Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Location
Style & character
Service & facilities
Rooms
Food & drink
Value for money
Access for guests with disabilities?
Family-friendly?
Though something of a behemoth in size, the hotel is reassuringly friendly. It is also a one-stop-shop in terms of facilities, the city’s arteries pump past its doorstep and Copacabana’s vistas soften its corporate edges. Find a full Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana Hotel Review in this exclusive article.
Hilton Copacabana Location
The hotel is located in a geographical sweet spot between the city and sea at a quiet end of Copacabana. The area, Leme, is home to a glorious expanse of pale beach that hosts families and promenaders, footballers and sunbathers.
- Address: Av. Atlântica, 1020 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22010-000
- Phone: +55 (21) 3501-8000
- Web: hiltonhotels.com
Avenida Princesa Isabel, which runs perpendicular to the beach, is an unlovely road that is often chock-a-block with traffic but it leads directly to Botafogo, Centro and Santos Dumont Airport. Staying at this end of Copacabana can leave visitors feeling far from the restaurants and hubbub of Ipanema and Leblon. Saying that, cabs roll round frequently.
Style & character
The hotel is a 545 room, 39-floored mirrored tower – the tallest on Copacabana’s beachfront – so though it is something of a beacon on the skyline, the building only really shines when a Rio sunset is reflected in its windows. From the moment you walk in though, it feels dependable in style, service and design. The look throughout is a classic and timeless mix of carpeted corridors, smooth marble and sparkly chandeliers.
Service & facilities
The staff are clued-up, English-speaking and considerate. Importantly, the barman on the roof had both his caipirinha-making skills and friendly chat honed. It is just a shame that his domain – the rooftop bar and swimming pool – aren’t more luxurious. The views are indisputable but sunbeds are closely spaced and the terrace feels sparse despite a sprinkling of flower pots and cushions. The view is also obscured if you are sitting down. There’s a gym and spa with two hot tubs and talented therapists.
Hilton Copacabana Rooms
On opening the door, the lure of the Atlantic made me want to walk straight through the room to the sea. The wide windows open allowing the roar of the waves and the chatter of the beach to blow in. Many of the city-view rooms look across the beach (note the difference between “beach view” and “beach-front view” rooms when booking).
Hilton have invested wisely in quality brands, like their own Suite Dreams™ mattresses, Trousseau Hotel Collection bedding and towels and L’Occitane Bresil bath products to make for a comfortable stay. However, in many of the rooms baths are on the small side.
Food & drink
A swarm of guests descend on The View restaurant at breakfast and shuffle round the various stations before sitting down to eat while watching Rio wake up. Make-your-own green juice is an inspired touch that might counter the gluttonous choice of cakes. Guests can also oversee the making of an omelette or tapioca pancake. In the lobby bar, there is a small barrel of casked, infused cachaça, Brazil’s national spirit. Alloro, a respected Italian restaurant on the ground floor, is open for lunch and dinner and has a decent wine cellar to explore.
Value for money
Double rooms from 739BR (197 USD). Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi in some room categories, otherwise charged.
Access for guests with disabilities?
The entire hotel is accessible by wheelchair and some rooms have been adapted too.
Family-friendly?
Children are very welcome and additional cots and beds can be provided.
