Luxury Hotels - Rio: Copacabana Palace vs. Caesar Park

Once upon a time, these were the two darlings of the Rio luxury hotel market. Based on recent posts, it seems that the Caesar Park has fallen off the list (and, in fact, it no longer is an AMEX FHR or Virtuoso property) and has been replaced by the Fasano (and, to a certain extent, the Santa Teresa).

Alas, on the dates I am headed to Rio (13-15 April), the Fasano is US$730 for the lowest category room (which I'm not going to spend), and the Copacabana is US$535. But I can get a Caesar Club Ocean View Queen at the Caesar Park for US$429.

So what is one to do? If I book the Copacabana, I get free breakfast and a $100 spa credit (that I'll use, but wouldn't visit the spa otherwise). And while the Copacabana has the disadvantage of being on Copacabana, it does have a wonderful pool and a great breakfast. Or do I save the money and go for the Caesar Park? With the club room, I get a free continental breakfast and presumably some other perks. Or are there other properties I should be considering? (I've stayed at the JW Marriott, which is fine but nothing special.)

In my opinion Hotel Fasano is worth the premium. I would sooner pay $720/night at Fasano than $500～ for those other hotels.

I switched from the Copa Palace to the Fasano and won't go back. However, I heard the Copa Palace has been renovated. Caeser Park is not in the same league.

13-15 April
Fasano is US$730
Copacabana is US$535
Caesar Park for US$429


at fasano there is potential upgrade from $1060 oceanfront room to $1880 oceanfront suite

Marina All Suites - $553 >
The Marina All Suites is just about acceptable, with the smartest location in Leblon and around the corner from Rua Dias Ferreira.

I stayed a few years ago and it was fine. Fantastic location, lots of nice restaurants around the corner and feels very safe. Friendly staff and a nice breakfast. The rooms are OK. Quite large and light, but a bit odd, as they all contain a mini kitchen, dining table etc which we never used - a bit like residential apartments. I think there are a small number of designer suites that are nicer. Rooftop pool is very small, but we didn't use it as the beach is nice and beach service attentive...I much prefer it to the Caesar Park, which seemed very corporate and also run down.

Praia - $330 >
Praia Ipanema...location however is amongst the best of any hotel in Rio, on the beach in Ipanema right on Av. Vieira Souto, and a few steps across the canal into Leblon. Moreover, it is one of the only hotels of any class that has verandas with sea views...comfortable, if small and unspectacular, room, but in the best neighborhood, and with a sea view veranda (and with a better location and view than at the Fasano).

Once upon a time, these were the two darlings of the Rio luxury hotel market. Based on recent posts, it seems that the Caesar Park has fallen off the list (and, in fact, it no longer is an AMEX FHR or Virtuoso property) and has been replaced by the Fasano (and, to a certain extent, the Santa Teresa).

Alas, on the dates I am headed to Rio (13-15 April), the Fasano is US$730 for the lowest category room (which I'm not going to spend), and the Copacabana is US$535. But I can get a Caesar Club Ocean View Queen at the Caesar Park for US$429.

So what is one to do? If I book the Copacabana, I get free breakfast and a $100 spa credit (that I'll use, but wouldn't visit the spa otherwise). And while the Copacabana has the disadvantage of being on Copacabana, it does have a wonderful pool and a great breakfast. Or do I save the money and go for the Caesar Park? With the club room, I get a free continental breakfast and presumably some other perks. Or are there other properties I should be considering? (I've stayed at the JW Marriott, which is fine but nothing special.)

It it were me, between the two I would definitely choose the Caesar Park over the Copacabana Palace. The location is so much better, and while not outstanding accommodations, you won't be uncomfortable there.

I have not stayed at the Fasaeno, but have stayed at both the copacobana palace and Caesar park. The Caesar park is by far a better location on ipanema beach. The copacobana is nice - the pool beautiful but becomes shady quite early in the day. The best rooms are on the top floors. There are some suites with big private sun decks and great views. Caesar Park is more run down and the pool is tiny. If I were going back I would try the Faesano as I love the location. Copacabana is kind of seedy to me although enjoyed the upper suites.

Save your cash and go to the Caesar Park. The Fasano's cheapest rooms are shoebox-sized and actually face the buildings next door! The Caesar Park has indeed gone downhill, but is still acceptable, and the views from the breakfast room at the top floor are second to none. WRT the pool - all the action in Rio is at the beach, why would you want to spend your time at the pool?

Agree that the location of the Copa is its downfall, so unless it was actually cheaper than the Caesar Park (some companies get $250 corp rates) I wouldn't stay there.

You can still visit the restaurant and club at the Fasano, without feeling like you're being ripped off. The Park Hyatt in Buenos Aires costs about $400 and is in a league of its own: I would just feel ripped off paying that much more for the Fasano.

Having just visited Rio last September, I would like to opine strongly that none of the properties in Rio are worth anywhere close to the prices charged.

The Copa Palace is the grand dame of Rio, but IMHO it is long in the tooth and seems best suited to seniors longing to experience the Rio of yesteryear.

Caesar Park is a solid low 4-star property, but don't expect luxury. They crammed a lot of stuff into a ridiculously tiny property, and I felt claustrophobic inside.

Marina All Suites is commonly referenced on FT as the "best value" property in Rio. Decent sized rooms with an ocean view can be had for less money than most other properties in the same category.

