Hopefully not a silly question about Rio

[imrthr]

My October Rio trip to Rio is just around the corner. Although I have read the posting on this board voraciously, unfortunately, I have not found any reference to a question I have. My question is, are the "cabins" at the various saunas air conditioned? Given the potential and/or probable activities that may happen in those cabins, together with the warm climate of Rio, a little cool air might be necessary or at the very least, refreshing? Does anyone have an anwser to my query? Thanks

[imrthr]

My October Rio trip to Rio is just around the corner. Although I have read the posting on this board voraciously, unfortunately, I have not found any reference to a question I have. My question is, are the "cabins" at the various saunas air conditioned? Given the potential and/or probable activities that may happen in those cabins, together with the warm climate of Rio, a little cool air might be necessary or at the very least, refreshing? Does anyone have an anwser to my query? Thanks

[Guest Tomcal_]

Point 202 and Club 117 have A/C rooms, Estacio has 4 rooms that are A/C(they are the newer suites and you can request them) and I think 6 rooms that have Fans but no A/C, In the April to Oct. time frame they seem to work fine, although even A/C will have a hard time keeping you cool when you are with those Hot Rio Boys!!!}(

[Guest Tomcal_]

Point 202 and Club 117 have A/C rooms, Estacio has 4 rooms that are A/C(they are the newer suites and you can request them) and I think 6 rooms that have Fans but no A/C, In the April to Oct. time frame they seem to work fine, although even A/C will have a hard time keeping you cool when you are with those Hot Rio Boys!!!}(

[Driver]

On a slightly related note - has anyone used the gold room at Point 202? What sets it apart from the other rooms?

[Driver]

On a slightly related note - has anyone used the gold room at Point 202? What sets it apart from the other rooms?

[sf traveler]

This is not a silly question at all. In fact, when I first went to Brazil, this was one of my biggest concerns. As someone who thinks San Francisco's climate is ideal, I was very nervous, but I've never had a problem there. Now I don't go during their summer for climatic reasons, but April and October have been lovely. In fact, the only problem I've had is that I was too cold in Club 117's "nightclub" room. SF Traveler

[sf traveler]

This is not a silly question at all. In fact, when I first went to Brazil, this was one of my biggest concerns. As someone who thinks San Francisco's climate is ideal, I was very nervous, but I've never had a problem there. Now I don't go during their summer for climatic reasons, but April and October have been lovely. In fact, the only problem I've had is that I was too cold in Club 117's "nightclub" room. SF Traveler

[BillyZ]

Point 202's "Gold Suite"

 

Driver:

The so-called Gold Suite is larger than the regular

small rooms at Point 202. It's not quite as large as

(but about twice the cost of) standard rooms at 117.

 

Despite its name, the Gold Suite is nothing fancy

(and sadly lacks trampolines). It does, howeever,

have its own AC unit -- the absence of which in most

regular Point rooms made foursomes (not to mention

quintets) not only cozy but short on oxygen.

 

 

IMRTHR:

On the general criteria of temperature and

spaciousness, I suspect you will prefer 117.

But I'd urge you to try all of the big three

saunas soon after you arrive!

[BillyZ]

Point 202's "Gold Suite"

 

Driver:

The so-called Gold Suite is larger than the regular

small rooms at Point 202. It's not quite as large as

(but about twice the cost of) standard rooms at 117.

 

Despite its name, the Gold Suite is nothing fancy

(and sadly lacks trampolines). It does, howeever,

have its own AC unit -- the absence of which in most

regular Point rooms made foursomes (not to mention

quintets) not only cozy but short on oxygen.

 

 

IMRTHR:

On the general criteria of temperature and

spaciousness, I suspect you will prefer 117.

But I'd urge you to try all of the big three

saunas soon after you arrive!

[imrthr]

RE: Point 202's

 

Thank you all for the information about air conditioning at the saunas in Rio. I am happy to learn that there are others who react unfavorably to hot weather or to excessively heated rooms. On a related note, many of my friends cannot understand why I like Montreal in the winter which is my favorite time of year to go there. My response to them is that you can always add clothing to keep warm and take the clothing off when appropriate. BUT, when it is too hot or there is no air conditioning, physical activity is definately curtailed. At least it is for me. Thus, I anticipate that I will have a great time in Rio.

