Rio - hotel or airbnb?

[bio2007]

Hi,

I am going for the first time in Rio and I am undecided between an hotel or an airbnb. I red here that the should be no problem to bring garotos or masseur in the airbnb but I saw many apt with strict rules about guests registration to be done earlier.
I booked an hotel also because I would feel more safe but I would prefer a nice airbnb.
 

any advice? ThankS

[+ José Soplanucas]

I always rented airbnbs in Rio and never had a problem bringing guys. Rather the opposite, several doormen were very cooperative and would have fun with the number of visitors. Most of the places I rented did not have security staff and check in desk. Instead, just janitors taking care of the place. Only once I rented in a building with a full desk and guards, just a few blocks away from the famous Hotel Atlantico (steps from Point). Zero issues. 

I already rented the airbnb for my next trip. A small penthouse with a big terrace with a grill and a jacuzzi, in the boundary between Copa and Ipanema. Much, much better than an hotel, much more comfort and options to play with my friends. 

[SirBillybob]

12 hours ago, bio2007 said:

Hi,

I am going for the first time in Rio and I am undecided between an hotel or an airbnb. I red here that the should be no problem to bring garotos or masseur in the airbnb but I saw many apt with strict rules about guests registration to be done earlier.
I booked an hotel also because I would feel more safe but I would prefer a nice airbnb.
 

any advice? ThankS

Pick either/or or both/and yet remain inadvertently undecided. You can only be somewhat decisive about it post hoc, moot in a sense, depending on how the date data played out.

You will probably see posts added here about the rookie 1st time mistake of hosting trade without ironclad safeguards. If I may, José is somewhat of an outlier in terms of experience and socio-sexual connections. I myself use carefully constructed judgment and several vetting criteria when deciding among my Airbnb, my hotel (often supplemental to Airbnb), or ‘love motel’ supplemental to hotel and/or Airbnb.

Be aware that it is often better to rent an Airbnb for a stretch compared to a ‘one off’ or short visit because many in the inventory will charge a substantial cleaning fee the same amount irrespective of length of stay. The cleaning fee can sometimes be equivalent to more than a single night base rate. If I owned and let an Airbnb I would state strict guest policies for the sake of underscoring damage liability within the mandatory insurance coverage. Otherwise, you’d likely not be impeded from having a “friend” over for a brief visit. Brazilians often travel and have non-lodging friends in for drinks, dinner, etc

Edited February 16 by SirBillybob

[SouthOfTheBorder]

I’m not sure renting an AirBnB with the idea of to bringing unknown people into a residential building is a good idea.  Just imagine how the people who live there full-time will feel about that.  I have a vacation apartment in a building that now forbids AirBnB, but there were two operating before the rules changed & they were grandfathered-in.  The AirBnB renters are always obvious & everyone knows exactly what they’re doing. If sex-tourism was involved with strangers coming & going at hours - they would be asked to leave immediately. There’s nothing wrong with whatever you want to do - just be realistic about where you’re choosing to do it.  
Check the details too as many AirBnBs forbid any guests that aren’t registered upon check-in with proper ID.  And - whatever happens as a result of one of your guests - you will be responsible. 

The hotels in Rio have non-registered guest policies for a reason - your safety & the other guests. I’ve found it’s somewhat flexible depending on time of day & how your guest presents themself. The hotels offer a better layer of security than AirBnBs anyway - much better for a first time visitor. Always a good idea to make sure your guest knows he has to pass through security & show ID before getting into your room, whether that’s true or not.   
Of course - the best advice is keep all the sex at the saunas where it’s convenient & safe. 

I’ve been in Rio more than a dozen times - always a nice hotel with a pool & all the services.  When I first started going I remember wanting to bring guys to my hotel & I did a few times during the day without issues. That changed when I found one of the guys waiting for me (uninvited) outside my hotel a couple of times. After that, only the saunas in Rio.

Edited February 16 by SouthOfTheBorder

[BostonYankee1972]

You should be careful in Rio due to all the escorts that steal from clients. I had a buddy who had a crazy situation become of his booking. Stay safe and I would recommend a hotel if you end up down there.  Definitely a hotel would be safer 100%

[bio2007]

Thank you all - I found a good discount at an hotel in Copacabana, I like to keep trade outside but sometimes it is nice to have a nice massage and a service after a beach day directly to your room.

