Meliá Hotels International has launched its first luxury hotel from the Gran Meliá brand in Brazil with the official opening of Gran Meliá Nacional Rio in March 2017.

The hotel is located in Rio de Janeiro’s most exclusive area, São Conrado.

Originally built in 1972 by the world renowned architect, Oscar Niemeyer, the famous ‘Hotel Nacional’ has reopened after more than a decade of being left abandoned, as the Gran Meliá brand’s flagship property.

Following extensive renovations, the property has been restored to its former glory, maintaining the hotel’s original features, with the modern Spanish flare of the Gran Meliá brand.

During its heyday, in the 70s and 80s, Hotel Nacional was renowned as a celebrity hot-spot, with A-list guests staying at the hotel, including Liza Minnelli, BB King and James Brown.

Hotel Nacional also hosted the spectacular Rio Film Festival.

Renowned Brazilian interior designer, Débora Aguiar, has designed all of the communal areas of the hotel, including the VIP floor and the rooftop.

Located in the South Zone of the city, Gran Meliá Nacional Rio boasts 413 rooms, from 33 to 300m², including one presidential suites and 66 executive suites.

The circular design and glass façade of the property means that guests can enjoy panoramic floor to ceiling views of Rio de Janeiro from both their room or suite and the communal areas.

Gran Meliá Nacional Rio will feature the exclusive RedLevel service, offering the ultimate luxury experience from the Gran Meliá brand.

It provides access to exclusive spaces allowing guests to enjoy a privileged sense of privacy and tranquillity, as well as a more personalised service.

The RedLevel Lounge has a private reception area, lounge-library with TV and music, private breakfast area and an open bar with premium drinks.

RedLevel will be fully operating from April 2017.

The hotel also has three luxurious, contemporary bars, Bardot pool bar, Amaro and the roof top bar.

The exclusive Roof Top Bar boasts 360-degree views across the city and São Conrado Bay. 

Gabriel Escarrer, chief executive, Meliá Hotels International, said: “Rio de Janeiro is a city with a huge amount of history, incredible architecture and a booming luxury market.

“The outstanding cultural heritage, art and natural scenery available in the city really enriches the traveller’s experience.

“We are very excited to finally launch this unique property with such a huge historical significance in one of Latin America’s most important cities and we believe it has the potential to bring back the time of splendour of the city’s tourism.”