Copacabana Palace

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A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de JanerioThe white walls call to mind the elegance of Paris…the tropical plants the sexiness of the Caribbean…and the location is one that could only be found in Brazil. No wonder this place is as famous as its name…it really does sparkle like a piece of coral washed up on the shore.

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio  A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

 The famous “Copacabana” song, sung by Barry Manilow, was actually set at Copacabana nightclub in New York City…but was inspired by a conversation Manilow and fellow recording partner Bruce Sussman had at the Copacabana Palace.

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

The Copa has become quite the fashion hotspot – Mario Testino shot 60 pages worth of Kate Moss for Brazilian Vogue in 2011, and Brigitte Bardot did a photoshoot on the veranda in 1964.

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

The hotel has 216 rooms & a semi-Olympic sized swimming pool (and an exclusive swimming pool for VIP guests located at the penthouse…fancy!)

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

 Many famous people have been guests at the Copacabana Palace, including Diana, Princess of Wales, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Brigitte Bardot, Madonna, Elton John, and Walt Disney.

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

In the 1930s, the Golden Room was inaugurated as the number one show venue in the Latin America. Famous artists such as Dionne Warwik, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Marlene Dietrich, Ray Charles and Nat King Cole have performed there.

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

 A fire raged through the Palace in 1953, destroying the casino and theater. During the blaze, however, reception continued to work normally, and many guests simply watched the inferno from the side of the pool while being served tea and drinks.

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

Orson Welles lived at the Copacabana for eight months during the filming of “It’s All True” and became well-known among the staff for his frequent requests to be fished out of the pool (as he was too inebriated to do it himself).

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio  A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

Built in 1923 at the request of Brazilian president Epitácio Pessoa, French architect Joseph Gire designed it in the European style (popular in Latin America at the time), mimicking the style of hotels along the Côte d’Azur. Chandeliers came from Czechoslovakia, carpets from England, and furniture from Sweden. 

A look at the famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio

See our other adventures, to be found #onlyinsouthamerica…

  • That is so stunning. I love the story about the fire and guest services still running at full force serving drinks!

    http://www.everydayembellished.ca

  • verhext

    This hotel is a dream, and your guy is giving off some Paul Newman vibes here!

  • Too beautiful. I love everything. Jealous of all the traveling you are doing as of late!

  • I have dreamed about staying here since I was young and first heard about it through Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz. Growing up I would always watch reruns of ‘I Love Lucy’ with my mother and when they mentioned ‘Copacabana’ it ended up with me researching and finding this gem. Always love to see these places through your eyes…

    • I have seen every episode of I Love Lucy! I grew up on it! So I had the same dream as you and this place did not disappoint. So magical..

  • Naomi

    Such exquisite photos of the Copacabana Palace. *__* I loved reading the description and history behind it as well.

  • Mr Paul

    Love this place! I had the pleasure of staying there some years ago. One of the most memorable moments was of the man servant who collected seawater from Copacabana beach daily, to take up to her ladyship in one of the the penthouse suites where he would upon her request, flick her with seawater whilst she squealed with delight. Apparently she was allergic to the people on the beach but loved the sea!