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Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · Belmond · Apex Luxury
The Copacabana Palace was built at the initiative of President Epitácio Pessoa to mark Brazil's 1922 Independence Centenary, commissioned from hotelier Octávio Guinle and designed by French architect Joseph Gire, who drew on the Carlton in Cannes and the Negresco in Nice for its Art Deco facades. It opened on August 13, 1923, as the first large building on Copacabana Beach, importing Carrara marble, Bohemia crystal, and a noted London chef for its debut. The hotel hosted Brazil's first Copa Ball, cementing its role at the center of Rio's Carnival, and appeared in RKO's 1933 film "Flying Down to Rio," the first pairing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. James Sherwood and Orient-Express Hotels bought the property from the Guinle family in 1989 for a comprehensive renovation, with Wladimir Alves de Souza's 1949 work, Michel Jouannet's later renovation, and Gérard Gallet's 1989 interiors marking successive chapters. Fronting Avenida Atlântica on Copacabana Beach, it remains the defining landmark of Rio's beachfront boulevard.
- 140 rooms
- Opened 1923
- Neighborhood: Copacabana
- Rooms from 280 sq ft (26 m²)
- Architect: Joseph Gire; Wladimir Alves de Souza; Michel Jouannet
- Interiors: Gérard Gallet
About Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
- Some suites add wet bars.
- Entry-level rooms start at 280 sq ft (26 m²).
History
Built at the initiative of President Epitácio Pessoa to celebrate Brazil's 1922 Independence Centenary, the Copacabana Palace was commissioned from visionary hotelier Octávio Guinle and designed by French architect Joseph Gire, who drew on the Carlton in Cannes and the Negresco in Nice for the Art Deco facades. It opened on August 13, 1923 — the first large building on Copacabana Beach — importing Carrara marble, Bohemia crystal, and a celebrated London chef. The hotel hosted Brazil's first Copa Ball, cementing its role as the soul of Rio's Carnival. In 1933 it appeared in RKO's film 'Flying Down to Rio', the first Astaire-Rogers pairing. James Sherwood and Orient-Express Hotels purchased it from the Guinle family in 1989 for a comprehensive renovation.
The setting
Fronts Avenida Atlântica directly on Copacabana Beach, the legendary two-mile arc of golden sand in Rio de Janeiro's Zona Sul. The hotel is the defining landmark of the beachfront boulevard. 10 km from Santos Dumont Airport. 13 km from Christ the Redeemer statue.
Restaurants and bars
- Ristorante Hotel Cipriani — Restaurant · Italian
- Pérgula — Poolside · Brazilian
- Princess Diana Bar — Bar
- Pool Bar — Poolside
- MEE — Restaurant · Pan-Asian · Chef Alberto Morisawa · One MICHELIN Star
- Lumio — Restaurant · Italian fine dining · Chef Nello Cassese
Experiences
- Beach service — Seasonal exclusive beach service on Copacabana Beach with sun loungers, umbrellas, beach balls, frescobol and water for hotel guests.
- Copa al Mare — A private sailing experience from Guanabara Bay, exploring Rio's coastline, islands and sunsets, with drinks, fruits and snacks on board.
- Sunrise at Sugarloaf Mountain — Exclusive early access to Sugarloaf Mountain with a gourmet breakfast and breathtaking sunrise views over Rio.
- Maracanã Like No Other — A VIP, behind-the-scenes football experience at Maracanã, blending history, passion and the spirit of Rio.
- Cultural excursions — Explore Rio from cultural excursions to visiting the iconic sights of the city.
- Carioca Spirit dining, entertainment and culture — The hotel has long been an alluring hotspot for dining, entertainment and culture tied to Rio's history.
Amenities
- Rooftop pool overlooking Copacabana Beach
- Spa
- Fitness center
- Golden Room (event space, inaugurated 1938)
- Copa Ball (annual Carnival tradition since 1923)
- Concierge access to Copacabana Beach
- Sauna
- Tennis
- Pet-friendly
- Kids club
- Butler service
- Private beach
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star (2026)
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2026)
- World's 50 Best Hotels (2026)
- Brazil's Leading Hotel 2025 (World Travel Awards) (2025)
- Brazil's Leading Hotel Suite 2025 (World Travel Awards) (2025)
- South America's Leading Hotel Suite 2025 (World Travel Awards) (2025)
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star
- World Travel Award — Best Hotel in South America (multiple years)
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