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Copacabana Palace
Rio de Janeiro
Glamorous beachfront institution with a storied past
What makes it special: Location, location, location. Of course, that's by no means all there is to the world-famous hotel, but its position at the heart of the famous 2.5-mile curve of Copacabana beach certainly helps define it. The imposing bright white frontage gleams proudly over one of the world's most famous beaches, while the city's iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer looks over it from on high.
A slice of history: Built in 1923, the hotel sought to bring an element of European-style glamour to Rio de Janeiro – and manifestly succeeded. From its early days, it has attracted the famous and the powerful to stay in its beach-view suites (standard rooms looking back over the city are also striking, and a tad more affordable), and its appeal shows no signs of waning.
What can guests expect: The stay is as opulent and fabulous as one might imagine, thanks to ongoing and sympathetic renovations and modernisations. The suites are old-school luxurious, with genuinely comfortable sitting rooms, and the public space in which to see and be seen is the famous pool area. Relaxation is a given at the pool given the plenty caipirinhas on hand from the attentive and coolly uniformed team.
Sustainable standards: The very relaxed, Carioca vibe is enhanced by three restaurants surrounding the enormous pool. The flagship – Ristorante Hotel Cipriani, under acclaimed chef Nello Cassese – featured on the extended list of The 50 Best Restaurants Latin America in 2024, but is currently closed for a refurb. The Asian-inspired Mee is a destination in and of itself, too. The spa, meanwhile, is discreet and well-appointed, while a mix of contemporary artwork and nostalgic photography lines the hotel's corridors. Finally, Copacabana Palace has become a quietly effective role model for sustainable practices in the hotel sector under the visionary guidance of GM Ulisses Marreiros.
Key Information
- Rooms: 239
- Starting Rate: $300
- High Season: December–March
- Dining: Cavalcanti
- At the Hotel: Beach access, pool(s), spa, ballroom/meeting rooms, event space
- Avenida Atlântica 1702, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ 22021-001, Brazil.
- +55 21 2548-7070
- Visit Copacabana Palace's Website
- Visit Copacabana Palace on Instagram
