This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hotel ( Rio de Janeiro )

[Guest miketur]

Guys

 

Dont get dissapointed with me ...

I have a BAD opinion about the Atlantico Hotel ...

Can I have OTHER opinion ????

If you LOVE the Atlantico ...

Go ahead !!!!!!!!!!

 

I try to explane what in Copacabana there is an other HOTEL BETTER than the Atlantico ... and is GAY FRIENDLY and cost only USD 50 dollars per day ( Single or Double Occupancy ) and YOU CAN ( YES !! ) bring a BOY into your room WITHOUT problem ...

 

I live in Rio and I know HOW DANGEROUS is the Tabajara Favela ...

So sorry if you dont share my opinion ...

 

And Im not paranoid with the favelas ... for you know something more about me .... I march in 3 Samba Schools , and I GO to the FAVELAS ...and no like a TOURIST ( like Marcelo Armstrong goes )... I go with the POOR people to drink beers and dance ....

( I march for the Mangueira Samba School , for the Paraiso do Tuiuti and for the Uniao da Ilha Samba School )

 

But you must to be CAREFULL: Is NOT the same go to MANGUEIRA Favela what go to MORRO DO ALEMAO Favela ...

 

You can be smart or not ...

You can stay at the Atlantico Copacabana Hotel ...or NOT ...

 

This is my opinion ....

 

I work with the GAY COMMUNITY since 1986 ( 17 years ....... ) and If you want to know more about RIO ...

Dont hesitate : Contact me !!!

 

 

 

I have a GAY TOUR GUIDE with ALL the addresses and phone numbers

[Mavica]

RE: This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hote...

 

I'm not going to go further into the favela discussions, because I don't know what I'm talking about . . . I'll leave the topic for those with first-hand and/or more substandial knowledge of Rio, Brazil, and the issue.

 

You've been posting some public messages, and sending other private messages to users, promoting yourself . . . and I see nothing wrong with someone doing that. However, you haven't provided any background on yourself, or references . . . from what I've seen . . . and that makes me a little skeptical. I get the impression that one or more people here know who you are, so maybe I've missed something posted here in the past (however, I've read about every post archived, and I don't remember you being mentioned until this past week). What is it that you have to offer that's not already available on this message board, or in the myriad of other resource materials readly available? Am I correct to assume that your "assistance" is fee/commission based?

 

Your knocking of the Atlantico Copacabana Hotel seems to me to be motiviated by something you're not talking about (or is it just because of its closeness to a favela? If so, then many hotels in Rio should be crossed off your list, including some highly-rated luxury hotels and/or neighborhoods), and I don't think it's fair to do that. I stayed in the hotel last week, paid the equivalent of US$44 (including taxes, service charges and breakfast - about 15% less than a hotel you're recommending but seem reluctant to disclose the name of) . . . and there was no additional charge to have a "guest" in the room (I didn't have guests, but my traveling companion did.). I think that the hotel staff was cordial and efficient, without regard for the sexual preference of guests . . . and that's "gay friendly" enough for me.

 

There's no doubt in my mind that there are hotels in the same price range as the Atlantico that I might have liked better, but the property is, I think, for most visitors to that area . . . more than adequate for one's short-term needs. I've said elsewhere, that, if I were to return to Rio in the future (if, not when) . . . I'd probably opt to stay in Ipanema . . . or rent one of the abundant supply of apartments; we each have our own peculiar preferences.

 

I sense a lack of objectivity/accuracy in some of your comments . . . and for someone who's trying to sell himself as a reliable source and service provider, that's not an impression you'll not want imprinted in the minds of readers.

[trilingual]

RE: This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hote...

 

Mike's entitled to his opinion of the Atlântico, of course, but I agree that it needs to be taken with a grain of salt, considering that he's promoting another hotel in a professional capacity.

 

Mike, if you represent another hotel you think visitors would like more, go ahead and say what the name is, where it's located, what services it offers, and what prices are like there. Then people can decide for themselves. Also, I'm sure many readers here would be interested in the services of an English-speaking gay travel professional who can help them arrange for tours, pick them up at the airport, and help them make other arrangements, especially if they don't speak Portuguese themselves. I hope some of our readers get a chance to try your services and post their impressions about them here.

 

Mike is definitely right that some favelas are worse than others (the Morro do Alemão he mentions is one of the worst and a virtual non-stop crime scene). Mangueira, which I believe also has tours, is one of the oldest and most established poor neighborhoods, and sponsor of the oldest and perhaps most prestigious samba school. As a Carnival-freak, I'm willing to bet that Mike would be the ideal guide for anyone here wanting to go to samba school rehearsals or to actually be in one of the Carnival parades! (If you ever wanted to dress in sequins and feathers and be part of a Busby Berkeley spectacular, Rio's carnival parades are your big chance. Yours truly proudly paraded for Salgueiro in 1987, mananging to samba non-stop for 90 solid minutes. It's still one of my most memorable experiences and one I'll treasure until my grave!)

