Where to stay for my first trip

[HungBearLA]

I realize that this section of the boards has not had a lot of activity of late but hoping some men with good knowledge of Rio can help this newbie out. I am planning to go to Rio the beginning of November for about 10days and seeking advice on where to stay.

 

For hotels it looks like either the Premier Copacabana Hotel or the often mentioned Atlantico Copacabana Hotel are on my short list. I know the Atlantico allows guest to come to the room but have not been able to find out if the Premier does or not. Any other Hotels which may allow guests I am not including?

 

The other option would be to reserve an apartment or flat for the time there. Any idea o thoughts from you regular visitors? I have sent some inquires but I am frankly afraid of getting stranded in some dump with no way to get out if I take an apartment.

 

Any advice is MUCH appreciated!

[LurkerSpeaks]

there have been other threads here on this topic, but as someone who has only visited once, I would recommend the Atlantico Copacabana. Close to the beaches, safe area, directly across the street from the subway.. ATM less than a block away, and the Sauna202, while not the best in town, is a little over one block away...I also highly recommend you contact Drey at http://www.gaytravelbrazil.com. He can help you decide on a hotel and he negotiates a better rate than you can probably get yourself. For a first timer, I would not recommend an apartment, more so for the safety that is provided in a hotel. Maybe after a few trips, then possibly an apartment. At the very least you could stay in a hotel the first time, and make appointments to view some apartments for your next visit..

[+ Axiom2001]

I've stayed at the Hotel Atlantico Copacabana during five of my six visits and have stayed at the Royal Rio once. I truly liked everything about the latter hotel, but if one planned to have some hourly or nightly company-- there is a charge of R$50.

 

When I had my tour guide, a gay man as well as an escort at the time, accompany me to my room. The hottie desk clerk looked and looked but did not say anything to my guide or me. Presumably he (the desk clerk) assumed my guide was escorting. My guide did not stay for a long time, so everything was fine.

 

Since this is your first visit, I'd suggest that you give the Atlantico a big try; if you fail to like the venue, etc., check out after five days. But as a first visit to my favorite city in this world of ours, a hotel stay would be highly recommended.

 

Read all that's here as well as in the archives. Go to Drey's site as well. (Another possibility for escorts would be to use http://www.netgay.com.br as an alternative.)