Rio de Janeiro's famous Copacabana Beach is getting a new-look hotel. Overlooking the sand, the vast Sofitel hotel recently closed for a big renovation project that is expected to last 14 months. At the conclusion of the makeover, which will touch all 400 guest rooms and the convention hall, the hotel will be reflagged a Fairmont property.
To quote the official press release from AccorHotels, “The Fairmont brand has a special connection with the essence of the destination where it is present. It celebrates this local connection through design, gastronomy and trendsetting, becoming a landmark in the city, such as The Savoy in London and The Plaza in New York. In Copacabana, the new Fairmont will reflect the "carioca" soul in its surroundings.”
Architect Patricia Anastassiadis is overseeing the renovation, which will add a new pool area dotted with private lounges for taking in views of Copacabana Beach. Another new addition will be a luxury spa complete with its own VIP suite. The renovation is expected to cost $75 million.
AccorHotels now operates 32 hotels in Rio de Janeiro. The hospitality company plans to keep the Sofitel brand in the city, with the refurbishment and conversion of the Ceasar Park Rio de Janeiro Ipanema into the Sofitel Ipanema.
Currently there are more than 70 Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in 22 countries around the world. In some of the latest news, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul opened in Turkey earlier this year. And as we reported in April, Fairmont is taking over the Royal Palm Beachcomber in Marrakech.