[Guest miketur]

No TRI ... Im not shocking the Atlantico ...

 

Be GAY FRIENDLY in RIO ( talking about the hotels ) its meaning YOU CAN BRING VISITORS ( Escorts ) without problems.

My opinion for example about the MARRIOT is what is an excellent hotel , but YOU can not bring a guy...

So , why you pay more if you can stay in a good and GAY FRIENDLY hotel , or rent a flat ???

Im not representing other hotel ... I book ALL the hotels in RIO and I have more than 100 flats for rent ...

When I spoke about the Tabajara its because the Royalty Copacabana , (close from the Atlantico) was robbed ( 5 rooms ) ... and the suspected was people from the Tabajara Favela ...

About languages ; I speak french , italian and spanish fluently .

And I give to all my paxs a GAY TOUR GUIDE in english or spanish writed by me with all the addresses and phone numbers of ALL the GAY Spots ( discos , baths , saunas , bars , lounges , and ORGIES Clubs )

 

So , if you need a tip or send me comments ...

Email me

 

Cheers

Mike

 

 

 

 

>Mike's entitled to his opinion of the Atlântico, of course,

>but I agree that it needs to be taken with a grain of salt,

>considering that he's promoting another hotel in a

>professional capacity.

>

>Mike, if you represent another hotel you think visitors would

>like more, go ahead and say what the name is, where it's

>located, what services it offers, and what prices are like

>there. Then people can decide for themselves. Also, I'm sure

>many readers here would be interested in the services of an

>English-speaking gay travel professional who can help them

>arrange for tours, pick them up at the airport, and help them

>make other arrangements, especially if they don't speak

>Portuguese themselves. I hope some of our readers get a

>chance to try your services and post their impressions about

>them here.

>

>Mike is definitely right that some favelas are worse than

>others (the Morro do Alemão he mentions is one of the worst

>and a virtual non-stop crime scene). Mangueira, which I

>believe also has tours, is one of the oldest and most

>established poor neighborhoods, and sponsor of the oldest and

>perhaps most prestigious samba school. As a Carnival-freak,

>I'm willing to bet that Mike would be the ideal guide for

>anyone here wanting to go to samba school rehearsals or to

>actually be in one of the Carnival parades! (If you ever

>wanted to dress in sequins and feathers and be part of a Busby

>Berkeley spectacular, Rio's carnival parades are your big

>chance. Yours truly proudly paraded for Salgueiro in 1987,

>mananging to samba non-stop for 90 solid minutes. It's still

>one of my most memorable experiences and one I'll treasure

>until my grave!)

>

>

[trilingual]

RE: No TRI ... Im not shocking the Atlantico ...

 

Thanks, Mike, for clarifying things. I know the Royalty is near the Atlântico; I vaguely remember hearing about a robbery at that hotel, but not that the robbers were from the Tabajara favela.

 

As for "gay-friendly," if you read other posts here about the Atlântico it appears to be VERY gay-friendly so you might want to include it in the list of hotels you recommend! Several people here have stayed at the Atlântico on numerous occasions and report no problems having visitors (i.e., escorts) come to their rooms. Some of the same people have stayed at the Marriott and had to engage in some subterfuge to get their friends up to their rooms, so that's one of the reasons they like the Atlântico. It's conveniently located and doesn't hassle its guests. However, as we have seen not everyone is going to like the Atlântico, and I'm sure such readers would be interested in your assistance in finding hotels they would like better that also are "gay-friendly."

[dick_nyc]

RE: This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hote...

 

I have been in contact with Mike at Miketur@yahoo.com and he booked me into a hotel close to the Copacabana beach. I have also been out with several Brazilian escorts here in New York and in Miami over the past 3 months. All the Brazilian escorts knew the hotel where I will be staying and told me it was one of the best in the city. I mentioned the other things Mike had gone over with me to these guys (none of them are twinks, none of them are shills and all are college educated guys and very friendly) and he was right on the money with what they also told me. I have nothing but good things to say about Mike and his services. He has been unfailingly prompt and thorough in answering my questions and from all I can find out has been very honest. He got me a very good rate at the hotel and set up the faxing and other items needed to get the whole deal done.

 

I also went to his website and he has some interesting thngs to say there as well.

[Guest Gringo]

RE: This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hote...

 

Could you please share the address for his website? Thanks

[Guest josekel3]

RE: This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hote...

 

Bom dia,

 

I returned yesterday from my first visit to Rio. In this post I am responding only to this topic. My adventuras at the sunas and with other garotos de program will have to wait for a day or two.

 

Of course safety is a concern but it not something that I generally worry about. I try to use common sense; for example, avoid carrying items of value and sizing up a situation before jumping into it.

