The union of the Bay of Angels and the Bay of Guanabara, a link between Rio and the Côte d'Azur. Currently under renovation, the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema will inject a zest of riviera elegance into the Carioca energy. Like other Sofitels around the world, most notably in New York whose new décor was unveiled at the end of last yearThe new hotel is part of a wave of transformations designed to strengthen the luxury positioning of the Accor group's historic brand around a reinvented network.
Having passed from the hands of AccorInvest to those of a new owner, BTG Pactual, the Carioca establishment has embarked on a long phase of renovation work. Opened in 1978 as the Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro Ipanema before being managed by Sofitel, the hotel closed its doors at the end of 2019, almost at the same time as the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana opened nearby.
Its reopening is now scheduled for the end of the year. The new chapter in its history, written by architect Patricia Anastassiadis, will reflect a certain idea of 'quiet luxury': contemporary sophistication without ostentation, with interiors combining a selection of Brazilian design and contemporary art, including furniture by Oscar Niemeyer, works by Artur Lescher and paintings by Teodoro Dias. In dialogue with the exterior, the glass façades enveloping the first three floors magnify the natural beauty of one of the world's most famous landscapes, Ipanema beach.
Everything changes, but nothing changes: located on Avenida Vieira Souto, the hotel still enjoys a unique location. Especially as the hotel's 23-storey building makes it the tallest in the area, offering breathtaking views of the famous Ipanema beach and the Dois Irmãos hills. Guests can enjoy this panorama from the 22nd-floor gourmet restaurant, run by a Michelin-starred chef, or from the rooftop bar. The hotel also offers a seafront restaurant and a bar overlooking the street. There is also a Beach Club on the beach to extend the experience.
Farniente and exclusive meetings
A rooftop infinity pool, spa, fitness centre: business travellers passing through Rio will no doubt find room in their schedule for a few moments of relaxation. Those who are more loyal to Accor hotels, such as Club Millésime room guests, will also have access to an executive lounge at 21e floor, with dedicated butler service.
Offering 119 rooms and 51 suites - compared with 202 previously, with the number of suites increasing to 30% after renovation - the Sofitel Rio will also be a business hotel, with its third floor entirely dedicated to meetings and events and laid out according to the Meeting Residence concept. Unlike the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana - a former Sofitel, incidentally - which has 13 rooms with a capacity of 900 participants, the Sofitel Rio Ipanema will have a more intimate approach to events, akin to a private residence, responding to companies' search for more exclusive and personalised formats, with the largest of its five rooms able to accommodate just 90 people in theatre format.
" This flagship transformation reflects Sofitel's long-term commitment to Brazil and the "Cidade Maravilhosa".said Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems. More than an evolution, this project represents a strategic milestone for Sofitel in Latin America, setting a new benchmark for the brand in the region. ".
Hilton sets its sights on Brazil
While Accor is acquiring a new flagship with this renovation, it is not the only group interested in Brazil as a destination. The Hilton group, as part of the acceleration of its development in the Caribbean and Latin America region, intends to expand its presence in this key South American country. " I was in Brazil last week to strengthen our partnership with the owners and continue to accelerate our growth.said Christian Charnaux, Hilton's Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer. The owners' message is clear: Brazil is a market of immense opportunities. "
Hilton intends to double its presence in the country by 2030, with a pipeline of nearly 30 hotel projects. And it's going to do it by playing with 10 different brands. While the American group is still a long way from Accor's 200-plus hotels in Brazil, Hilton expanded its footprint last year in secondary markets with the openings of Tru by Hilton Chapecó, Hampton by Hilton Caraguatatuba Serramar and DoubleTree by Hilton Caracol Canela. This momentum was recently extended with the inauguration of the Motto by Hilton Recife Antigo, marking the debut of this lifestyle brand in Brazil as well as the group's first presence in Recife.
While a boutique leisure hotel, the Casa Costa Ilhabela, Curio Collection by Hilton, is on the year's agenda, other establishments are expected to open by 2028, including the Hilton Garden Inn Natal, another Curio Collection hotel in the heart of Brazil's vineyards - the Sanpiero Hotel Caminhos de Pedra - and a Hilton in Manaus, just a few minutes from the international airport.
As part of the growth of its offering, Hilton intends to establish itself as a key player in the Brazilian airport hotel sector. Already offering a Hampton by Hilton near the country's main gateway, Sao Paulo Guarulhos airport, the group will be adding two hotels next to Sao Paulo Congonhas airport, the city's domestic hub: a Tru by Hilton in 2028, followed by a Hilton Garden Inn in 2029. These will be joined in 2029 by the Hilton Garden Inn Floripa Airport, located at Florianópolis-Hercílio Luz international airport. A flight that is set to continue.
