RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Meliá Hotels International will debut its Gran Meliá luxury brand in Brazil with the grand opening of Gran Meliá Nacional Rio in March, it was announced Jan. 17.
The Gran Melia’s lobby.
Built in 1972 in Rio de Janeiro’s São Conrado area as the Hotel Nacional, the property, following extensive renovations, has reopened after more than a decade of being left abandoned. The refurbishment has restored the property to its former glory, maintaining the hotel’s original features, with the Gran Meliá brand’s modern Spanish design touches.
Located in the city’s South Zone, the property features 413 guestrooms, ranging from 350 square feet to 3,228 square feet, including two presidential suites and 200 executive suites. The property’s circular design and glass façade afford panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro from guestrooms, suites and communal areas.
Amenities include The RedLevel Lounge, which offers a private reception area, lounge-library with TV and music, private breakfast area and an open bar. RedLevel will be fully operating beginning in April.
On the meetings and events side, Gran Meliá Nacional Rio will offer spaces, outfitted with Wi-Fi and light and sound equipment, that will accommodate approximately 4,000 people in 129,000 square feet and are expected to open in 2018. The hotel also features a business centre with 12 flexible meeting rooms.
Onsite restaurants include Sereia and the signature restaurant. Sereia specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with a Spanish touch. Located on the 32nd floor, the signature restaurant, scheduled to open in April, will serve cutting-edge cuisine by Brazilian chef Felipe Bronze.
The hotel features three bars, Bardot pool bar, Amaro and the rooftop bar, offering 360-degree views across the city and São Conrado Bay. A rooftop helipad is available for VIP guests.
On the wellness side, there’s Spa by Clarins, a fully-equipped gym and fitness studio with personal trainers.
A national heritage site, Gran Meliá Nacional Rio’s communal areas, including the VIP floor and the rooftop, were designed by Brazilian interior designer Débora Aguiar.
Adding to the property’s visual look are a number of modern artpieces, including 270 individually sculpted concrete slabs depicting classic carioca characters.
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