Copacabana (Posto 6)

Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

★★★★★

The Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana is the most fashionable of the big hotels on Copacabana beach, and its location is one of the best in the city. It stands at Avenida Atlantica 4240, at the western, Posto 6 end of Copacabana, where the beach meets the old Copacabana Fort and the fishermen's colony, and Arpoador and Ipanema are a short walk around the point. The hotel was created from a complete rebuild of an older tower and opened under the Fairmont flag at the end of the 2010s, with a bright, contemporary Brazilian design of timber, natural textures and art. According to Fairmont, it has 375 rooms and suites, most with views over the ocean, and the view is spectacular: from the western end, the entire curve of Copacabana runs away towards Leme and Sugarloaf. The hotel has two pools. The infinity pool faces the morning sun, with a view over Copacabana beach to Sugarloaf Mountain and live music daily, and is the social heart of the hotel; a second, quieter relaxation pool catches the afternoon sun. A restaurant, a bar and a beach club round out the dining and drinking, and the bar has become a popular address for sunset drinks among locals as well as guests. The spa, of about 400 square metres, has five treatment rooms including one for couples, a sauna, a beauty salon and a Spa Suite, with treatments based on ingredients from Amazonian biodiversity. Fairmont Gold, the hotel-within-a-hotel, offers a private lounge, breakfast, an evening happy hour, a dedicated concierge, a 24-hour butler and its own solarium. Out front, the Posto 6 stretch of beach is lively and local, the fishermen land their catch in the mornings beside the fort, and the Cantagalo and General Osorio metro stations are within walking distance.

Choosing a room: book an ocean-view room or suite, ideally on a higher floor, for the view along the beach to Sugarloaf. Fairmont Gold is worth considering for longer stays, as the lounge, breakfast and evening drinks offset some of the cost. Family suites are available.

What the stay is like: lively and stylish, with music at the pool, a busy bar at sunset and a fashionable crowd. Arpoador, where Rio applauds the sunset, is a five-minute walk, and Ipanema beyond. Expect premium pricing and minimum stays at New Year, when Copacabana hosts its huge fireworks party, and during Carnival.

Who it suits: couples and friends who want a fashionable, contemporary beach hotel; families who will use the suites and pools; and anyone who wants to be between Copacabana and Ipanema with the best of both. Travellers seeking quiet may prefer the Leme end or Leblon.