 

The one dangerous thing that I have done and on ocassion continue to do is hit cruising places that have an AYOR warning. While in Rio I did go to Campo de Santana on a Saturday and wanted to go the Via Appia but could not find it. Also I picked-up a gartoto de programa at the Cine Rex in Cinelandia and whent to an hourly hotel with him. I felt very safe doing this. I did bring a boy that I met on the Copa beach with me to the Atlantico. But before doing so I had observed him hustling/speaking with a number of gay Brazilians in front of the Rainbow kiosk.

 

On Satuday afternoon I stumbled on a large anti-war demo at the intersection of R. Siqueria Campos and Av. Atlantico. I hung around and spoke with a few demonstrators. Although I supported the demonstration, I did feel a bit uncomfortable being an American admidst so much anti-american, anti-war sentiment. I fell that in part a danger is due to the policies of the US government.

 

On the streets, the metro, parks, placas of Rio I felt safe. When in another country I prefer being among the average person of that country. So the Atlantico was an ok location for me. To stay at an exclusive/expensive hotel defeats a major purpose for visiting.

 

A took the Marcelo A. Favela tour one afternoon. Neither Rocinha nor Vila Canoas exactly met my pre-conception of a favela. It was not what I had seen in the film A Cidade de Deus. But I was not disappointed with the tour. I felt that I gained an understanding of the cooperative spirirt that exists among the poor of Brazil. Besides, the fantasies created by the motorcycle taxistas in Rocinha were worth ever Reais I spent on the tour. Next time I will try to make some of these fantasies more real.

 

I speak Spanish reasonably well. This allowed me to pick up enough Portuguese so that I felt comfortable asking for help. For example, on Sunday afternoon, after visiting Corcovado, I took a bus from the train at R. Cosme Velho to Catete and then walked to Gloria en route to Club 117. The stop over in Catete was to go to the Suana Catete. At this saune I did finally connect with one guy; this was after an hour of waiting and looking. I wont return. The waiting was not worth it when what I was looking for was at Club 117 only a few blocks away.

[+ Axiom2001]

RE: This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hote...

 

<I felt that I gained an understanding of the cooperative spirit that exists among the poor of Brazil.

 

...agreed. ...agreed. ...agreed. AXiom

 

When I return to Rio next week, I have already booked another tour with another company to see if I'll be presented with a different take/focus. My friend might go with a local; I'll wait and see and compare notes, etc. if this happens.

[Guest Deweywop]

RE: This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hote...

 

I did not take a favela tour on my trip and was listing it high up to do on my next trip (whenever that'll be). I therefore read these comments with great interest. From what I recall, a "favela" is any unauthorized settlement outside of the planned city. In Rio, the poor took to the open land on the inhospitable and vertiginous slopes of the mountains that dice the city into it various neighborhoods connected by tunnels and winding roads. Over time, these uncomfortable squatter encampments take on the aspects of a permanent urban neighborhood. My understanding is Marcelo's tour aims to show people how developed and functional some of the favelas have become, a testament to its residents, who receive no attention or services from the city. This may explain why the favelas on his tours have mini-McDonald's and don't look sufficiently lower-class.

[+ Axiom2001]

RE: This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hote...

 

Your assessment is top knotch, Deweywop. What you gleaned from reading is precisely what Alfredo conveyed and pointed out to us six who went with him on one of M. Armstrong's tours. BTW MA's tours are alluded to in both ROUGH GUIDES and LONELY PLANET; I used the latter source when I decided to do a favela tour.

 

Also, btw, I have known about Rio's favelas since the 70s when the notable photographer, Gordon Parks, of LIFE magazine did a superb photographic essay about a particular family and its son who resided in one of Rio's favelas. His photographic depictions were indeed heart-wrenching.

 

Interested individuals might want to check out Mr. Park's famous works, esp. the ones mentioned here, at a very famous gallery in Washington, D.C. His photographs of the young boy along with many of his other photos comprised a dynamic retrospective last year in Oakland, CA when they were on tour in selected areas of the country.

[Guest Gringo]

RE: This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hote...

 

check out Mr. Park'sfamous works, esp. the ones mentioned here, at a very famous gallery in Washington, D.C.

 

Do you know the name of the gallery where these photos are displayed?

[dick_nyc]

RE: This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hote...

 

Not sure how to set this up but the address is \:

 

http://www.geocities.com/miketur

[+ Axiom2001]

RE: This is my opinion about FAVELAS and Atlantico Hote...

 

>check out Mr. Park'sfamous works, esp. the ones mentioned

>here, at a very famous gallery in Washington, D.C.

>

>Do you know the name of the gallery where these photos are

>displayed?

 

 

Forgive me. The name completely escapes me, but maybe it can be obtained through Google--Gordon Parks' exhibits or some such... Sorry! AX2001