Orient-Express Completes $20 Million Upgrade of Copacabana Palace

Orient-Express has completed a $20 million refurbishment of the main building of the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This phased program commenced in 2011 and has seen enhancements made to the lobby, all 145 rooms and suites in the main building, and the Cipriani restaurant.

As guests arrive at the hotel, they will enter a completely transformed lobby that has been extended by 80 percent, allowing for a more relaxed and streamlined check-in process. The lobby’s Carrara marble staircase has been widened, and the original ceiling, which had been hidden under plaster, was rediscovered during the renovation and restored, making for a much more spacious and lighter feel to the area. In addition to this, a stainless steel and glass portico has been installed above the hotel’s main entrance to protect guests from the elements, and the sweeping exterior of the hotel’s entrance has been expanded allowing for multiple vehicles to drop guests off at one time.

All rooms and suites in the main building of the hotel, which is characterized by its renowned neo-classicist dazzling white façade and which has been closed since June this year, have been re-designed and given a new lease of life with new fabrics and furniture throughout. Most of the bathrooms were expanded and underwent complete structural redesign. Beautifully designed porcelain enamel bathtubs now perfectly complement separate showers and marble counter tops with dual basins.

As part of the renovations, Copacabana Palace has also introduced two new boutiques in partnership with retail management firm, Seaside Luxe. Both boutiques, named 1923 and Villa Copa, will sell a range of stylish apparel, including swimwear and accessories for men and women,.

Completed in 2011 were the renovations of the Cipriani Restaurant at the hotel. Re-launched in September 2011, the design now offers a light and airy environment with more natural lighting during the day. A highlight is the addition of a “table du chef” inside the kitchen, which is an intimate dining experience for six people.

To coincide with the launch of the new-look restaurant, Chef Nicola Finamore created a new menu serving classics from the restaurant’s namesake in Venice, and innovative Italian cuisine. Copacabana Palace has been a landmark in Rio for almost 90 years. Since opening in 1923, the hotel has established a reputation for service and luxurious accommodations.

Source: Travel Pulse, http://www.travelpulse.com/orientexpress-completes-20-million-upgrade-of-copacabana-palace.html