New Look for Copacabana Palace, Rio De Janeiro

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. January 11, 2013

January 11, 2013 - Orient-Express is pleased to announce that it has completed a substantial $20 million refurbishment of the main building of the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in time to see the New Year in with style.

This phased program commenced in 2011 and has seen meticulous enhancements made to the lobby, all 145 rooms and suites in the main building, and the Cipriani restaurant in preparation for what is set to be a very exciting few years for Rio. Careful attention was paid to maintain the hotel's 90 year heritage and history, whilst infusing the decor with a contemporary style and design.

As guests arrive at the hotel, they will enter a completely transformed lobby that has been extended by 80%, 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 to its original splendor, 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. The majority of 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 inspired by the energy and spirit of Rio 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 - ranging from chic basics to one-of-a-kind designer exclusives by both local and international designers.

Completed in 2011, were the renovations of the Cipriani Restaurant at the hotel, regularly lauded as one of the most sophisticated restaurants in Rio. Re-launched in September 2011, the design now offers a light and airy environment with more natural lighting during the day. The delicate decor reflects the easy-going elegance of the city without compromising the sophistication and exclusivity of the restaurant. 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.

With an unbeatable position on the glorious Copacabana Beach and located in one of the world's most vibrant cities, Copacabana Palace has been a landmark in Rio for almost 90 years. Since opening in 1923, the hotel has established a reputation for excellent service, luxurious accommodations and with its bar having had its own facelift in 2009, for being one of the coolest drinking and star spotting spots in the city. It has welcomed countless high profile guests from the world of politics, business, and sports, as well as stars from the big screen, giving testament that it really is the premier luxury hotel in Rio. The completion of the refurbishment at the hotel will kick start a year of celebrations, as the hotel enters its 90th year.

A Deluxe Beach View Room at Copacabana Palace starts from approximately $740 USD per room per night. For further information or to make a booking please visit www.copacabanapalace.com or call Orient-Express US reservations on 800-237-1236.

About Orient Express Hotels
Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. is a luxury hotel company and sophisticated adventure travel operator which seeks to deliver memorable experiences that are the ultimate expression of each destination's authentic culture. The Company has offered exceptional luxury travel experiences since 1976, when it purchased Hotel Cipriani in Venice and then shortly thereafter recreated the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, linking London, Paris and Venice, along with other European cities. Today the Orient-Express brand embraces 45 hotel, restaurant, cruise and luxury rail businesses in 22 countries, including distinctive properties such as Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg, Hotel Ritz Madrid, Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro and Maroma Resort and Spa on Mexico's Riviera Maya. The Company also operates six luxury tourist trains, two river cruise operations and the '21' Club, one of New York's most iconic restaurants.