About the hotel
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, stands at Avenida Atlântica 1702, facing Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. According to Wikipedia, it was built by Octávio Guinle and Francisco Castro Silva between 1919 and 1923 to a design by the French architect Joseph Gire and opened on 13 August 1923. A rear annexe was added in a 1949 renovation, and the building was later registered as a cultural property at federal, state and municipal levels.
Wikipedia records that James Sherwood bought the hotel from the Guinle family in 1989, after which Orient-Express Hotels took over its operation. That company became Belmond in 2014 and was sold to LVMH in 2018. The official site lists the restaurants Mee, Ristorante Hotel Cipriani and Pérgula, a pool bar, a half-Olympic-sized outdoor pool, a spa, rooftop tennis courts and 13 event venues, including the Teatro Fernanda Montenegro.
Inside the hotel
Restaurants and bars
- Mee
- Ristorante Hotel Cipriani
- Pérgula
- Pool Bar
Facilities
- Half-Olympic-sized outdoor pool
- Copacabana Palace Spa
- Teatro Fernanda Montenegro
- 13 event venues including a theatre
- Rooftop tennis courts
- Fitness centre
As listed on the hotel’s own website. See sources.
Architecture and design
Designed by the French architect Joseph Gire (Wikipedia; the official site credits Gire with the facade).
Recognition
- No. 29
- The World's 50 Best Hotels 2026
Questions readers ask.
Who operates Copacabana Palace?
Belmond. Wikipedia states that Belmond was sold to LVMH in 2018.
When did Copacabana Palace open?
On 13 August 1923, according to Wikipedia.
Who designed Copacabana Palace?
The French architect Joseph Gire.
Sources & context.
Facts are taken from the pages listed below. Where a detail could not be confirmed it has been left out. Profile last checked 10 October 2026.