What is the best area in Rio de Janeiro to stay?

Hello, I'm going to Rio de Janeiro in July and I am looking for a hotel in a safe area. Most important is that it is nearby public transport and that it is clean. My buget is about US$60-US$80 per night.
What are good areas/ neighboorhoods to stay?
And does anybody have recomendations for a hotel?

Thanx in advance!

It doesn't have to be near the beach, the financial district is good also. As long as it is reaonably safe.

For 80 a day it's not gonna be easy.
Thats 136,00 Reais more or less.
I recomend RIO FLAT SERVICE in Leblon.
It's cheap, you get your little kitchen the basics so you can save on meals, your get breakfast, a great view and pool.
2nd block from the beach, cinemas and nice restaurants around. Malls too.
2 blocks from Ipanema, but still in Leblon which is the best area in the city.
Away from Copacabana and it's tourist traps.
Rio Flat is a tall building on top a small mall called "Rio Design Center". The apartments for hotel rental (some people live there) and in the higher floors, above the 10th I think.
They also have parking if you need.
I think you can contact them thru www.protel.com.br
Protel administers several of these called "Flat Services" in Rio's south zone.

Good question, I'm thinking about going there in July myself.

Alem茫o麓s Complex

The best area to stay I believe is Copacabana, Leblon or Ipanema.
I never been in Rio because it is too dangerous, but I know the hotel to stay is The Copacabana Palace Hotel
http://www.copacabanapalace.com.br/web/o...
but is very expensive , around 400 dolares

Check here and see what fit in your pocket
http://www.hoteisemriodejaneiro.hoteis.c...

Are you crazy? Rio de janeiro is very dangernous.
There a is civil war.
Go to Cuba is Better.

It will not be easy to find something good near the beach for that price.
Check www.vilacasanova for a good B&B, or www.camaecafe.com.br for a B&B network. I do not recommend Copacabana.

I stayed on Copacabana when I went to Rio - I found it convenient, safe and clean. The Hotel I stayed at wasn't 5-star, but it was very well kept. I paid about $80 p/night - but that was a few years ago.