Copacabana Palace

Copacabana Palace Review

The addition of a seven-room luxury spa in 2007 has brought this iconic hotel up to date. Built in 1923 for the visiting king of Belgium and inspired by Nice's Negresco and Cannes's Carlton, the Copacabana was the first luxury hotel in South America, and it's still one of the top hotels on the continent. Marlene Dietrich, Robert DeNiro, and Princess Di are among the many famous faces to have stayed here. The hotel's neoclassical facade is beautifully maintained and remains a glimmering white. Inside you can find one of the city's largest and most attractive swimming pools. One of Copacabana Palace's two restaurants, the Cipriani, is rated among the city's best for its northern Italian cuisine, while the Saturday feijoada, served in the less formal Pergula restaurant by the pool, is legendary. The interior of the hotel is as glittering white as its facade, and the look is cool, elegant, and luxurious—from the marble reception desk to the immaculately attired bellboys. Oceanview rooms are more expensive than those at the back, whose view of the Copacabana streets somewhat detracts from the glamorous atmosphere. A genuine Rio landmark, Copacabana Palace remains the stomping ground of the rich and fabulous despite a growing preference for Ipanema and Leblon over Copacabana. However, the nightlife here is less sophisticated, and you're likely to find yourself making nightly cab journeys to Ipanema and Leblon.