Discover Rio: The Most Famous Hotels in Rio de Janeiro

Rio has many different attractions to visit. From the most amazing beaches to famous tourist signs and parks, tourists have a loot to see and do in the Marvellous City. The most famous hotels in Rio de Janeiro are also a thing to explore while visiting Brazil.

You might think being one of the most famous cities in the world, Rio is packed with hotels and other accommodations, but that is not quite the case. Just before the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, people were concerned there were not enough hotels in the city. Stats indicate there were only 40,000 hotel rooms in Rio de Janeiro back then. If you compare it to the 140,000 rooms London had during their 2012 Summer Olympics, we can say Rio is not keeping up with the tourism in town.

Still, there are great accommodations in  Rio. And we are sure you will find a nice one that fits your lifestyle and preferences. From cozy bed and breakfasts to five-star resorts, Rio offers something for everyone. So, if you are wondering which are the most famous hotels in Rio de Janeiro, check this list!

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort

The Sheraton Hotel is known for its private beach and marvelous view. Its privileged location, between the sea and the mountain, offers a spectacular panoramic view of Rio.

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort is a five-star urban resort. It offers a leisure area with two swimming pools, a tennis court, a well-equipped gym, and spa. There are also a few great restaurants within the hotel. 

The most important attraction in the hotel is indeed its semi-private beach. The secluded area and calmer vibe offer an amazing opportunity to enjoy the summer days in Rio.

George Bush, Sophia Loren, Tony Bennet, Barry White, King Philip from Belgium, and Rod Stewart already spent a few days at the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort.

Copacabana Palace

There is no way for us to write an article about the most famous hotels in Rio de Janeiro without mentioning the Belmond Copacabana Palace. It is by far the most famous hotel in the whole Brazil. The Copacabana Palace is also one of the oldest grand establishments in Rio.

Brazilian president Epitácio Pessoa wanted to build a large tourist hotel in Rio de Janeiro. And so, the construction of the Copacabana Pala started in 1919. French architect Joseph Gire and Brazilian engineer César Melo e Cunha were responsible for designing the hotel. The Hotel Negresco in Nice and the Carlton Hotel in Canned served as an inspiration for the Copacabana Palace.

Back then, there were only a few houses and shops in Copacabana and the whole southern area of Rio de Janeiro.

After World War II, the hotel went through a refurbishment. Following the renovation, the Brazilian National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute declared it a national historical heritage.

Dozens of celebrities have visited the Copacabana Palace over the years. Famous guests include Mick Jagger, Princess Diana, Walt Disney, King George VI, Nelson Mandela, and Madonna.

Grand Hyatt

The Grand Hyatt is an urban resort located in Barra da Tijuca. With contemporary architecture and sustainable design, the hotel mixes comfort and luxury services with the informality of a beach resort, offering a great variety of leisure activities. The Grand Hyatt has impressive 436 rooms, three restaurants, and two bars.

This hotel is also known for its great conference rooms, business center, and event area. The Grand Hyatt is frequently chosen as a venue for workshops, congresses, and fairs in Rio de Janeiro.

Hilton

Opened in 1975, the Hilton Copacabana, formerly Le Méridien Copacabana, is a five-star luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro. With 39 floors, it is still the tallest building in Copacabana. Because of its height, the hotel has one of the greatest views of any hotel in Rio, overviewing the ocean, the Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Christ the Redeemer Statue.

Between 1987 and 2003, the Hilton Hotel was famous for its firework cascade on New Year’s Eve. However, due to an accident in 2001, Rio’s fire department decided to suspend the show.

Fasano

What makes the Fasano Hotel one of the most famous hotels in Rio de Janeiro is its location and rooftop view. The hotel is also known for its great restaurants and for building one of the first infinity pools in Rio de Janeiro.

Opened in 2007, the hotel was designed by French architect Philippe Starck. Its project pays homage to the architecture and design of the 1950s and 1960s and to the glorious era of Bossa Nova in Rio de Janeiro.

The Fasano Hotel has 79 rooms, a pool, a fitness center, a pool bar, a sauna, restaurants, and a lounge bar. 

Learn Brazilian Portuguese and experience Rio de Janeiro with Caminhos Language Centre.