The pool bar on the top of the 5 star Hotel Pestana overlooks Copacabana in all its glory. The large ice blue pool is situated in the middle with seating and day beds placed around the sides. The view is spectacular in the day and at night.
The best thing about this bar is that it’s unassuming; there is a limited no fuss cocktail list and the drinks are served in pool friendly, plastic tumblers. On the weekend the crowd is mixed 20s to 30s businessmen, locals, hotel guests and chic Cariocas drinking Champagne in the moonlight.
The barmen can be a bit dappy and you might have to wait a while for your drinks, but they do make a good strong Margarita with Cointreau, so they’re forgiven. If you are not feeling Champagne, Margarita or a Caipirinha, then go with an ice-bucket of beer to share with your mates. Surprisingly not crazy expensive and not as formal as the Copacabana Palace, this hangout is perfect for early sunset drinks or late night Fridays when the DJ takes over.
www.pestana.com/en/pestana-rio-atlantica/pages/restaurants.aspx