11 Best Hotels in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

When this strikingly chic beachfront hotel opened, it quietly raised the bar in Rio’s hospitality scene with a level of attentiveness unmatched across the city. While its location at Posto 5 makes it ideal for exploring both Copacabana and Ipanema, you’d be forgiven from straying no further than the idyllic rooftop infinity pool, first-rate spa, trendy walled-garden restaurant, and light-filled spacious suites where private butlers care for every comfort.

One of the stars of Copacabana's midrange hotels, this beachfront property combines beautiful rooms—all have balconies with sea views—with a great rooftop pool and charming, attentive staff. The distinctive black- and red-fronted hotel is Swiss-owned, and the tidy and modern Scandinavian design (aka crisp white decor) is one of its best assets, as are the views across the bay and of the Corcovado and the Christ statue.

Built in 1923 for the visiting king of Belgium and inspired by Nice's Negresco and Cannes's Carlton, Copacabana Palace was the first luxury hotel in South America, and it's still one of the top hotels on the continent. Marlene Dietrich, Robert DeNiro, Princess Diana, Mick Jagger, and the Obamas are among the many famous 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. The hotel's restaurants are stellar, too—the elegant Cipriani is rated among the city's best for its Northern Italian cuisine, while the unlimited Sunday brunch, served in the less formal Pergula restaurant by the pool, is legendary. The pan-Asian restaurant Mee has met with critical acclaim in the culinary press. The interior of the hotel is as regal and immaculate as its facade, and the look is cool, elegant, and luxurious—from the marble reception desk to the immaculately attired bellboys and the luxury spa. Rooms are individually appointed, with period furniture and original artworks. Ocean-view rooms are more expensive than those at the back, whose view of the Copacabana streets somewhat detracts from the glamorous atmosphere, and the nightlife in this district is less sophisticated than neighboring Ipanema and Leblon, so you're likely to find yourself taking nightly cab rides.

The excellent location in front of Copacabana Beach is this hotel's main draw. The rooms are clean and reasonably tasteful, and some have been recently refurbished. The rooftop pool is popular with families, the buffet breakfast is generous and varied, the staff are friendly and efficient, and the hotel is within easy reach of the metro and Ipanema.

You could be walking into a Marriott anywhere in the world, which is a comfort for some and a curse for others. Expect spotlessly clean rooms and public areas, an efficient English-speaking staff, and modern (and expensive) services and facilities. Despite the enormous lobby, rooms here are smaller than at most Marriott hotels, but some rooms have views of Avenida Atlântica and Copacabana. The location—the front door spits you out onto Copacabana Beach—can't be beat.

With a prime beachfront location, this classic Copacabana hotel underwent a complete face-lift and is now one of the neighborhood's best hotels. Rooms come with modern appliances such as iPod docks, HDTV, Wi-Fi, and Nespresso coffeemakers, and the bar at the rooftop infinity pool has glorious views over Copacabana and Sugarloaf.

This well-located hotel offers friendly service, a solid breakfast, and a good location opposite Copacabana Beach. Excellent restaurants, shopping, and nightlife in Copacabana are all within walking distance.

For those who no longer feel comfortable sharing a room with strangers but would like to meet other travelers, the Socialtel chain offers a relaxed atmosphere in its facilities, overlooking Copacabana beach. There are single, double, or family accommodations with bathroom, and there is the possibility of exchanging experiences with other travelers in the movie theater or in the hotel's communal kitchen. The accommodation also offers suggestions for guided group or private tours, events in the city, and other attractions.

This beachfront hotel may have been built in the 1950s, but its look is sleek and contemporary—from the sparkling marble lobby to the guest room closets paneled in gleaming Brazilian redwood. There's a pool with lovely views out to sea, as well as beach service that includes towels, chairs, and parasols.