Review of Emiliano Hotel

The Emiliano Hotel is perfect for those wanting a luxurious home base while exploring the Marvelous City. 

Amenities

• Emile Restaurant serving contemporary cuisine
• Rooftop pool lounge and restaurant
• Santapele Spa
• Dry sauna with a view accessible to all guests
• Beach tennis lessons

Check-in

The facade of the building is iconic and yet reveals so little of this beautiful and sophisticated gem in the middle of the Copacabana beach. The Emiliano does not play to the cliches of a 5-star luxury hotel but rather has shown me why it will pay to stay loyal with the brand in the future. The check-in was by far the most personalized experience during my various stays in Rio. A staff member guided me through Emiliano’s interpretation of the aroma, the melody and the taste of this Marvelous City. It was such a beautiful way to be reminded why I was here. 

Room

I had reserved the Deluxe King Courtyard (455 sq ft) which does not come with an Ocean View or any view for that matter. The room was quite spacious for a solo-traveler like myself. Highlights include calming natural wood throughout, Victoria Albert Bathtub perfect for soaking after a long day of sight seeing, complementary chef prepared Brigadeiro dessert plate, and complementary custom emerald green Havaianas flip-flops.  

Brunch

Breakfast was included in my nightly rate and it was just incredible! I started with the homemade breads, cold cuts and the cheese platter. I think I was already full but my taste buds told me to keep ordering! So glad I did because the French toast stuffed with dulce de leche and caramelized banana was unforgettable. Every dish was beautifully presented.  

Pool lounge

The rooftop pool lounge is intimate and excellent without being pretentious. Service is attentive and drinks are deliciously refreshing against the backdrop of a truly stunning view. What more could I ask for? If you want to enjoy the day lounging poolside, make sure to come early to grab one of the lounge chairs in the front row. They were already taken both times I showed up around 11am. Or come early evening to catch-the sunset before heading out to dinner. 

Emile Restaurant

I think the true star of this property is the Emile Restaurant. I decided to go with the 3 course menu (choice of 1 starter, 1 main course and 1 dessert) which came with an additional starter as a compliment from the chef! I personally do not know anywhere in the United States where I could enjoy a meal like this for 197 reais (~$40)! The ambiance, presentation, taste and service was top notch. I highly recommend that you make a reservation at the Emile Restaurant if you are visiting Rio, whether or not you are staying at the Emiliano. 

Cost

I paid on average $1,887 Reais ($370 USD) per night including taxes and fees in March 2022. Breakfast was included in this nightly rate. 

Security

The hotel is located right in front of the Copacabana beach and I did not encounter any issues going in and out of the property. 

In Rio it pays to be aware of your surroundings at all times and “blend-in.” This means not wearing designer clothes, keeping jewelry to a minimum, not displaying electronics etc while out in public. The well to do Cariocas (residents of Rio) go to considerable lengths to ensure they are not displaying wealth and visitors should take this page out of their book.