Fasano is the ONLY property that deserves to be discussed on the Luxury Hotels forum, but I think most people will agree it is not worth $700+ a night.

Santa Teresa has perhaps the best charm and character, but is not anywhere close to the beach. Plus it experienced a violent takeover-style robbery not too long ago...

I stayed at the Sheraton on a combination of points + cash last year. The hotel is nothing special (think typical high end 3-star or low end 4-star), but the setting on the beach is phenomenal and the view is perhaps the best in the city. I would gladly cash in a few thousand starpoints + $60 copay to stay at the Sheraton in lieu of $400+ at any other property. Only downside is the necessity to either walk 2km to get anywhere or take an expensive cab.

Santa Teresa...violent takeover-style robbery not too long ago

http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-politics/hotel-santa-teresa-guests-robbed-at-gunpoint/
http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/opinion-editorial/opinion/staying-the-course-after-santa-teresa/

Only downside is the necessity to either walk 2km to get anywhere or take an expensive cab.

Agree with your point on the Sheraton, although as you mentioned yourself, it is nowhere near luxurious so I didn't dare discussing it in this forum... :D

However, I'd point out that it's only a BRL 5-10 common cab ride to most places in Leblon/Ipanema. No need to take the rip off hotel taxi (there's also an infrequent shuttle bus going all the way to Rio Sul shopping mall, with intermediate stops). Walking down to Leblon is ok during the day, but the uphill walk back, as well as venturing out anytime after dark will make a taxi ride a must.

Agree with your point on the Sheraton, although as you mentioned yourself, it is nowhere near luxurious so I didn't dare discussing it in this forum... :D


None of the options in this entire discussion are anywhere near luxurious, save Fasana.

I must say though, the post-renovation Sheraton is very nice by Rio's standards. It's not just that great by US standards.

In my opinion Hotel Fasano is worth the premium. I would sooner pay $720/night at Fasano than $500～ for those other hotels.

definitely! Go with their 2BR suite...awesome views from there!

I am not a big fan of the Fasano, but I have had a great experience staying in the Copacabana Palace in the sea view room.

It seems a bit ridiculous to say that the Copacabana shouldn't be discussed as a luxury hotel. Ok, the location isn't super, but the pool, common areas and rooms are very nice and on par with what one would expect from a five-star hotel. Also, unless you're very timid, I see no problem with walking around after dark. I spent plenty of time on the streets until late into the evenings with no ill effects. Having seen the location of the Fasano and been drinking in their bar, I can say I definitely would not be happy spending close to $800 for a tiny room there. Rio needs some new properties before the WC/Olympics...

Does anyone have an oppion of the Sofitel in Rio? we are looking into it for a 3 day stay before our cruise feb 22 2013.
We where deciding between this hotel and the CP.The Sofitel has all balconys over looking the beach.The restaurants in the Sofitel all over look the beach not the pool as in the CP.We feel it might be a little more romantic.

The Sofitel is singularly unimpressive and in need of a renovation, as are most all Rio hotels.

The only 2 luxury options near the beach are the Fasano and the Copacabana Palace.

This just in:

"At the end of June 2012, the main building at Copacabana Palace Hotel will be closing for extensive works. The exclusive unveiling of the newly refurbished hotel will be September 30th, 2012. Business will continue as usual at Copacabana Palace. The hotel will continue to be accessible and will remain open through the Avenida Atlântica entrance, besides the Pergula restaurant.

The exciting project includes the lobby expansion and the renovation of most of the bathrooms. A team of 300 employees will work relentlessly so that the hotel will be ready for the beginning of the high season.

During this period, the annex building, with 96 rooms, will be open and operating as normal, as well as the Spa, the swimming pool, Cipriani and Pergula restaurants and Copacabana ballrooms.

The main changes will be made to the bathrooms located on the lower floors of the main building, where 90 units, or 60% of the total number, will be under size expansion and structural redesign and new layouts. Beautifully designed porcelain enamel bathtubs will be installed, perfectly complementing the separate showers and marble countertops with dual sinks. There will be also changes in the lighting design, furniture and the air conditioning system.

The goal in the lobby is to increase the area by 60%, giving more comfort to guests in peak hours. The new space will also meet the accessibility standard requirements.

Copacabana Palace Hotel are looking forward to the start of this new, exciting project and are confident the extensive planned works this year will ensure guests will be able to enjoy the new delights and luxuries of the renovations in time for the height of the season in Rio.

We look forward to welcoming your guests to the newly renovated Copacabana Palace Hotel."

Acrusa, I would definitely consider the Sofitel as a great option as well - the views of Copacabana from the rooftop/ some of the rooms are amazing, and while located on Copacabana, you're very close to Ipanema.

The Sofitel has a good location at the very end of Copacabana and a few hundred yards from Ipanema. I inspected the hotel last month as we are planning a group visit there next year. I was singularly unimpressed. The rooms are just okay and the public areas in horrendous shape. The pool is a complete joke.

I would echo earlier sentiments that the Caesar Park is the best value for the money, and still falls under the Four Star category. Its location is impeccable, near great restaurants and an upscale neighborhood. The Copacabana Palace isn't bad, but the scene there can be very ugly at night.

I think the Fasano is vastly overrated. I spent a night there, and cared very little for the experience. It is nothing like its flagship sister property in Sao Paulo, which is truly luxurious.

Unfortunately all hotels and restaurants are very expensive due to the weakness of the dollar against the local reai.