Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel: Guide to Rio’s Legendary Beachfront Hotel

Photo: Luca Gebara / Wikimedia Commons. Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported. Archive photograph.

Jet Set LatAM · Hotel Guide

The gleaming white facade on Avenida Atlântica has been the backdrop to Rio’s glamour for a century. Opened in 1923 and modeled on Riviera grand hotels like the Negresco in Nice and the Carlton in Cannes, the Copacabana Palace is still the city’s most storied address.

A century of glamour

French architect Joseph Gire designed the palace; the pool followed in the 1930s. It has hosted royalty, film stars and musicians, and today belongs to Belmond, part of the LVMH group. It remains the setting for Rio’s most coveted New Year’s Eve and Carnival celebrations.

The rooms

Around 240 rooms and suites, split between beach-view suites and quieter city-view rooms that are a little more affordable. Expect high ceilings, period details and classic Art Deco touches.

Pool, dining and bars

• The pool: the semi-Olympic pool is the place to see and be seen.
• Mee: the pan-Asian restaurant, recognized by the Michelin Guide.
• Ristorante Hotel Cipriani: refined Italian cooking named for its Venetian sister hotel.
• Pérgula: poolside Brazilian dining and a famous breakfast.
• Copacabana Piano Bar: live piano and classic cocktails.

Location

Right on the central stretch of Copacabana Beach, a short ride from Ipanema and Leblon’s shops and restaurants. Compare neighborhoods in our Rio beachfront hotel guide.

Booking tips

• Book early for New Year’s Eve and Carnival.
• Choose a beach-view suite if the view matters; city-view rooms save money.
• Reserve Mee in advance.

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Where to stay

Compare live rates for the Copacabana Palace and nearby hotels with the accommodation map below; the flight search helps you plan the rest.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Copacabana Palace open?

In 1923.

Who owns the Copacabana Palace?

It is operated by Belmond, part of LVMH.

Can non-guests eat at the hotel?

Yes, its restaurants accept outside guests with reservations.

Is it right on the beach?

Yes, facing Copacabana Beach on Avenida Atlântica.

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