[KyleSmith4]

3 hours ago, SouthOfTheBorder said:

I’m not sure renting an AirBnB with the idea of to bringing unknown people into a residential building is a good idea.  Just imagine how the people who live there full-time will feel about that.  I have a vacation apartment in a building that now forbids AirBnB, but there were two operating before the rules changed & they were grandfathered-in.  The AirBnB renters are always obvious & everyone knows exactly what they’re doing. If sex-tourism was involved with strangers coming & going at hours - they would be asked to leave immediately. There’s nothing wrong with whatever you want to do - just be realistic about where you’re choosing to do it.  
Check the details too as many AirBnBs forbid any guests that aren’t registered upon check-in with proper ID.  And - whatever happens as a result of one of your guests - you will be responsible. 

The hotels in Rio have non-registered guest policies for a reason - your safety & the other guests. I’ve found it’s somewhat flexible depending on time of day & how your guest presents themself. The hotels offer a better layer of security than AirBnBs anyway - much better for a first time visitor. Always a good idea to make sure your guest knows he has to pass through security & show ID before getting into your room, whether that’s true or not.   
Of course - the best advice is keep all the sex at the saunas where it’s convenient & safe. 

I’ve been in Rio more than a dozen times - always a nice hotel with a pool & all the services.  When I first started going I remember wanting to bring guys to my hotel & I did a few times during the day without issues. That changed when I found one of the guys waiting for me (uninvited) outside my hotel a couple of times. After that, only the saunas in Rio.

What he said! 

[+ azdr0710]

22 hours ago, bio2007 said:

Hi,

I am going for the first time in Rio and I am undecided between an hotel or an airbnb. I red here that the should be no problem to bring garotos or masseur in the airbnb but I saw many apt with strict rules about guests registration to be done earlier.
I booked an hotel also because I would feel more safe but I would prefer a nice airbnb.
 

any advice? ThankS

other than your accommodations, look around the forum here for RJ advice and hints......comments range from hysterical fear to no big deal.......best advice is to walk confidently, be aware of your surroundings, don't be flashy, don't carry too much cash, etc. on your person......write down your passport number and keep it separate somewhere........if in an airbnb at some point, tip the doorman (if there is one) just as thanks and for his discretion......I've been to RJ three times, but not since covid......never had a problem (except one garoto shook me down for 100 extra reals ($20) in a sauna once!!)......."juice bars" (sucos), almost on every corner, are great for a hearty breakfast and that classic Brazilian coffee or a smoothie (I still never quite get how you pay/order, though!----rules vary!!)........ 

[+ Axiom2001]

9 hours ago, BostonYankee1972 said:

You should be careful in Rio due to all the escorts that steal from clients. I had a buddy who had a crazy situation become of his booking. Stay safe and I would recommend a hotel if you end up down there.  Definitely a hotel would be safer 100%

Since this is your first visit to "Mother Brasil," I'd highly suggest that you stay in a hotel that allows visitors.  It's been a while since I visited my favorite country and city, but during my first visits I would stay at the Atlantico Copacabana Hotel.  During the early to mid 2000s, one could have guests, but they had to be registered upon visiting you or they had to show their cards.  To date I do not know what the policy is.  Some men here have had great results in staying at another (hotel) venue.

I've stayed in two apartments in Rio w/o encountering any difficulties.  To my memory, there were personnel posted; my guests had to show their I.D.

Lastly, wherever you do plan to reside during your visit, have all valuables hidden or placed in a safe regardless of your comfortability with your guest/s.  

And if you are not a member of gayguides.com (Forums)-- I'd highly recommend that you go there and read, read, read; then make five posts in order to write.  

Many of the men who've posted there have been to Rio de Janeiro and other parts of the country many times.

[+ José Soplanucas]

6 hours ago, azdr0710 said:

other than your accommodations, look around the forum here for RJ advice and hints......comments range from hysterical fear to no big deal.......best advice is to walk confidently, be aware of your surroundings, don't be flashy, don't carry too much cash, etc. on your person......write down your passport number and keep it separate somewhere........if in an airbnb at some point, tip the doorman (if there is one) just as thanks and for his discretion......I've been to RJ three times, but not since covid......never had a problem (except one garoto shook me down for 100 extra reals ($20) in a sauna once!!)......."juice bars" (sucos), almost on every corner, are great for a hearty breakfast and that classic Brazilian coffee or a smoothie (I still never quite get how you pay/order, though!----rules vary!!)........ 

