Review of Copacabana Palace - a Belmond Hotel

Radiating timeless elegance and iconic Art Deco charm, Copacabana Palace, a Belmond Hotel, stands as Rio de Janeiro’s most prestigious address and a gathering place for royalty, celebrities, and discerning travelers for over a century. The property encompasses 239 luminous rooms and suites, each thoughtfully styled in classic white and cream hues, featuring bathrooms clad in exquisite Brazilian marble. The crown jewels are the seven penthouse suites perched on the sixth floor, with sweeping ocean vistas and privileged access to an exclusive black granite pool reserved for penthouse guests.

Gastronomy at Copacabana Palace is world-renowned, with two Michelin-starred restaurants: Mee, famous for its innovative pan-Asian cuisine and curated sake collection, and Ristorante Hotel Cipriani, offering elevated Italian fare and an immersive chef’s table experience. Pérgula, with its sunlit windows and mirrored ceiling, delivers a creative Mediterranean-Brazilian menu, including a grill specializing in expertly charred meats and vibrant accompaniments. For lighter fare, the poolside bar serves artisanal tapas, while the Piano Bar is an elegant haunt for Rio’s glitterati. 

The main heritage building and the 1948 tower wing envelop a stunning half-Olympic pool, fringed with plush loungers. Directly across, the hotel’s private beach service on Copacabana Beach provides shaded loungers, attentive staff, and chilled refreshments. The Copacabana Palace Spa offers sanctuary with seven treatment rooms (including two for couples), sauna, steam room, and tranquil lounge. The spa boutique and beauty salon feature curated products for holistic wellness. Fitness enthusiasts will find a state-of-the-art gym and a rooftop tennis court with panoramic city and ocean views.

After a meticulous restoration, the legendary Copacabana Palace Theatre—a historic gem from the 1950s—has reopened, welcoming guests to a reimagined café and a chic cocktail lounge within its storied walls.

Copacabana Palace commands an enviable position in Rio’s lively South Zone, directly overlooking the legendary four-kilometer Copacabana Beach. Beyond the iconic sands, guests can explore secluded gems such as Prainha and Secreto beaches. Just steps away, the historic Forte de Copacabana offers a glimpse into Brazil’s past and a front-row seat to the city’s surfing culture. Adventurous travelers can embark on a sunrise cable car journey to Sugarloaf Mountain, enjoying spectacular views of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado—often with exclusive early access arranged by the hotel for a private, crowd-free experience.

For those seeking to immerse themselves in local life, a sunset bike ride around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas reveals Rio’s natural beauty along an eight-kilometer scenic route. As evening falls, Pedro do Sal in Saude pulses with samba rhythms, while boat excursions from Guanabara Bay showcase Rio’s dramatic skyline. The hotel arranges bespoke architecture tours to highlight Rio’s designation as a World Capital of Architecture, with stops at the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow, the historic Confeitaria Colombo, the Museum of Art, and the Monastery of São Bento.

Travelers benefit from swift access: 45 minutes (28 km) from Rio de Janeiro International Airport and only 15 minutes from Santos Dumont Domestic Airport. 

While the property does not offer on-site parking, guests enjoy dedicated valet and private parking services along Avenida Atlantica. 

Bathed in natural light and elegantly appointed, the 239 guest rooms and suites at Copacabana Palace are among Rio’s most distinguished accommodations. Thanks to advanced soundproofing, the vibrant energy of Copacabana never disrupts a restful night’s sleep inside.

Period furniture, original artwork, and high ceilings create an airy, sophisticated atmosphere. Room categories are defined by their outlook: Superior City View, Superior Partial Ocean View (with expansive windows), Deluxe Ocean View (some featuring Juliet balconies), and Deluxe City View. Each space measures between 30 and 40 square meters, complemented by marble bathrooms in blush and ivory tones. Thoughtful amenities include daily mineral water, crisp Trussardi linens, illuminated make-up mirrors, professional hairdryers, espresso machines, Bluetooth docks, large-screen smart TVs with international channels, bespoke minibars, pillow menus, climate control, premium toiletries, and iconic Brazilian slippers. Many rooms connect for families, and pets are welcome. Breakfast is included for all guests.

Suites evoke 1930s glamour, with sizes ranging from 46 to 68 square meters. The main difference is in the views: choose from Deluxe One Bedroom Oceanfront, One Bedroom Pool View, Avenue View, City View, or spacious Ocean View Suites, some with Juliet or full balconies. The Master Ocean View Suite, located in the main building, offers 80 square meters of refined living space with uninterrupted beach and sea panoramas. 

The most exclusive offerings are the Copacabana Suites (rooms 601 and 602), where guests are greeted with Moët & Chandon Champagne, daily canapés, and complimentary soft drinks. The seven penthouse suites, each spanning 100 square meters, feature curated art, handwoven rugs, lush French fabrics, and 24-hour butler service. These penthouses share a private black granite pool and offer grand marble bathrooms, spacious living areas, and balconies with breathtaking city or ocean views—delivering Rio’s most coveted residential experience.

The centerpiece of Copacabana Palace’s amenities is its iconic half-Olympic pool, surrounded by lush landscaping and designer loungers—ideal for people-watching and unwinding with a signature cocktail. Just steps away, the hotel’s exclusive beach club ensures seamless service on the sands of Copacabana, with attendants providing towels, umbrellas, ice-cold water, and vigilant care for your belongings while you swim.

