Hotel in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro
Belmond Copacabana Palace
Rio's most legendary hotel has graced Copacabana's beachfront since 1923. This white palace offers 239 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool overlooking the beach, the acclaimed Pérgula restaurant, and impeccable service that has hosted royalty and celebrities for over a century.
The Belmond Copacabana Palace is Rio de Janeiro's most celebrated grand hotel, occupying a prime stretch of Avenida Atlântica on Copacabana Beach since its founding in 1923. Designed by architect Joseph Gire in a white Palladian style, the hotel's distinctive cream-and-white facade has become one of the most recognisable landmarks on the beachfront strip, standing in elegant contrast to the sweeping arc of Copacabana's mosaic promenade below. The property houses 239 rooms and suites distributed across the historic palace wing and the adjacent Tower, each finished with classic European furnishings, marble bathrooms, and views taking in either the Atlantic Ocean or the garden courtyard. Junior Suites and the iconic Copa Suite command unobstructed ocean panoramas stretching from Forte de Copacabana to the Arpoador headland. Room categories range from Classic and Superior options to sprawling duplex suites with private terraces. Dining at the Copacabana Palace is a destination in its own right. The Pérgula restaurant and poolside terrace serves Brazilian and international fare in an alfresco setting beside the famous pool, while the French fine-dining Le Pré Catelan offers a seasonal tasting menu in an opulent Art Deco room. The adjoining Piano Bar, which has hosted musical luminaries for decades, draws a sophisticated crowd for cocktails and live performance. The pool terrace positioned at the rear of the property is one of the most photographed spots in Rio, with a rectangular freshwater pool backed by the hotel's white facade and overlooking the beachfront below. The Copacabana Palace Spa occupies two floors and offers a full menu of treatments, sauna, and fitness studio. Guests have access to a dedicated pool butler and beach service including towels and sun loungers delivered to the sands outside. The 24-hour concierge team can arrange private helicopter transfers over the bay, yacht charters, access to Carnival marquees, and tailored city tours. The hotel is family-friendly and offers special programmes for younger guests, though its enduring reputation rests on hosting heads of state, royalty, and cultural figures including Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II. Business facilities include boardrooms and event spaces of various scales. The property is 15 minutes by car from Santos Dumont Airport and 30 minutes from Galeão International Airport.
Amenities
- beachfront pool
- wifi
- spa
- fine dining
- fitness center
- 24h concierge
- valet parking
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +55 21 2548-7070
Location
Av. Atlântica, 1702 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
-22.9665, -43.1781 — View on map
Highlights
- Iconic 1923 white Palladian palace on Copacabana beachfront, one of the most recognisable hotels in South America
- Poolside Pérgula restaurant and the acclaimed Le Pré Catelan fine-dining room serving seasonal tasting menus
- Ocean-view suites with panoramas stretching from Forte de Copacabana to the Arpoador headland
- Legendary Piano Bar hosting live music and cocktails for over a century
- Full-service spa, dedicated beach butler, and an experienced 24-hour concierge with extensive Rio expertise
Tips
- Book rooms in the Ocean Wing for direct sea views; garden-facing rooms are quieter but overlook the interior pool courtyard.
- Reserve dinner at Le Pré Catelan several weeks in advance, especially during Carnival and New Year's Eve.
- Ask the concierge for Carnival sambódromo tickets and marquee access — they sell out many months ahead.
- The pool deck is exclusive to hotel guests; arrive early on weekends to secure a sun lounger.
- The Piano Bar is open to non-guests for drinks and live music most evenings — a good option for those visiting without staying.
FAQ
What is the check-in and check-out time at Belmond Copacabana Palace?
Standard check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 noon. Early check-in and late check-out may be arranged subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
Is the hotel directly on Copacabana Beach?
The hotel faces Avenida Atlântica directly opposite Copacabana Beach. Guests cross the boulevard to reach the sand, a walk of under two minutes. The hotel provides beach service with towels and loungers.
Does the hotel have a spa?
Yes, the Copacabana Palace Spa operates across two floors and offers body treatments, massages, facials, a sauna, and a fitness center with personal training available.
Is the Belmond Copacabana Palace family-friendly?
The hotel welcomes families and offers connecting rooms, children's menus, and dedicated activities for younger guests on request. The pool terrace is a popular spot for families.
What dining options are available at the hotel?
The hotel has multiple dining venues including Pérgula (poolside Brazilian and international fare), Le Pré Catelan (French fine dining), and the Piano Bar for cocktails and live music. In-room dining is available 24 hours.
Accessibility
The hotel offers wheelchair-accessible rooms and public areas with lift access to all floors. Staff are trained to assist guests with mobility requirements; contact the hotel in advance to arrange specific accommodations.
When to visit
The hotel operates year-round. Carnival and New Year's Eve are the most celebrated periods but require reservations many months in advance. The shoulder months of May–June and September–October offer pleasant weather with lower occupancy.