Brazil’s hotel industry is very aware of the power of the “pink” dollar and hotels in large tourist destinations are gay-friendly. The list below are the best, and most popular, places to stay. Most of them are near clusters of Rio’s gay nightlife and popular beaches “where the boys are.”
Altos de Santa Teresa
This chic, yet informal, guesthouse built in the heights (altos) of the Santa Teresa neighborhood. Spectacular panoramic views include the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Sugarloaf mountain range. Friendly staff and great amenities make all 9 spacious rooms in high demand.
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Hotel Atlântico Copacabana
Great option in Copacabana near the Siquero Campos Metro station. Located a few blocks further from the beach makes the prices consistently lower. Relaxed guest policy has made this a favorite with gay travelers since the 1990s.
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Arpoador Inn Hotel
A long-time favorite for the following reasons: friendly front desk, amazing breakfast with a boardwalk view of Arpoador Beach (the small beach between Copacabana and Ipanema.) The Arpoador Inn is within a ten minute walk of gay Ipanema and about fifteen minutes from Copacabana nightspots like Le Boy.
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Casa Cool Beans B&B
Gay owned and operated guesthouse. Informative hosts are full of tips on gay Rio. Many downtown and Lapa attractions are within a 20 minute walk. Use the VamosGay Google map to Rio de Janeiro to view all of the nearby bars, restaurant, clubs, and saunas.
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Casa Mosquito
This beachside boutique hotel features a restaurant, a spa and luxurious personalized services. Within walking distance to attractions in both Ipanema and Copacabana. Guests rave about the interior design, service, and outstanding breakfast.
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Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
One of the best hotels in Brazil, the Fasano brings world class luxury to gay Ipanema. Click below for photos and more information. The Fasano is expensive but worth every penny.
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Golden Tulip Ipanema Plaza
Very popular high-end hotel is often booked to capacity during high season. However, booking a room at the Golden Tulip not only give you a hotel room; it gives you access to guests-only rooftop and much coveted beach chairs and towels on the prime real estate of Ipanema Beach gayest section Praia da Farme.
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La Maison by Dussol
Like spending your vacation in a high-fashion photo shoot, his luxurious guesthouse sits within a green area in Rio de Janeiro. It offers a contemporary, neo-classic décor and daily in-suite breakfast. La Maison is in the Gavea neighborhood which is removed from the madness of the touristy section of Rio, but only a 10 minute taxi ride to Ipanema.
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Mar Ipanema Hotel
Great option in Ipanema with a number of shops on the trendy streets opposite the beach. Rooms during New Years and Carnival are in high demand. Get more Mar Ipanema info and options to book it below.
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MisterB&B
The gay alternative to AirBnB is now available in Latin America! Click below to browse gay-hosted apartments across Rio de Janeiro.
Pestana Rio Atlântica
Five-star beachfront hotel in Copacabana welcomes gay travelers to stay in the lap of luxury. The rooftop bar is an excellent place to catch the sunset while enjoying a cocktail. (One sad update, the Top of the Pestana gay party has been discontinued. Anyone who attended it during Carnival 2015 knows how much it will be missed.)
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Praia Ipanema Hotel
The most serene of the Ipanema Beach hotels, the Praia Ipanema has a quiet rooftop with some of the best views in Rio’s zona sul.
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Sol Ipanema
Superb location on the Ipanema Beach seafront, within a vibrant area of bars and restaurants. It features a sunny terrace with breathtaking coast views.
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Sofitel Rio de Janeiro
Luxury hotel in the heart of Copacabana. Click below for photos and more info about this five-star hotel.