[imrthr]

RE: Point 202's

 

Thank you all for the information about air conditioning at the saunas in Rio. I am happy to learn that there are others who react unfavorably to hot weather or to excessively heated rooms. On a related note, many of my friends cannot understand why I like Montreal in the winter which is my favorite time of year to go there. My response to them is that you can always add clothing to keep warm and take the clothing off when appropriate. BUT, when it is too hot or there is no air conditioning, physical activity is definately curtailed. At least it is for me. Thus, I anticipate that I will have a great time in Rio.

[trilingual]

RE: THE HEAT

 

Well, it can definitely be hot at times in the saunas, even with the fans going full blast and the air-conditioning revved up. One solution is to take frequent showers, like the Brazilians do! (Many of the "suite" rooms at the saunas, including all the rooms at 117 have en-suite bathrooms and showers.) Brazilians are used to "cold" showers. By our northern standards, the water's hardly ever colder than "tepid," so it's a comfortable way to cool off. In fact, lots of Brazilians love having sex in the shower! It's a bit of a local fetish.

 

On occasion, you might actually feel chilly at the saunas, if you're there in the winter or you're in the bar/disco at 117 when the a/c is blasting at full power. Most of the baths offer the use of robes for a nominal extra fee. Just ask for a "roupão." (Pron. row-POUNd -- just drop that final "d" in pound when you say it!)

[trilingual]

RE: THE HEAT

 

Well, it can definitely be hot at times in the saunas, even with the fans going full blast and the air-conditioning revved up. One solution is to take frequent showers, like the Brazilians do! (Many of the "suite" rooms at the saunas, including all the rooms at 117 have en-suite bathrooms and showers.) Brazilians are used to "cold" showers. By our northern standards, the water's hardly ever colder than "tepid," so it's a comfortable way to cool off. In fact, lots of Brazilians love having sex in the shower! It's a bit of a local fetish.

 

On occasion, you might actually feel chilly at the saunas, if you're there in the winter or you're in the bar/disco at 117 when the a/c is blasting at full power. Most of the baths offer the use of robes for a nominal extra fee. Just ask for a "roupão." (Pron. row-POUNd -- just drop that final "d" in pound when you say it!)

[Mavica]

Not silly at all

 

I was in Rio in February, and I'm assuming that temperatures in October will be lower. Greatfully, the heat/humidity didn't bother me. However, the friend I was traveling with was VERY uncomfortable in the saunas and refused to go (except for the first and last night of the visit). The common areas were VERY hot. My own experience was that, in most of the saunas was that (excpet 202 which hadn't opened yet) there were few, if any, air-conditioned rooms . . . and that, sometimes, I was not 100% comfortable. Adding to the heat/humidity "problem" was the fact that not all of the beds in all of the saunas had sheets on the matresses. . . and I found myself lying on sticky/hot/sweaty plastic-covered "stuff" . . . ugh! These facilities are, in all reality, male whore houses . . . and "total client comfort" is not, always, foremost in the minds of facility operators.

[Mavica]

Not silly at all

 

I was in Rio in February, and I'm assuming that temperatures in October will be lower. Greatfully, the heat/humidity didn't bother me. However, the friend I was traveling with was VERY uncomfortable in the saunas and refused to go (except for the first and last night of the visit). The common areas were VERY hot. My own experience was that, in most of the saunas was that (excpet 202 which hadn't opened yet) there were few, if any, air-conditioned rooms . . . and that, sometimes, I was not 100% comfortable. Adding to the heat/humidity "problem" was the fact that not all of the beds in all of the saunas had sheets on the matresses. . . and I found myself lying on sticky/hot/sweaty plastic-covered "stuff" . . . ugh! These facilities are, in all reality, male whore houses . . . and "total client comfort" is not, always, foremost in the minds of facility operators.

[imrthr]

RE: Not silly at all

 

Adding to the

>heat/humidity "problem" was the fact that not all of the beds

>in all of the saunas had sheets on the matresses. . . and I

>found myself lying on sticky/hot/sweaty plastic-covered

>"stuff" . . . ugh! These facilities are, in all reality, male

>whore houses . . . and "total client comfort" is not, always,

>foremost in the minds of facility operators.

