Copacabana Palace opened in 1923 on Avenida Atlântica, a white Belle Époque façade looking straight over Copacabana Beach, modelled in part on the Negresco in Nice and the Carlton in Cannes. For more than a century it has been the address of Rio glamour, and the pool terrace and piano bar still carry that story. The 140 rooms and suites keep their heritage details, with antiques and art, and the look is classic rather than spare. Beach views belong to the suites; the standard rooms face the city skyline instead. Mee serves pan-Asian food and Ristorante Hotel Cipriani cooks Italian, both recognised by the MICHELIN Guide, while Pérgula is the place for Brazilian dishes beside the half-Olympic-sized pool. Guests have a private area on the beach, and there are rooftop tennis courts, a fitness centre and a theatre in the building. The spa uses Brazilian botanicals. Several parts of the hotel are being renovated during 2026, so it is worth checking which spaces are open before travel.
- Nearest airport
- Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (GIG), 11 Miles / 17 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 140 rooms and suites
Insider tip Book a suite if a beach view matters; none of the standard rooms faces the sea.
Why I choose it Rio's grand hotel, with history in every corridor and the beach at the door, still the most glamorous address in the city.