The Copacabana Palace Spa is a sanctuary for rejuvenation, boasting seven treatment suites (including two designed for couples), a sauna, steam room, serene lounge, and a curated menu of therapies using luxury By Samia botanicals. The spa’s signature rituals—such as the two-hour Bossa Nova body and facial, the Plenitude stress-relief journey, and the three-hour Essencial aromatic bath, massage, and detox facial—are expertly delivered by highly trained therapists. Guests also enjoy access to a spa boutique and beauty salon for exclusive products and styling services. 

Fitness offerings are robust, featuring a fully equipped gym and a rooftop tennis court with breathtaking views over the Atlantic and Rio’s skyline.

The recently restored Copacabana Palace Theatre, a protected landmark from the 1950s, now hosts a vibrant program of performances and events. Visitors can enjoy light bites at the chic café or unwind with a craft cocktail in the intimate theatre lounge.

Staying at Copacabana Palace is to experience a living legend—one that has welcomed icons from Marlene Dietrich to Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, cementing its place in cinematic and cultural history since the early 20th century. The hotel’s debut in Hollywood’s "Flying Down to Rio" made it instantly synonymous with glamour and international prestige. 

Modeled after the grand seafront hotels of the Mediterranean—think the Negresco or Cannes’ Carlton—Copacabana Palace was the vision of French architect Joseph Gire. Every detail exudes opulence, from Czech crystal chandeliers and English carpets to Limoges porcelain and Baccarat glassware. The original staff was handpicked from the world’s top luxury hotels, bringing a level of service still evident today.

After a period of decline when Brazil’s capital moved to Brasília, the hotel was rescued from demolition and declared a cultural landmark. Since Belmond’s acquisition in 1989, the property has been meticulously restored, blending historic grandeur with contemporary luxury and ensuring its enduring status as one of the world’s most celebrated hotels.

Ongoing investment—including the recent theatre restoration—ensures Copacabana Palace remains a beacon of heritage and sophistication on Rio’s famed beachfront. 

Culinary excellence is at the heart of Copacabana Palace. The vibrant Pérgula Restaurant celebrates Rio’s spirit with vintage green leather seating, expansive windows overlooking the pool, and a lush tropical mural. Open all day, Pérgula specializes in Mediterranean-Brazilian fusion, and its Grill do Pérgula is a destination for expertly grilled Brazilian meats and inventive sides.

On Saturdays, experience a lavish Brazilian buffet with traditional feijoada, local starters, and a tempting dessert selection—paired with caipirinhas and premium beers. Sundays bring a festive brunch with sparkling wine and live entertainment, keeping the weekend’s energy high.

Mee, the acclaimed pan-Asian restaurant, remains Rio’s only Michelin-starred Asian venue, serving creative specialties alongside a curated selection of over two dozen imported sakes in a sleek, contemporary setting.

Ristorante Hotel Cipriani, also Michelin-starred, spotlights the best of Italian gastronomy, blending seasonal Brazilian ingredients with imported delicacies from Italy’s diverse regions. For an unforgettable epicurean journey, the Chef’s Table offers a personalized tasting menu in an interactive setting.

The Pool Bar provides refreshing cocktails and light bites throughout the day, while the Piano Bar is a magnet for the international jet set seeking an intimate, stylish ambiance.

Belmond is committed to a sustainable future through its "Think Global, Act Local" philosophy, striving to positively impact each destination. The brand maintains a strong focus on environmental stewardship, particularly at properties near UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Copacabana Palace actively pursues responsible sourcing for its kitchens, supports educational initiatives in the local community, and implements eco-conscious operational practices to minimize environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency throughout the hotel.

• The Palace Itself: Widely regarded as South America’s most iconic hotel, Copacabana Palace has been a symbol of Brazilian hospitality since 1923. Its storied past, elegant rooms and suites, attentive service, prime location, and singular style make it a must for connoisseurs of luxury travel.
• Gastronomic Excellence: Of the handful of Michelin-starred restaurants in Rio, two are housed within the Palace. Mee’s inventive pan-Asian fare and Ristorante Hotel Cipriani’s refined Italian cuisine are both exceptional. Grill do Pérgula, meanwhile, is a destination for those passionate about local flavors and expertly sourced wines.
• Unrivaled Setting: With panoramic views of Copacabana Beach and close proximity to Forte de Copacabana, the hotel’s location is unbeatable. Guests enjoy special access to Christ the Redeemer on Sugarloaf Mountain before public hours—an unforgettable privilege. The hotel brings Rio’s wonders right to your doorstep.Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

• Legendary Atmosphere: Copacabana Palace is celebrated for its vibrant social scene, especially poolside and in its trio of restaurants and duo of bars. It remains the only South American hotel with two Michelin-starred restaurants. Pérgula’s famed weekend feasts—the Saturday Brazilian Buffet and feijoada, and the Sunday brunch with free-flowing sparkling wine—are accompanied by live music and samba, making every meal a celebration.
• Perfect Venue for Celebrations: The Palace is the ultimate venue for landmark occasions, offering grand event spaces with soaring ceilings, expansive terraces, and sweeping views of Copacabana Beach. Signature events such as Réveillon, the Copa Carnival Ball, and Halloween are orchestrated with remarkable flair and tradition.
• Rio’s Unique Energy: The spirit of Rio—its carnival, its people, and its exuberance—infuses every corner of the hotel. Whether cycling, trekking, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, guests are swept up in the city’s infectious energy. Copacabana Palace, a century-old icon, is woven into the very fabric of Rio.Ulisses MarreirosGeneral ManagerCopacabana Palace - a Belmond Hotel