Staying at the Hilton Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro has been nothing short of spectacular. Set right on the iconic Copacabana Beach, the hotel perfectly combines Rio’s vibrant energy with a sense of refined luxury. I couldn’t have asked for a better location to enjoy all that this lively city has to offer, from the golden sands and tropical vibe to incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain.
One of my favorite parts of the stay was having access to not one but two stunning pools! The rooftop pool offered panoramic views that stretch from the coastline all the way to the mountains; It was also a breathtaking spot to sip cocktails and soak up Rio’s endless sunshine. For a quieter, more relaxed setting, I found the lower-level pool was ideal—it’s surrounded by greenery, with loungers in both shaded and sunny areas overlooking Copacabana Beach.
The cocktail scene at the Hilton is just as lively as you’d expect in Rio. Each cocktail I tried had its own Brazilian flair. My favorite was the Caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink – this cocktail contains fresh lime juice, sugar and cachaça – oh so refreshing! Cachaça is a spirit as central to Brazilian identity as samba, soccer and carnival.
Dining was equally memorable – the restaurants serve up Brazilian dishes and international flavors, made from fresh, local ingredients that capture the best of Rio’s culinary diversity. The fresh seafood was a standout, as were the chef’s imaginative takes on traditional Brazilian dishes.
Unfortunately, my stay was only three nights, next time I will make it 7-10 days!
