This property is the most famous hotel in Rio de Janeiro, and for traditionalists, it is the best. Those expecting world-class service and impeccable standards of maintenance and cuisine, however, are still required to lower their sights to get comfortable here.
This opulent beach palace designed by the architect of the Negresco in Nice dates from 1923. One cannot miss this hotel, as it is the only one with a grand, carved white-marble facade, making it the matriarch of Copacabana. Its conscientious renovations continue their slow but steady pace, but they often arrive late. As a result, portions of the hotel are in fine condition, while other areas suffer neglect. Granted, rates here are far below what one pays at a comparable property in other parts of the world, but there is no excuse for having to nag the staff to get results.
Guests check in at a small reception area and proceed directly to high-ceilinged salons that are elegant in the manner expected of Orient-Express. Frosted glass shimmers, pale colors calm, wainscoting and inlaid woods glow, and huge bouquets dazzle.
In Cipriani, the intimate formal restaurant in the annex on the far side of the courtyard, the Venetian chef turns out excellent Italian fare. Across, a handsome bar is adorned with a grand chandelier. Off the lobby, a hallway, with rather tired paint and rugs, leads to the second restaurant, an informal garden-style room and terrace. Its linen-topped tables and chairs cut a path between the mosaic sidewalks and the huge fountained pool. A wall of French windows provides views of the busy street and, more importantly, protection from the riffraff strolling past on Avenida Atlantica. Tables close to the pool are preferable, and breakfast buffets are offered here. The tearoom is a chandeliered space with soaring windows, draped tables and marble inlay.
The pool, trimmed with a narrow deck, is the biggest hotel plunge in Rio. It is in a conspicuous location offering little privacy to guests who may be experimenting with string bikinis for the first time. The rooftop tennis court is the only aerial court in Rio, and a sauna and health club await as well.
The glamorous meeting rooms can host up to 1,100 people, and the Golden Room is a historic dazzler for up to 450. Parking levies fees. Well-behaved pets are permitted.
Guest quarters are in the main building and newer all-suite annex. Most display a classic 1950s cast in cocoa-brown carpeting, cabriole-leg armchairs, desks, pedestal tables and padded headboards. Some carpeting is long overdue for replacement, but some is fresh and new. On a brighter note, data ports, TVs, VCRs, minibars and safes are in place throughout, and the large baths have hair dryers (but no magnifying mirrors).
Standard rooms lack water views, superiors face the pool, and deluxe rooms scan the ocean. Premium rooms on floor 5 fetch the highest rates. Guests in these rooms benefit from four fabulous mini-offices with free Internet access, as well as Continental breakfast, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. On all floors, rooms in the -04 series are largest. Suites, also priced according to exposure, are fully carpeted, with upholstered armchairs, 1930s mahogany writing tables, dressers and ample combination baths. Some units are fitted for guests with disabilities, and room service runs round the clock.
Although the new kid on the block, J.W. Marriott, is giving this hotel some stiff competition, this place remains the most distinguished address in Rio—those infatuated with the Rio of the 1930s, 40s and 50s should stay nowhere else—but the staff fails to meet expectations.
Source : http://www.professionaltravelguide.com/copacabana-palace-hotel/hotels-501389/
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