The Rosewood São Paulo is listed among the ten best hotels in the world, according to the ranking The World’s 50 Best Hotels, presented this Tuesday, the 15th, during a ceremony held in Paris. This São Paulo hotel advanced significantly, jumping from 24th to 6th place, and is recognized as the best accommodation option in South America. In contrast, the Copacabana Palace, located in Rio de Janeiro, dropped to 29th place after occupying 11th place last year.
The new edition of the ranking evaluated establishments in 38 locations distributed across the six global continents. The Rosewood Hong Kong maintained first place, a title it won in 2025. The Capella Bangkok, champion of 2024, secured second place, followed by the Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, both located in Thailand.
This recognition is given by a panel of 800 anonymous experts, which includes journalists, hospitality professionals, and experienced travelers. Each voter selects the seven best hotels where they have stayed in the last twenty-four months.
Being the first hotel of the chain in South America, the Rosewood São Paulo inaugurated its activities in January 2022. It is located in Cidade Matarazzo, which was a former hospital and maternity ward built in the early 20th century on Rua Itapeva, approximately 200 meters from Avenida Paulista, although its atmosphere is marked by great tranquility and green areas.
The hotel facilities consist of the former Matarazzo Maternity Ward, which underwent a restoration process, and the Mata Atlântica Tower, designed by architect Jean Nouvel and surrounded by a vertical garden. The complex offers a total of 181 units, encompassing rooms and suites. The most luxurious unit is the Penthouse Suite, a 1,115 m² triple-height penthouse located at the top of the Mata Atlântica Tower.
The hotel's interior design was conceived by Philippe Starck, who integrated pieces by Vik Muniz and tapestries by artist Regina Silveira. Furthermore, the hotel has two pools, one of which was designed by Sandra Cinto, a chapel with stained glass windows signed by Vik Muniz, the Rabo di Galo bar, which features live jazz, and three renowned restaurants in the city of São Paulo: the Le Jardin café, the French brasserie Blaise, and the South American cuisine restaurant Taraz. The Rosewood complex also houses other highly sought-after restaurants in the Mata Città area.
Located facing the sea, with its iconic white facade shining under the Rio de Janeiro sun, the Copacabana Palace is a Carioca icon. This historic building was conceived by businessman Octávio Guinle in 1923 with the aim of introducing European glamour to the then Brazilian capital. More than a hundred years later, the accommodation maintains its reputation for elegance, hosting celebrities from around the world.
The Copa is also a frequent winner of the Best Travel and Tourism Award, having won the Best Hotel title 17 times in 21 years of awards. The property balances tradition and modernity, with several rooms overlooking Copacabana Beach. The pool serves as a stage for notable events, such as the city's most crowded New Year's Eve, allowing guests to relax by the water, swim, or enjoy cocktails and snacks at the Pool Bar.
The hotel's restaurants are highlights, notably MEE, specializing in Asian gastronomy and holding a Michelin star, and Pérgula, which blends Brazilian and Mediterranean flavors on its menu. The Copacabana Palace is expected to reopen the historic Piscina Building in November, after a 19-month closure. This building will feature 68 suites, all with private balconies, in addition to wellness areas, an exclusive bar, a contemporary Italian restaurant, and a Brazilian handicraft boutique.