Category Archives: hotels

hotels, rio de janeiro

Gay-Friendly Hotels and Places to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

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Rio is a neighborhood city — and where you stay matters. For gay travelers, the easiest base is the Zona Sul: Ipanema/Arpoador (gay beach access), Leblon (quiet luxury), and Copacabana (maximum convenience + tons of hotel stock). Below is a streamlined VamosGay 2026 shortlist, organized by neighborhood and price point.

★ Editor’s Choice (Book These First, If You Can)

  • ★ Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema) — Luxury — The “I’m doing Rio properly” pick, steps from the beach. Book / check rates
  • ★ Hotel Arpoador (Arpoador/Ipanema) — Upscale — Walkable to the gay beach zone + perfect location for day/night. Book / check rates  (Unless it’s booked, this is where the VamosGay editor personally stays.)
  • ★ Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel (Copacabana) — Iconic Luxury — Classic Rio glamour on the beach (prices reflect it). Book / check rates
  • ★ Janeiro Hotel (Leblon) — Luxury — Quiet, polished, and perfectly placed for Leblon/Ipanema hopping. Book / check rates

Ipanema & Arpoador (Gay Beach Base)

Best for: being close to the gay beach scene, cafés, and walking everywhere. If it’s your first Rio trip, start here.

Luxury

  • Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro — Design-forward luxury on a top beachfront address. Book / check rates
  • Emiliano Rio — Modern high-end option with excellent service. Book / check rates

Mid-range (Best Value in the Best Area)

  • Hotel Arpoador — Location wins (especially for beach + nightlife). Book / check rates
  • Sol Ipanema Hotel — Beachfront convenience; a very easy “first-timer” pick. Book / check rates
  • Arena Ipanema Hotel — Reliable base close to everything. Book / check rates
  • Hotel Astoria Ipanema — Often priced well for the neighborhood (good “deal-hunter” pick). Book / check rates
  • Ipanema Inn — Comfortable, classic Ipanema choice. Book / check rates

Hostel (One Pick Only)

Leblon (Quiet Luxury + Easy Access)

Best for: travelers who want a calmer vibe, higher-end dining, and quick access to Ipanema.

Luxury

  • Janeiro Hotel — One of the strongest “treat yourself” bases in the city. Book / check rates

Resort-Style (Near Leblon)

  • Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort — Bigger resort feel with strong on-site amenities. Book / check rates

Copacabana (Fireworks, Convenience, Big Selection)

Best for: the beachfront “Rio postcard,” easy transit, and lots of hotels in every price tier.

Luxury

Mid-range (Strong “Upgrade” Picks)

  • Windsor California Copacabana — Great value for an “upgrade” feel. Book / check rates
  • Miramar Hotel by Windsor — Stylish and well-reviewed for Copacabana. Book / check rates
  • PortoBay Rio de Janeiro — Reliable classic beachfront choice. Book / check rates
  • Arena Copacabana Hotel — A dependable base for sightseeing and nightlife. Book / check rates

Santa Teresa (Boutique Views + Romantic Vibe)

Best for: couples, design lovers, and travelers who want a quieter, hilltop atmosphere (short rides to Centro/Lapa; longer rides to the beach).

Boutique Luxury

  • Santa Teresa Hotel Rio de Janeiro – MGallery — Gorgeous property with a true “special trip” feel. Book / check rates

Botafogo & Flamengo (Mid-range Value + Easy Transit)

Best for: better prices, fast access to Zona Sul, and a more local feel.

Mid-range

  • Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro (Botafogo) — Modern vibe; great base for bouncing around town. Book / check rates
  • Novotel RJ Praia de Botafogo — Practical, comfortable, good-value base. Book / check rates
  • Windsor Florida Hotel (Flamengo) — Often a strong deal for a reputable chain. Book / check rates

Lapa / Centro (Budget + Nightlife)

Best for: travelers prioritizing nightlife and price over beach convenience. Be smart with late-night walks.

Mid-range / Boutique-funky

  • Art Lapa Hotel — Boutique-funky, great base if you want to be right in the middle of Lapa nightlife (and still have a comfortable place to crash afterward).
  • Casa Nova Hotel — A reliable mid-range option with an easy location for Lapa, Centro, and the classic sights nearby (great when you want value without going full budget).

Hostel (One Pick Only)

  • Socialtel Lapa Rio de Janeiro — Social, central, and designed for travelers who want to meet people. Book / check rates

Helpful Rio logic (choose your base)

  • Ipanema/Arpoador = gay beach access + easy nightlife.
  • Leblon = quieter, more upscale, still close to Ipanema.
  • Copacabana = convenience + biggest hotel inventory (great for deals).
  • Santa Teresa = boutique views and romance (more rides, less walking-to-beach).
hotels, rio de janeiro

Gay-Friendly Paraty & Villa Harmonia

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One of the most popular gay-friendly bed-and-breakfast in Paraty, the charming destination just outside of Rio de Janeiro.

Paraty is best described in the Lonely Planet Guide to Rio de Janeiro as …

… a nature-lover’s paradise, offering some of southeastern Brazil’s prettiest coastal and mountain scenery. Dozens of pristine beaches are easily accessible by boat or bus, while inland, the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina protects a lush remnant of mata atlântica (Atlantic rainforest).

Throughout the year, Paraty brims with Brazilian and international vacationers. The town’s cosmopolitan flavor is further enhanced by the multitude of artists, writers and chefs, both Brazilian and foreign, who have settled here.

Villa Harmonia is well located within walking distance of Paraty’s main attractions. The well-staffed bed-and-breakfast is very gay friendly, although, expect the over half of the guest to be friendly heteros. For gay couples, we highly recommend booking the “superior room with the garden view. Click below for more info, photos, and to check availability.

View hotel details/lowest rate

Paraty is full all year, but the high season starts in November and continues through March. In 2020, Carnival runs from Friday, February 21 and run through a wild extended weekend to Tuesday, February 26. But, we recommend the week before Carnival in Paraty. And Villa Harmonia is an excellent place to spend it!