 

Uh-oh! Based on what I have read in these postings, I had anticipated a different sort of setting at the saunas. True it is what you say it is (whore house) but I would assume that since there are sauna and shower facilities on premises there would also be laundry facilities to keep the rooms sanitary which would include clean sheets on the mattresses. Has anyone else experienced "plastic-covered stuff" (mattresses) or unsanitary conditions in the saunas?

[imrthr]

RE: Not silly at all

 

Adding to the

>heat/humidity "problem" was the fact that not all of the beds

>in all of the saunas had sheets on the matresses. . . and I

>found myself lying on sticky/hot/sweaty plastic-covered

>"stuff" . . . ugh! These facilities are, in all reality, male

>whore houses . . . and "total client comfort" is not, always,

>foremost in the minds of facility operators.

 

Uh-oh! Based on what I have read in these postings, I had anticipated a different sort of setting at the saunas. True it is what you say it is (whore house) but I would assume that since there are sauna and shower facilities on premises there would also be laundry facilities to keep the rooms sanitary which would include clean sheets on the mattresses. Has anyone else experienced "plastic-covered stuff" (mattresses) or unsanitary conditions in the saunas?

[trilingual]

RE: . . .With a Grain of Salt

 

Hmm, the "anti-Chamber of Commerce" seems to creating a bit of a misimpression.

 

First, the saunas in Brazil are NOT whorehouses, at least not in the common sense of the word. The saunas provide a venue for escorts and clients to meet, check each other out, and get it on. That's all. The sauna guys DON'T work for the house; they work for themselves, which is why you pay them directly. The sauna makes its money from admissions, cabine rentals, and food/drink sales. The escorts pay a reduced admission to enter the sauna, and also must pay for any food/drink they consume, unless a client treats them. That arrangement is quite different from a common whorehouse, where the escorts work for the house and are often in a form of debt bondage to the owner.

 

Standards of "luxe" vary at the saunas. All of them strive for cleanliness, because Brazilians are fanatically hygienic. If the places weren't clean, local clients wouldn't come. I've been going to the saunas in Brazil for 20 years and have never caught anything related to lack of sanitation, like crabs. (Unlike, say, the Amigo in Copenhagen, where I ended up infested with them!) In spite of all the cleaning and sterilizing, you should wear your rubber flip-flops as much as possible because it is possible to get athlete's foot, a hardy little fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. You can cut down on that possibility if you use an anti-fungal powder a couple of times a day. (You don't need to do it at the sauna, just do it morning and night at your hotel.)

 

At some of the saunas, like Roger's, the cabines are small cubicles with vinyl-covered mattresses. The rooms are cleaned after use, and just to be sure the guy you've chosen will also swab the mattress down with pure alcohol (widely used as a household cleaner in Brazil). You then spread out your towels on the mattress and go at it. At other saunas, especially the newer ones, sheets are provided. If that's a big issue for you, you'll like 117, because the cabines are spacious, all have big round beds with sheets, and have en-suite showers and toilets. I guess I never really focused on it, but I think they had sheets at Estação and Point 202, also. Unless you're extremely squeamish or obsessive, you should find the saunas to be OK.

[trilingual]

RE: . . .With a Grain of Salt

 

Hmm, the "anti-Chamber of Commerce" seems to creating a bit of a misimpression.

 

First, the saunas in Brazil are NOT whorehouses, at least not in the common sense of the word. The saunas provide a venue for escorts and clients to meet, check each other out, and get it on. That's all. The sauna guys DON'T work for the house; they work for themselves, which is why you pay them directly. The sauna makes its money from admissions, cabine rentals, and food/drink sales. The escorts pay a reduced admission to enter the sauna, and also must pay for any food/drink they consume, unless a client treats them. That arrangement is quite different from a common whorehouse, where the escorts work for the house and are often in a form of debt bondage to the owner.

 

Standards of "luxe" vary at the saunas. All of them strive for cleanliness, because Brazilians are fanatically hygienic. If the places weren't clean, local clients wouldn't come. I've been going to the saunas in Brazil for 20 years and have never caught anything related to lack of sanitation, like crabs. (Unlike, say, the Amigo in Copenhagen, where I ended up infested with them!) In spite of all the cleaning and sterilizing, you should wear your rubber flip-flops as much as possible because it is possible to get athlete's foot, a hardy little fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. You can cut down on that possibility if you use an anti-fungal powder a couple of times a day. (You don't need to do it at the sauna, just do it morning and night at your hotel.)

