Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Copacabana
Vibe
White-uniformed servers carry caipirinhas around the central pool, where guests mingle against the bright Belle Époque facade under the midday sun.
“Centennial beachfront beacon”
Dedicated beach attendants guarding surfside belongings, sixth-floor penthouse butler service, and private concierge sunrise excursions to Corcovado.
A century-old institution hosting Rio society for grand ballroom galas, carnival balls, and poolside milestone celebrations.
Protected 1923 national landmark palace designed by French architect Joseph Gire, inspired by iconic French Riviera grand hotels.
Facing the sand along Avenida Atlântica, centered on the bustling promenade of Copacabana Beach.
“That’s no reflection on this hotel, though: the Belmond Copacabana Palace is still the place to live the fantasy of the Rio of decades gone by.”
Rooms
Pool Wing suites feature reclaimed Amazon timber and bespoke woodcuts, while sixth-floor penthouses offer private terraces with panoramic ocean views.
“It evokes a bygone era with its attentive service, 1920’s architecture and retro glamour. The art deco grande dame has 220 rooms, many of which overlook the beach, as well as three restaurants, a piano bar, an outdoor swimming pool and a private beach.”
Wellness
Play tennis on the rooftop court, unwind in multi-floor treatment suites, or enjoy sun loungers and attentive service directly on the sand.
“Behind its striking white exterior there’s a special atmosphere that’s not simply due to the location and smart interiors but a thoughtful attention to the history of a bygone age, discreetly brought up to date.”
Backstory
Commissioned for Brazil's 1922 Independence Centennial, the 1923 palace drew its neoclassical design from grand French Riviera hotels like Nice's Le Negresco.
“An Art Deco landmark on Rio’s famous stretch of sand, the Belmond Copacabana Palace has set the standard for visiting celebrities…”
Eat & drink
Sample omakase at Michelin-starred MEE, book the kitchen table inside Ristorante Hotel Cipriani, or enjoy Saturday feijoada beside the pool at Pérgula.
The neighborhood
Avenida Atlântica's patterned promenade unrolls right outside the doors, centered along the famous two-and-a-half-mile sweep of Copacabana Beach.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.