Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel.

The Copacabana Palace is the definitive grand dame of Rio de Janeiro. Opened in 1923 and inspired by the opulent beach hotels of the French Riviera, this Art Deco landmark anchors the center of the beach for which it is named. Inside, the aesthetic is unapologetically classic: high ceilings, polished Brazilian wood, and mountains of Carrara marble. While the 220 rooms have been modernized, they retain an old-world elegance that has hosted everyone from Hollywood royalty to rock stars. The social heart of the property is the expansive terrace and central pool, where guests linger over sundowners at the Pérgula bar. Dining options range from Michelin-starred Italian at Cipriani to pan-Asian flavors at Mee, providing a sophisticated alternative to the lively beach scene just steps away.