In the News: Rio Revival

Rio de Janeiro’s most glamorous grand hotel, the Copacabana Palace, recently underwent a $20 million refurbishment program. This included the radical redesign of rooms in the landmark eight-story art deco building. Small wonder, since June 2014 will see the start of the soccer World Cup, while in 2016, Rio will provide a stage for the Summer Olympic Games. But the hotel had another reason to invest in a major facelift. Having opened in 1923, the Copacabana Palace is this year celebrating its 90th anniversary. I am pleased to report that the grande dame is looking very good for her age. And I, for one, send her the most affectionate of birthday greetings.

– A.H.