting. Won't let it spoil the trip but am concerned that a bean counter is looking at the bottom line again and the client be damned. Lots of rooms available in the top hotels so this is not a reason.