An additional piece of advise is do not sleep with the boys. Most of the bad experiences I know are clients waking up to find the boy gone with some of their goods. I enjoy hanging out and playing during the day, and sleeping alone. 

[SirBillybob]

Wherever you decide, imbibe no nightcap you didn’t prepare yourself.

Edited February 17 by SirBillybob

[SouthOfTheBorder]

17 hours ago, José Soplanucas said:

I enjoy hanging out and playing during the day, and sleeping alone

I think your comments need context.
You’re from Argentina & speak fluent Spanish - this is not in any way similar to the average older white gringo visiting Rio who speaks no Spanish or Portuguese.  And you have contacts among the sex-workers that other visitors do not not have.  
Your comments could be misconstrued to mean what is typical for you is typical for others, which is absolutely not the case.

Edited February 17 by SouthOfTheBorder

[+ José Soplanucas]

36 minutes ago, SouthOfTheBorder said:

I thinks your comments need context.
You’re from Argentina & speak fluent Spanish - this is not in any way similar to the average older white gringo visiting Rio who speaks no Spanish or Portuguese.  And you have contacts among the sex-workers that other visitors do not not have.  
Your comments could be misconstrued to mean what is typical for you is typical for others, which is absolutely not the case.

Oh please, I am evidently exceptional. 

PS edit: in all aspects

Edited February 17 by José Soplanucas

[bio2007]

On 2/16/2024 at 7:43 PM, Axiom2001 said:

Since this is your first visit to "Mother Brasil," I'd highly suggest that you stay in a hotel that allows visitors.  It's been a while since I visited my favorite country and city, but during my first visits I would stay at the Atlantico Copacabana Hotel.  During the early to mid 2000s, one could have guests, but they had to be registered upon visiting you or they had to show their cards.  To date I do not know what the policy is.  Some men here have had great results in staying at another (hotel) venue.

I've stayed in two apartments in Rio w/o encountering any difficulties.  To my memory, there were personnel posted; my guests had to show their I.D.

Lastly, wherever you do plan to reside during your visit, have all valuables hidden or placed in a safe regardless of your comfortability with your guest/s.  

And if you are not a member of gayguides.com (Forums)-- I'd highly recommend that you go there and read, read, read; then make five posts in order to write.  

Many of the men who've posted there have been to Rio de Janeiro and other parts of the country many times.

So I red a lot on gayguides forum and it looks like is actually not that safe brining Garotos from websites into your hotel room and ppl on the forum seem to prefer sauna encounters or hour/love hotel.
 

Am I thinking wrong about the fact that the hotel is actually safer due to security at the entrance and the ability to store your valuables into the room safe? I would not trust much a love hotel and the sauna is convenient but less comfortable than my hotel room. So now I am concerned even for an hotel room. 

PS I have been to SP before and many times to South America so I have a bit of knowledge but always happy to get some more expert views. 

[SirBillybob]

6 hours ago, bio2007 said:

So I red a lot on gayguides forum and it looks like is actually not that safe brining Garotos from websites into your hotel room and ppl on the forum seem to prefer sauna encounters or hour/love hotel.
 

Am I thinking wrong about the fact that the hotel is actually safer due to security at the entrance and the ability to store your valuables into the room safe? I would not trust much a love hotel and the sauna is convenient but less comfortable than my hotel room. So now I am concerned even for an hotel room. 

PS I have been to SP before and many times to South America so I have a bit of knowledge but always happy to get some more expert views. 

Other than perhaps the uniqueness of escort sauna infrastructure, any quarters that places you alone with trade is not the deciding factor for harm. All versions of room privacy type are represented in assault, drugging, robbery, and homicide. Such is not an expert view.

Let your ‘big head’ squirm about it. Anxiety is basically prophylactic and far better than seeking any misguided venue format generalization whether derived from consensus or the anecdotal.

Edited February 20 by SirBillybob

[Alex93108]

Depends if you speak Portuguese or not or if you know the lay of the land.   I have been to rio several times since 2008.

