One of the most emblematic hotels in the world in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the “Copacabana Palace”, closes a century of life this year. Designed by the French architect Joseph Gire, it opened its doors on August 13, 1923, with King Albert I of Belgium becoming the first famous visitor.

His long guest list includes movie stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot and Orson Welles, royal families, presidents of states and countless notable guests who lived unique stories. In 1933, the hotel became a magical setting for the musical ‘Flying Down to Rio’, starring Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire and in 1959, the legendary Marlene Dietrich recorded the album ‘Dietrich in Rio’.

Overlooking the famous beach of Copacabana, it has 239 rooms including 127 suites, on an area of ​​twelve thousand square meters.

Classic elegance characterizes the hotel, which is decorated with pink and white marble, crystal and wood, while inside, imposing chandeliers, antique furniture, works of art and portraits of famous guests such as Princess Diana, Antonio Banderas and Mick Jagger carry to the visitors the glamor of the past years.

A special moment was in February 2006 when the Rolling Stones gave a free concert in front of the Copacabana Palace and was attended by over 1.5 million people.

According to a report by Travel and Leisure, events marking 100 years of its remarkable career have been held at the hotel since the beginning of the year with international guests.