 

At some of the saunas, like Roger's, the cabines are small cubicles with vinyl-covered mattresses. The rooms are cleaned after use, and just to be sure the guy you've chosen will also swab the mattress down with pure alcohol (widely used as a household cleaner in Brazil). You then spread out your towels on the mattress and go at it. At other saunas, especially the newer ones, sheets are provided. If that's a big issue for you, you'll like 117, because the cabines are spacious, all have big round beds with sheets, and have en-suite showers and toilets. I guess I never really focused on it, but I think they had sheets at Estação and Point 202, also. Unless you're extremely squeamish or obsessive, you should find the saunas to be OK.

[imrthr]

RE: . . .With a Grain of Salt

 

>

>First, the saunas in Brazil are NOT whorehouses, at least not

>in the common sense of the word. >

 

A rose by any other name is still a rose. I did not intend to denigrate the saunas. I simply agreed with the poster who expressed an opinion that appears bonafide.

 

>

>At some of the saunas, like Roger's, the cabines are small

>cubicles with vinyl-covered mattresses. The rooms are cleaned

>after use, and just to be sure the guy you've chosen will also

>swab the mattress down with pure alcohol (widely used as a

>household cleaner in Brazil). You then spread out your towels

>on the mattress and go at it. At other saunas, especially the

>newer ones, sheets are provided.

 

Thanks for the information above, I appreciate it.

 

>Unless you're extremely squeamish or obsessive, you should find the saunas to be OK.

 

No, I am not squeamish or obsessive. I was merely responding to what appeared to be a legitimate response from someone who said that they had a bad experience. Most of the posting on this site are favorable to the saunas. Being the optimist that I am, I feel that I can deduce the good information and end up with a great trip. I must admit that I learned a great amount of information from these postings. It has been an enormous help in my decision to make the trip.

[imrthr]

RE: . . .With a Grain of Salt

 

>

>First, the saunas in Brazil are NOT whorehouses, at least not

>in the common sense of the word. >

 

A rose by any other name is still a rose. I did not intend to denigrate the saunas. I simply agreed with the poster who expressed an opinion that appears bonafide.

 

>

>At some of the saunas, like Roger's, the cabines are small

>cubicles with vinyl-covered mattresses. The rooms are cleaned

>after use, and just to be sure the guy you've chosen will also

>swab the mattress down with pure alcohol (widely used as a

>household cleaner in Brazil). You then spread out your towels

>on the mattress and go at it. At other saunas, especially the

>newer ones, sheets are provided.

 

Thanks for the information above, I appreciate it.

 

>Unless you're extremely squeamish or obsessive, you should find the saunas to be OK.

 

No, I am not squeamish or obsessive. I was merely responding to what appeared to be a legitimate response from someone who said that they had a bad experience. Most of the posting on this site are favorable to the saunas. Being the optimist that I am, I feel that I can deduce the good information and end up with a great trip. I must admit that I learned a great amount of information from these postings. It has been an enormous help in my decision to make the trip.

[sf traveler]

RE: . . .With a Grain of Salt

 

I will just add, that while in general I agree with what Tri's said, I do believe that the general level of cleanliness at the Rio saunas could be improved, although it's not terrible or anything now. I find that Lagoa in Sao Paulo is ususally kept up to a somewhat higher standard than generally obtains in Rio. Just one queen's opinion. SF Traveler

[sf traveler]

RE: . . .With a Grain of Salt

 

I will just add, that while in general I agree with what Tri's said, I do believe that the general level of cleanliness at the Rio saunas could be improved, although it's not terrible or anything now. I find that Lagoa in Sao Paulo is ususally kept up to a somewhat higher standard than generally obtains in Rio. Just one queen's opinion. SF Traveler

[Funseeker 22]

RE: . . .With a Grain of Salt

 

Guys,

You`re not paying for the Four Seasons Rooms !!!.

On my last trip in 11/2002 there were no problems and the boys also seemed intent that the meeting venue be just as clean for them also.