Belmond Copacabana Palace

The historic Copacabana Palace, which dates back to 1923, is now part of the upscale Belmond hotel group. Much of the hotel has undergone renovations in the last several years, and beautifully maintains a 1920s aesthetic while attending to modern desires -- such as having a large business center equipped with computers, printers, an espresso machine, and an ATM. The lobby is spacious and sleek, with Art Deco cross-pattern marble floors, crystal chandeliers, rich woods, wrought iron railings, and boxy leather chairs. The area is stunningly tiered for an open, majestic atmosphere -- guests step inside, and then walk up a half-flight of stairs to access common spaces, such as the beautiful library, or cross the hall to another set of stairs leading to guest rooms. The hotel is quite large, and even in passthrough spaces there are nods to the past, such as the decorative stacks of wooden luggage and classic, wood file drawers contrasting with modern white furnishings on an airy patio. Guests run the gamut, from well-off couples to families to business travelers, who drift between the beach, the pool, and the plush, interior common spaces. 

Aptly named, the Belmond Copacabana Palace is across the street from the Copacabana Beach. It's just under 15 minutes' walk from the Estadual de Chacrinha park, and about a five-minute walk to the Cardeal Arcoverde metro stop. There's a large concentration of shops, restaurants, and bars accessible on foot, though most guests tend to dine on the property. The Ipanema and Leblon districts are both within about a 10-minute drive, and the international airport is about a half-hour away by car. A high-tourist spot, guests may want to look out for pickpockets, but otherwise, the area is safe. 

Even the most basic room at the Belmond Copacabana Palace is distinctive, with high ceilings and wood molding reminiscent of the 1920s era. Rooms have fluffy comforters, classic wood furniture, and tasteful floral-patterned curtains, and while colors and furnishings change a bit from room to room, all have an elegant Art Deco style. Each has an iPod dock, flat-screen TV, and writing desk; many have city or ocean views from tiled balconies, along with well-stocked minibars. Bathrooms are tiled in white marble, and some have showers only, while others have tubs, as well. Deluxe rooms have seating areas with couches and chairs, while gigantic Suites have separate living rooms, capsule coffeemakers, and large soaking tubs. The robes are plush and, instead of slippers, the hotel provides flip-flops, perfect for the beach. Rooms also have fresh-cut flowers, and a lemongrass fragrance pervades the property. 

A luxury hotel, the Belmond Copacabana Palace offers a slew of features. There's a full spa that does beauty and body treatments, and has a fitness center attached. There's also a tennis court on premise, with lessons available for a fee. Those feeling less active can relax on the pool patio, a grand space with plenty of lounge chairs and staff who are happy to provide towels, drinks, and light food. The beach is also just across the street. In addition to the popular Copacabana Piano Bar, there are three restaurants at the Palace: Cipriani, an upscale Italian restaurant; Pérgula a more casual (but still pricy) Brazilian restaurant with a free buffet breakfast; and Mee, the hotel's pan-Asian restaurant. The restaurants are well-regarded, but guests may be able to find better deals out in the neighborhood. Bar do Copa has live DJs from Wednesday through Saturday nights. Two on-site boutiques sell unique clothing and other various gifts, and there is 24-hour room service.