Category Archives: rio de janeiro

Olympics 2016 Gay Guide to Rio

Over ten thousand athletes from 206 different countries will converge upon Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics.  The biggest sporting event on the planet promises to attract a record number of tourists.  To assist them, the city of Rio has created an English-language guide full of attractions and useful tips.  (Try our guide for getting a mobile data and SIM card in Brazil.)

For the many gay tourists who will be visiting the Cidade Maravilhosa, we have created the VamosGay Guide to the 2016 Olympics in Rio.  It will build upon our current listings for gay-friendly hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs … and even places to hook up.

The opening ceremonies will take place on August 5 and the Olympic Games will run until the closing ceremony on August 21.

Bookmark vamosgay.com/olympics-2016-rio to view the complete city guide later this year.  And, follow VamosGay on Twitter, and Facebook to get the latest updates for #Rio2016.



Booking.com

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

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.

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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.

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Restaurants and Cafes of Gay Friendly Rio

The “gayborhoods” of Rio de Janeiro are blessed with a multitude of places grab a quick bite, sit down for a full meal, or recharge your battery with something caffeinated.   The following is a shortlist of gay and gay-friendly spots in Copacabana, Ipanema, and Lapa.  After you fuel up, continue the night at any of the many gay bars and clubs of Rio de Janiero. Continue reading Restaurants and Cafes of Gay Friendly Rio

Carnival, New Year’s, and Gay Pride: Event Calendar for Rio de Janeiro in 2016

What days are best for gay travelers interested in Rio de Janeiro?  All 365 of them are fabulous, but three holidays: New Year’s, Carnival, and Gay Pride.

Scroll down for specific dates in 2016, travel tips, and events in the city.  Outside of the holidays, use the VamosGay Guide to Rio de Janeiro.  It has the best, most up-to-date listings for gay-friendly hotelsbars, restaurants, and adults-only fun in Rio!

New Year’s Day / Reveillon 2016

Thursday, December 31 – Friday, January 1
From the fireworks on Copacabana Beach to the city’s biggest gay after-party … Click here for the VamosGay Guide to New Year’s in Rio

Carnival 2016 in Rio, Salvador, and Florianópolis

Friday, February 5 – Wednesday, February 10
Three of the biggest Carnival destinations in Brazil are also three of the gay-friendliest.  Guides to all three cities are coming soon!  Follow VamosGay on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest news.

Gay Pride 2016

Sunday, November 13, 2016
Every color of the arco-iris shines as the LGBT Pride Parade fills Rio de Janeiro.

Summer Olympics 2016

August 5 – 21, 2016
A guide for the many gay tourists who will be visiting the Cidade Maravilhosa!  Click to visit the VamosGay Guide to Olympics 2016 in Rio.