Return to Paradise, Episode Four

[Big Daddy]

I have confirmed reservations on Continental Flt 93, leaving Houston on May 11th and arriving in Paradise May 12th. Meu bebito will be waiting for me at the exit to Customs as his flight from Goiania arrives an hour earlier. I will return to reality on June 14th. I was able to book Business/First for 90,000 miles r/t. If you are flexible with your dates, you can do very well on Continental. For double milage, you can go virtually anytime.

 

I am starting to get excited thinking about being with Wan Hallen and Mother Brasil. I am on a natural high that can only be understood by those who have experienced the warmth and love that is the Brasilian experience.

 

I have been investigating both apartment and hotel options. I am inclined to stay at the Atlantico, however I do have some choices. Eddie, my Brasilian guide/driver has suggested a hotel around the cornor from the Marriott and Le Maison that he says is very comparable to the Atlantico, that is gay friendly, and only $R70 a night in the off season. I will check it out and post on the board.

 

We are planning on making some side trips and appreciate all the information that has been posted on the board. I am inclined to do Sao Paulo and someplace to the south. I will posting my experiences as often as possible.

[Guest msclonly]

What is the name of the hotel around the corner from the Marriott?

 

On which street is it on? North or South of the Marriott?

 

Will Arrive on the 18th next week, and open to alternatives to the Atlantco.

 

So far, I enjoy the Rio Palace, re comportable beds and pillows, very good breakfasts, and nice neighborhood.

 

Are there any hotels in the Ipanema area, which are inviting?

 

:+ :+

[dcguy]

I've stayed at the Ipanema Plaza (http://riodejaneiroguide.com/hotel/plaza.htm). It's very modern and located next to the "gay" street in Ipanema. Fun and relaxing

 

DC Guy

 

The greatest thing is just to love and be loved in return

[Big Daddy]

The hotel that Eddie recommended is the Hotel Toledo. It is officially listed as 3 stars. It is located one block away from Rua Atlantico (do not know if it is north, south, east or west of Atlantico), on a very quite side street. I remember it and at the time thought it was a pleasant looking property. Eddie has spoken with the manager and he assured him that the hotel is gay friendly. I specifically asked if there would be an issue with Wan Hallen and was told no. I did not ask if one can take guests to the room. There is a limited web site at http://www.wcities.com/outside.html?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoteisgandara.com.br%2F. The rate is R$70 per night, or special R$85 (probably a bigger room or a room with a view or something). Do not know the difference. Also, a studio is $R130. Does not have a pool, but only a short block to both the beach and Corrujinha's. This includes breakfast. The rooms look ok (as nice as the Atlantico), as least as the photo on the web site goes. I read a comment from a previous guest which stated that the rooms were as nice as more expensive hotels, and that it was a very quiet hotel, being on a side street. It is located at:

 

Rus Domingos Ferreira 71

Copacabana, Rio de Janiero

55-21-22557-1990

 

I will probably check in to the Atlantico and then check out the Toledo. If it is as billed, ie the equal of the Atlantico, we will make the switch.

 

Wan Hallen reminded me to bring him more Listerine breath patches. The Brasilian boys really like them, and they are not available in Brasil yet. He said he is counting each of the days until I return, as of today that is 29.

[Guest dreynsol]

Hi Big Daddy,

 

Thanks for your post. You know Maria is going to be very disappointed if you don't spend at least one night at the Atlantico. If you end up not staying there, at least stop by and give her a hug for me. You are the first person she mentioned to me as her favorite Americano.

 

Those Listerine packets are really a hit in Rio and make a perfect gift. Some friends of mine are down there right now bringing a special delivery shipment. I once had ten garotos lined up for the Listerine experience. Makes me want to become a distributor for them. :-)

 

I'm sure you'll have a great time with Wan Hallen and whichever hotel you choose. I look forward to your posts once you arrive.

 

Tchau,

- Drey

[trilingual]

It's very unlikely that you'd have problems at ANY Brazilian hotel if you've booked a double occupancy room and your companion registers at the desk along with you. The problem is unregistered "visitors." The hotels are all too familiar, unfortunately, with what happens when guests try to sneak in hookers or escorts and they don't want the problems entailed. That's why some hotels charge extra for "visitors" (to discourage the practice) or insist that any visitor sign in at the desk (which gives the hotel and the police information about the visitor's identity if any problem arises). The Atlântico's open-door policy is exceptional, and even they've clamped down on occasion after problems have arisen. Keep in mind the availability of by-the-hour "motels" and non-escort saunas as places where you can go with someone you pick up, especially anyone about whom you know little or nothing. It's much safer.

[straightshooter]

Forget about Hotel Toledo! VERY gay-unfriendly especially from escort point of view. The doors are locked before 23:00, you are not given a front door key & forced to bater loudly on the doors to get the horrible seguranca to unlock the front door and let you in, everyone has to be PREVIOUSLY registered, my escort friends were not allowed in, if you somehow get them in you have to find seguranca again to unlock the front doors on the way out, ugly scenes.

[straightshooter]

Just to be constructive, check out the following:

 

http://www.copahotelresid.com.br

Apart Hotel, longer term stays. Across Arcoverde Metro Station.

 

http://www.oceanohotel.com.br

Hilario de Gouveia, same block Corujinhas. Very nice.

 

http://www.hotelmarpalace.com.br

Opened last year. Across Siqueira Campos Metro Station.

[Big Daddy]

I am running around taking care of all the thousand details as I prepare to return to meu babito tomorrow. We will be at the Atlantico until Sunday. We then have an apartment for two weeks. I have not nailed down the last two weeks. We may travel or simply stay at the apartment or perhaps the Atlantico again. I am so happy to be returning.

 

I have been invited to be a speaker at a conference on July 8 & 9th, so will be returning to Rio on July 4th. Will the gringos be celebrating at the Marriott or someplace. We had a great time on Thanksgiving at the Marriott. They even made an effort to have "pumpkin pie".

 

Will try to keep those of you who know me or are interested, posted.

[Funseeker 22]

Hey BD,

Guest Speaker at a conference in Rio can`t be bad.

Great comps and tax writeoff too.

Congrats.