The Copacabana Palace opened in 1923 on Avenida Atlântica, facing the beach that gave its name to the neighbourhood. When it was built, Copacabana was still a quiet seaside district; the hotel helped turn it into the most famous beachfront in Brazil. A century later it is still the luxury hotel against which the others in Rio de Janeiro are measured.
History
The hotel was built for the businessman Octávio Guinle, whose family ran it for decades. It became the meeting place of Rio society, of visiting heads of state and of film stars, and appeared in the 1933 Hollywood film Flying Down to Rio. Its carnival ball ranks among the city’s major social events. The hotel has been part of Belmond since 1989.
Architecture and design
The French architect Joseph Gire designed the white façade, inspired by the palaces of the French Riviera. The building is protected as a heritage site by the state of Rio de Janeiro. Its swimming pool, framed by the two wings of the hotel, is one of the best known in South America.
Location
The hotel faces Copacabana beach, with Sugarloaf Mountain to the east and Ipanema a short drive to the west.
Weddings and events
The Copacabana Palace hosts weddings, galas and receptions in its historic ballrooms and around the pool, facing the Atlantic.
At a glance
What sets it apart
- 01Opened in 1923 on Avenida Atlântica
- 02White façade by the French architect Joseph Gire
- 03Featured in the 1933 film Flying Down to Rio
- 04Its pool, framed by the two wings of the hotel
Chronology
Dates that matter
1919
Octávio Guinle obtains the concession and construction begins on Avenida Atlântica.
1923
The Copacabana Palace opens on 13 August.
1933
The hotel appears in the Hollywood musical Flying Down to Rio.
1946
The hotel's casino closes when Brazil bans gambling.
1986
The building is listed as heritage by the state of Rio de Janeiro.
1989
Orient-Express Hotels, later Belmond, buys the hotel from the Guinle family.
2023
The hotel celebrates its centenary.
2024
Madonna stays at the hotel for her free concert on Copacabana beach in May.