The hotel and location are wonderful but expected a higher degree of customer service throughout our 5 day stay. On checking out I was asked if the stay had been good, I expressed my disappointments and expected the hotel management would follow up after leaving my email address - answer no so far. The room was clean and they fixed the toilet quickly but on the negative side:-
Returned to room after 4pm to find it not cleaned
Only once did room service deliver morning tea correctly - hot milk or no milk on 2 mornings
Room service not helpful when ordering and asking for items to be taken away from the room
5 star price you would expect to come with excellent service. Perhaps expecting too much after a wonderful experience staying in a Four Seasoins hotel last year.

This is by far Rio's most classic old hotel, and choosing a newer one over it would be to deny yourself the real Rio de Janeiro experience! The poolside area is one of the most pleasant spots in Rio de Janeiro and the view from the rooms is amazing. They have a trendy new nightclub and their spa is gorgeous and their fitness room is really nice, too. They have a world-class restaurant on the property - don't think twice! The Palace is the way to go!

I had research for weeks about where to stay in Rio - mainly debated between Ipenema (staying either at the Fasano or Cesaer Park) or the Copacabana Palace. Even though it was really expensive, I am happy we went with the Palace.

The pool, workout room/spa area and restaurant/bar were excellent. The location on the beach is amazing, and the resort provides top-notch beach service (we were served water and fruit throughout the day). The workers were all very helpful and efficient, which is always an added bonus. I'd also like to mention that the security was very intense during our stay - perhaps this was due to the Olympic Committee staying at the Palace, but security guards were located outside the hotel, in the lobby and around the pool area.

The only downfall to the hotel was our room, which was Room 224 (faced the pool). I think the rooms are really outdated and could use improvement. I felt like the bathroom and furniture had not been touched since the 1960's, which is disappointing when you are paying +$400/night. I will admit that the bed was very comfortable - which is a MUST at any 5 star resort.

If I visit Rio in the future, I'd probably stay somewhere on Ipenema. But if this is your first visit, and you have a short time in Rio (and you have the $$), then I'd definitely stay at the Copacabana Palace. The hotel's prime beach location and interesting history make it the best spot on Copacabana.

We spent Christmas 2006 at the Copacabana Palace and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Rooms vary greatly whithin hotel. Family had a larger suite type room with no view and I had a smaller room but with a beach view.
Small lobby but very nice and relaxing pool area; a nice haven in a bustling city.
Loved the flip flops you get with every room!