At one time the Ouro Verde was considered one of the world's best small hotels, and the restaurant had a high reputation.

[citation needed] The 15-story building is listed by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (Patrimônio Histórico).

[7] Brazil moved its government from Rio to Brazilia in 1960s, and the city decided to compensate by helping the tourist industry.

[8] The restaurant at the Hotel Ouro Verde was among the elegant and expensive dining places that provided good food and good service to the local elite, executives and foreign guests, other being O Bife de Ouro in the Copacabana Palace Hotel and Le Bec Fin.

[13] A tunnel ran from the hotel underneath the Avenida Atlantica to the beach, so guests could avoid risking their lives crossing the busy street.

[12] At that time there was no social safety net in Brazil, there was extreme poverty and tourists walking along the beachfront had to watch for pickpockets and were constantly accosted by beggars and prostitutes.

[14] The famous soccer player Pelé rarely gave press interviews, apart from one for the Brazilian edition of Playboy in 1980, and a second in 1993 in his suite at the Ouro Verde Hotel.

[5] The 2009 Rough Guide to Rio de Janeiro said the hotel exterior was not impressive, but the interior was "discreetly elegant with spacious and well-kept rooms".