5 Best Hotels in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

When this strikingly chic beachfront hotel opened, it quietly raised the bar in Rio’s hospitality scene with a level of attentiveness unmatched across the city. While its location at Posto 5 makes it ideal for exploring both Copacabana and Ipanema, you’d be forgiven from straying no further than the idyllic rooftop infinity pool, first-rate spa, trendy walled-garden restaurant, and light-filled spacious suites where private butlers care for every comfort.

One of the stars of Copacabana's midrange hotels, this beachfront property combines beautiful rooms—all have balconies with sea views—with a great rooftop pool and charming, attentive staff. The distinctive black- and red-fronted hotel is Swiss-owned, and the tidy and modern Scandinavian design (aka crisp white decor) is one of its best assets, as are the views across the bay and of the Corcovado and the Christ statue.

With a prime beachfront location, this classic Copacabana hotel underwent a complete face-lift and is now one of the neighborhood's best hotels. Rooms come with modern appliances such as iPod docks, HDTV, Wi-Fi, and Nespresso coffeemakers, and the bar at the rooftop infinity pool has glorious views over Copacabana and Sugarloaf.

For those who no longer feel comfortable sharing a room with strangers but would like to meet other travelers, the Socialtel chain offers a relaxed atmosphere in its facilities, overlooking Copacabana beach. There are single, double, or family accommodations with bathroom, and there is the possibility of exchanging experiences with other travelers in the movie theater or in the hotel's communal kitchen. The accommodation also offers suggestions for guided group or private tours, events in the city, and other attractions.