Four Seasons, voted this year as the best luxury hotel brand in the world, will replace the Marina Palace – or the famous Marina Hotel, immortalized in songs inspired by the landscapes of Rio such as “Virgem”, by Marina Lima and Antonio Cícero – in Leblon. The research that placed the Canadian brand at the top was carried out by the Business Traveler Awards 2025. In Rio, the investment, made by Catuaí Asset, was estimated at 600 million reais. The Marina Palace hotel, opened in the 1980s and now replaced by the upscale brand, is part of Rio’s history and was closed in 2017.
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The Delfim Moreira development will be the city’s first Four Seasons hotel. The opening is expected to take place in 2029. Negotiations for the investment took place through a FIP — a variable income investment constituted in the form of a closed co-ownership, with shares repurchased only when shareholders release settlement at a meeting. In 2020, the brand’s sole property was closed, in São Paulo. The move led to speculation that the network would no longer invest in Brazil. After returning to the country, starting with Rio, the capital São Paulo moves into second place to receive another hotel from the chain.
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– The arrival of Four Seasons in Brazil, starting with Rio de Janeiro, is an important milestone that celebrates our ability to attract significant global investment. It is a source of pride to see the largest luxury hotel chain in the world choose Rio, and more precisely Leblon, as its first residence in the country. And they will settle down by the water with one of the most beautiful landscapes in Rio. This movement confirms what we know: when Rio pursues its vocation, it stimulates tourism, business and development – said Mayor Eduardo Paes.
Before opening, the building will undergo a revitalization which includes renovation of the facade, modernization of the interior and expansion of the existing structure. All rooms will have sea views. There will also be a rooftop with a swimming pool, spa, gym, bars and restaurants.
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