I have stayed at two of the top hotels on the beach, and I don't count the JW Marriott as a top hotel, or the former Le Meridien, now Hilton which is really in Lemeh as a top hotel.  The current fairmont, formerly Sofitel is also not a top hotel.  I don't want to name these places because they are very classy - not to show off

The big bonus of staying at hotel is security, and having people who speak english to look out for you. As well as cameras. You won't have that at an airbnb.

Also visitors are registered - and its all very secure for both you and your hire.

Even with my repeat visits - prefer the security of a hotel.

I have never been robbed in Rio - though I have seen it happen, and know it to happen to others 

Edited March 8 by Alex93108

[Alfstoria]

This March I  was a newbie in Rio too, and I'll never see the appeal of an Airbnb.

Maybe it's suitable for a couple or a group, but definitely not for a solo traveler, especially for the first time.

Bringing guys I barely know, who don’t speak English, to my apartment or hotel is also a no-no for me. As others have mentioned, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. While I didn't feel threatened or witness any incidents, it doesn't mean they didn't occur. I relied on Uber for transportation, which sometimes proved faster and easier as well as the  local taxis. However, navigating around Copacabana was challenging due to the poor sidewalk conditions, especially with frequent rain and high humidity affecting my mobility. On one occasion, I made the mistake of walking from my hotel, the Windsor Copa, to Point 202. It turned out to be further than expected, and the area seemed more residential than commercial, with rundown buildings reminiscent of Cuban pensions. The steep stairs at Point 202 were unexpected, and the sheets in the rooms barely stayed in place. The cleaning staff, mostly women, seemed to keep close track of everything, which struck me as odd. Perhaps I wasn't there during the best week, possibly due to the rainy season or Semana Santa. However, I found the layout confusing and by that many hot guys.
While some of the guys were attractive, only two really caught my eye: a muscular man in his late 20s and my all-night boyfriend, a 19-year-old nerdy masculine twink. What a treat! He had a beautiful face, plump lips, and sturdy, big cock. I might have enjoyed more of him but he asked to meet a previous appointment and then one he was done he can continue so he left with a Latino guy who had an accident, fallen down the stairs, causing a bit of drama. I'm not sure what happened, as they were speaking only portugese and Spanish, but it seemed concerning. This incident dampened my enthusiasm to take hot nerdy out  for dinner. also he got dressed up and left with the limping Latino. 
Since I didn't find any other guy hot enough, I was tired because it was my first day in Rio fresh off the plane, I retired early at 8 pm and ate close to the hotel.  
The next day, I had to cancel my touristy plans due to non-stop rain, so I settled for some silly indoor sightseeing. The tiny aquarium was fun, and the RioSul mall in Botafogo became my refuge during the storm. I wished my nerdy boy was available, but he had left in a rush with the guy who had fallen down the stairs. I'm not sure what happened, but it didn't look good.

That day, I visited the Seven Cruising Bar, the only place open early ag 10 am. It's a cute little cruising club in a very remote area. They always have themes, but I wished they closed later so I could have gone after the saunas. Unfortunately, they close by 10pm  and it's quite out of the way. I stayed there from 1 pm to 2 pm, and it was quiet, with only three guys, but they were good-looking thirty-somethings who didn't mind playing with a late 50s chubby gringo. However, since I was still thinking about the hot, young, and well-endowed GP, I decided to save my energy for the sauna boys.

Then to solve my poor internet connection when it wasn’t WiFi. I went to the TIM store in the shopping center RioSul mall, I was able to buy a cheap smartphone using only my passport.That night, it was my turn at the 117 sauna. I will report on that later.
so To be continued...

[KyleSmith4]

On 3/8/2024 at 11:18 AM, Alex93108 said:

Depends if you speak Portuguese or not or if you know the lay of the land.   I have been to rio several times since 2008.

I have stayed at two of the top hotels on the beach, and I don't count the JW Marriott as a top hotel, or the former Le Meridien, now Hilton which is really in Lemeh as a top hotel.  The current fairmont, formerly Sofitel is also not a top hotel.  I don't want to name these places because they are very classy - not to show off

The big bonus of staying at hotel is security, and having people who speak english to look out for you. As well as cameras. You won't have that at an airbnb.

Also visitors are registered - and its all very secure for both you and your hire.

