The hype
Everyone agrees the rooftop view is world-class, but the rooms are tired and the elevators are a daily frustration.
Rio Othon Palace
$130-250/ night
Book this if You want the absolute best rooftop view in Copacabana and don't mind a hotel that feels like it's stuck in 1998.
Why People Love It
- The 30th-floor rooftop pool offers arguably the best panoramic view of Copacabana Beach
- Prime location right on Avenida Atlântica, steps from the sand
- Breakfast with ocean views is a massive spread of tropical fruits and cakes
Quick Take: A fading grand dame that trades on its killer location and rooftop views while the rooms desperately wait for a renovation.
Reviewed by @sargins.travel: I honestly couldn't believe the view from my balcony—it felt like the ocean was right in my room. Spending my evenings at the rooftop pool watching the sunset over Copacabana was the highlight of my entire trip. If you want the classic Rio postcard experience, this is it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the view and the address, not for modern luxury or snappy service.
- You plan to spend all day at the beach or the rooftop pool
- You prioritize ocean views over modern furniture
- You want to be in the dead center of Copacabana's action
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.2
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Daily service happens, but floors often feel sandy and dusting is superficial.
- Bathroom hygiene: The biggest weak point. Grout is often discolored, drains can be slow, and fixtures are pitted with age.
- Maintenance: Struggling. Peeling paint on balconies, AC units that rattle, and elevators that break down are common.
- Linens & towels: Clean but worn. Towels are often thin and scratchy rather than plush.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fine, but older rooms can have a lingering musty/humid smell due to the sea air and old carpets.
Sleepability™
5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Constant traffic and sirens from Avenida Atlântica
- Loud hallway noise due to gaps in door frames
- Plumbing noise from neighboring rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Tourism tax of ~R$9.00 per day is added at checkout.
- The rooftop pool is open to non-guests for a fee, making it very crowded on weekends.
- Voltage is 110V/127V (mostly) but check your specific room plugs.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine (essential)
- Havaianas (flip-flops) for the walk to the beach
- Patience for the elevators
Room Genie
Best picks
- Super Luxury Room Frontal Sea View (Floors 22-28) — these are the most updated
- Corner Suites — offer dual-aspect views and slightly more space
Rooms to avoid
- Standard or Superior rooms on floors 1-10 (noise trap, no view)
- Room 1816 (specifically mentioned as old-fashioned and loud)
- Back-facing rooms (stare at a concrete wall)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Super Luxury Frontal Sea View' room on a high floor (22-28). Please ensure it is one of the recently refreshed units with the Nespresso machine, not a carpeted older unit. Quietest possible location away from the elevator bank is preferred.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Technically yes, but often feels cool due to the wind on the 30th floor.
Do they provide beach towels?
Yes, you get them at the hotel entrance or pool, but they are old and scratchy.
Is it safe to walk around at night?
The immediate beachfront (Avenida Atlântica) is generally busy and safe-ish, but avoid side streets and empty areas after dark.
How is the wifi?
Free and generally decent for browsing, but can struggle with video calls during peak evening hours.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, one dog up to 34kg (75lbs) is allowed for R$173/day.
Is breakfast included?
Usually yes, served on the 3rd floor. It's a huge buffet but gets chaotic after 9am.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel beach chairs (they run out fast); rent a chair from the 'barracas' on the sand for a few Reais—they have better service.
- ✨
Use the service elevator if the main ones are jammed; it's often faster.
- ✨
The 'Skylab' restaurant on the 30th floor has a great view but overpriced food; go for a drink at sunset then eat elsewhere.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'VIP' check-in for suite guests is often just as slow as the regular line.
💡The gym is tiny, has poor ventilation, and equipment is often broken.
💡You have to pay for the Nespresso capsules in your room (they are not free).
💡The front entrance often has sand tracked in that doesn't get swept for hours.
💡Room service adds a hefty delivery fee and takes 45+ minutes.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Rio Othon Palace is located and what's nearby.