Historic hotels of Rio de Janeiro
Updated on October 7, 2026 ✓ Information verified on October 6, 2026 adapted version of the Portuguese original
Three hotels tell much of the story of tourism in Rio. This guide covers the buildings and their history: it does not take bookings or recommend accommodation.
Copacabana Palace (1923)
The hotel on Avenida Atlântica opened on August 13, 1923, according to Wikipedia, and was the first large building on the Copacabana waterfront. It was designed by the French architect Joseph Gire, inspired by hotels on the French Riviera. It is heritage-listed by Iphan, Inepac and the city. The full story, the famous guests and how to see the facade are in Copacabana Palace.
Hotel Glória (1922)
It opened on August 15, 1922, together with the Independence Centennial Exhibition, according to Wikipedia. Also designed by Joseph Gire, it was the first reinforced-concrete building in South America and the first five-star hotel in Brazil, with a theater, a casino and 150 rooms. It hosted artists, politicians and heads of state, and staged the Carnival costume contest for 34 editions. It closed in 2008, after 86 years in business.
Hotel Nacional (1972)
In São Conrado, the cylindrical glass-and-concrete building was designed by Oscar Niemeyer. It is 108 meters tall with 34 floors, built from 1968 to 1972, according to the English Wikipedia. It had a convention center and a theater for about 1,400 people (with shows by Liza Minnelli, B.B. King, Chet Baker and James Brown) and hosted the Rio Film Festival in the 1980s. It closed in 1995 and was restored and reopened in 2017. It is close to the beach at São Conrado and its hang-gliding landing area.
To choose where to stay, see where to stay in Rio.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous hotel in Rio?
The Copacabana Palace, opened in 1923 on Avenida Atlântica, is the best known and is a listed heritage building.
Who designed the Hotel Nacional?
Oscar Niemeyer. The 34-story building in São Conrado was built between 1968 and 1972.