Even with my repeat visits - prefer the security of a hotel.

I have never been robbed in Rio - though I have seen it happen, and know it to happen to others 

I loved the "Fasano Rio" this last trip. Really impressive room furnishings, furniture and go for the ocean front rooms. They were really spectacular. 

[newdad]

On 2/16/2024 at 1:19 AM, José Soplanucas said:

Rather the opposite, several doormen were very cooperative and would have fun with the number of visitors.

Were they having fun on their own, or was this more of a paid side gig?

[newdad]

On 2/16/2024 at 2:30 PM, SouthOfTheBorder said:

After that, only the saunas in Rio.

Do you meet them at the sauna (ie, a pre-agreed location)? Or were they already in the sauna as part of their work (eg, like Thermas)?

[+ José Soplanucas]

20 hours ago, newdad said:

Were they having fun on their own, or was this more of a paid side gig?

Fun like in being entertained and laughing with all of it. I never had sex with an airbnb doorman. 

[Alex93108]

On 4/5/2024 at 10:19 AM, KyleSmith4 said:

I loved the "Fasano Rio" this last trip. Really impressive room furnishings, furniture and go for the ocean front rooms. They were really spectacular. 

God that hotel is overpriced, and I didn't think worth the money.

To be honest, all of the hotels in Rio are kind of not worth the money, but the only reason why you would stay in it is for security.  There is one hotel I like though it has gone downhill the last time I was there. Not going to mention which one, but its one of the top hotels in Rio.

Where I stayed they asked room visitors to register details, which I complied. It was all very classy.

I said in English, "This gentleman will be accompanying me to my room, please get what ever details you need from him, I'll be waiting at the bar" . I then stepped away to lounge area.

They spoke in Portuguese after and he didn't mince words, introducing him as a garato ( male prostitute) . Being a real 5 star place, they treated him with respect, and even offered a drink while he waited.  I think people should not see the procedure of registering guests as a hindrance, it's for your protection as well. 

I thought that was classy. Provider was a porn star from the site meninos ( boys) and to date is one of the best session I have in ia while. He's a real professional. 

I also speak Portuguese, but I address the hotel staff in English, so I can understand what they are talking behind my back. I'll speak to the locals, i.e the Barracca beach guy in portuegese of course. 

Need to plan a trip back, the last time I was there it rained for 3 days straight! ( in the summer) 

 

Edited April 7 by Alex93108

[KyleSmith4]

15 hours ago, Alex93108 said:

God that hotel is overpriced, and I didn't think worth the money.

To be honest, all of the hotels in Rio are kind of not worth the money, but the only reason why you would stay in it is for security.  There is one hotel I like though it has gone downhill the last time I was there. Not going to mention which one, but its one of the top hotels in Rio.

Where I stayed they asked room visitors to register details, which I complied. It was all very classy.

I said in English, "This gentleman will be accompanying me to my room, please get what ever details you need from him, I'll be waiting at the bar" . I then stepped away to lounge area.

They spoke in Portuguese after and he didn't mince words, introducing him as a garato ( male prostitute) . Being a real 5 star place, they treated him with respect, and even offered a drink while he waited.  I think people should not see the procedure of registering guests as a hindrance, it's for your protection as well. 

I thought that was classy. Provider was a porn star from the site meninos ( boys) and to date is one of the best session I have in ia while. He's a real professional. 

I also speak Portuguese, but I address the hotel staff in English, so I can understand what they are talking behind my back. I'll speak to the locals, i.e the Barracca beach guy in portuegese of course. 

Need to plan a trip back, the last time I was there it rained for 3 days straight! ( in the summer) 

 

They have some nice "Flash Sales" now though as I'm hearing things are a little slow to start off the New Year there.. I really enjoyed that hotel both times though.

[SouthOfTheBorder]

On 2/16/2024 at 2:30 PM, SouthOfTheBorder said:

After that, only the saunas in Rio.

@newdad the comment above was about only meeting providers in Rio in saunas bc I got stalked after taking someone back to my hotel.  The hotel meeting was without incident, but the provider just happened to be outside my hotel on two different days afterwards.  That unnerved me - to know someone was watching & waiting at my hotel.  I think it would be worse at an AirBnb without full security.

 

Edited April 16 by SouthOfTheBorder