Porto Alegre Gay Business Master List

[TotallyOz]

Porto Alegre

Hotels

1 Ornatus Palace Hotel | Rua General Vitorino, 146 | (51) 3221 4555 | http://www.hotelornatus.com.br/

This gay-friendly hotel is in a good location, has a decent continental breakfast spread, and offers laundry services. The interior may not be the most modern you've ever stepped foot in, but the rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious. Wifi is available.

2 Blue Tree Millennium Porto Alegre (note that it is more often than not found online spelled Millenium; not sure which one you would prefer to use) | Av. Borges de Medeiros, 3120 | 51 3026-2200 | http://www.bluetree.com.br/hoteis-e-resorts/millenium-porto-alegre.jsp?language=en

Upgrade to a Deluxe room here, as they've been completely refurbished and are super nice; the Standards leave much to be desired. You'll also get more space and they have terraces, while the others have just windows. But all rooms have AC, wifi, and nice bright bathrooms. Don't miss the view from the indoor rooftop pool.

3 Quality Hotel Porto Alegre | Comendador Caminha St. 42 | 51 3323-9300 | http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-porto_alegre-brazil-BR084

What can we say about a Quality Inn that you don't know already? This one has all the amenities you'd expect from a reputable international chain gym facilities, nice breakfast spread, clean comfortable rooms plus park views and valet parking.

4 Plaza Sao Rafael Hotel | Ave Alberto Bins 514 | 51 3220-7000 | http://www.plazahoteis.com.br/saorafael/en/

If you've stayed here in the past, you'll be pleased to know they've redone their rooms not to look so much like your spinster aunt's bedroom. The rooftop lap pool is a stunner, and there's a hot tub and gym up there as well. The Executive Single rooms are the best value.

5 Everest Palace Hotel | Rua Duque De Caxias 1357 | 51 3228-4799 | http://www.everest.com.br/portoalegre/

The regular hotel-style rooms have been redone and are lovely; their apartments have yet to be refurbished, but offer a full living room and kitchen, if you're planning on staying for a bit or want a homier feel. They also have a full circuit gym and even a game room with a pool table. The views are amazing, and it's in a great location to boot.

6 Swan Tower | Avenida Cristovao Colombo 3192 | 51 3326-2222 | http://www.swanhoteis.com.br/sobre/2

A breathtaking atrium, sublimely styled rooms, and a breakfast selection fit for a king (or queen). The only drawback is that is a little far outside of the city center, which depending on your preference could be a plus. It's also massive enough to come and go with whomever you please relatively unnoticed.

7 Mercure Porto Alegre Manhattan | R. Miguel Tostes, 30 | 51 3024-3030 | http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-3623-mercure-porto-alegre-manhattan-hotel/index.shtml

The Mercure chain is always a solid bet, and this property is no exception. The pool has painted lanes for laps, the breakfast is delish, they have free wifi, and the rooms are tasteful and immaculate. Book a corner Superior room to get a balcony.

8 InterCity Premium Porto Alegre | Av. Borges de Medeiros, 2105 | 51 3022-9100 | http://www.intercityhoteis.com.br/hotel/sobre-hotel-intercity-premium-porto-alegre?lang=en

Divine rooms, a sexy rooftop outdoor pool, sauna, gym, and wifi. Book a room that has a view of the sunset you won't be disappointed. They also have a decent happy hour if you want to stick around close to home before heading out.

9 Harbor Hotel Regent Suites | R. Vigário José Inácio, 700 | 51 3025-3200 | http://www.harborhoteis.com.br/en/inicial/3/harbor-hotel-regent-suites

Ok, so this is not the most modern hotel room you'll ever stay in. But it's comfortable and in a great location, and you have a little kitchen, a living room area and a balcony, and there's wifi and laundry services. And there's 24-hour room service, too.

10 Sheraton Porto Alegre Hotel | Rua Olavo Barreto Viana 18 | (51) 2121 6000 | http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1398

Let's not mess around here this Starwood hotel property is going to be flawless, and you can book it using points! The rooftop pool area (indoor, heated, divine) alone is worth the stay, but there's also the top of the line in everything from room design to massages to the gym. Why the wifi is USD16 per day we'll never know, but there it is. I love the fact it is next to a great

Bars

1 Mixx Bar | Conde de Porto Alegre, 232 | (51) 3264 7953 | http://mixxbar.blogspot.com

Drag queens and go-go boys abound at this small, colorful bar. Oh, and did we mention the tasty strippers? Get a seat up close for the best view, as the stage isn't exactly built for the back of the house.

2 Pier 174 | Rua da República, 174 | 51 3061 7162 | www.pier174.com.br (doesn't work)

At Pier 174 you'll find decent bar food, live music, and a crowd that spills out the door and onto the street, making for a lively, chatty atmosphere. And it's a good thing, since the place is unmarked. It opens at 6pm with a decent happy hour.

3 Circuito Bar | Rua: Lopo Gonçalves, 66 | 5132275454 | www.circuitobar.com.br

Circuito isn't the best place to cruise or chat, as it's set up more like a Vegas showroom than a mingle-friendly bar. But they have these great little bar counters dedicated to specific drinks, and you can grab a bite to eat as well, and the shows are highly entertaining.

4 Novo Era Uma Vez | Rua 18 do Novembro, 31 | 51 3907 0917 | http://novoeraumavez.blogspot.com

Sometimes there's a DJ. Sometimes there are (hilarious and amazing) drag shows. Sometimes there are (drop-dead gorgeous) go-go boys. Sometimes, this all happens on the same night! Whatever's happening there at any given time, everyone is having a blast. A must-visit.

5 Anexo 456 | R. Fernandes Vieira, 456 | 51 3737-2880 | no website

Anexo 456 is a gay bar that opens early (7pm) and closes only when the last person leaves, so you can definitely settle in for the night and watch the action. They have live music that's not too distracting, so you can get your flirt on.

6 Venezianos Pub Cafe | Rua Joaquim Nabuco, 397 | (51) 3221.9275 | http://www.venezianos.com.br/index.php?acao=100

This place does have a decent food menu, but make no mistake it's a bar. The early-hours acoustic sets give way to laser lights and a DJ later on. There is some bear action here, but it's a mixed-gay crowd that's fun, friendly and lively.

7 Cia de Arte Pub Café | Rua dos Andradas, 1780 | (51) 3228-3789 | no website

They serve a nice lunch buffet (and excellent coffee), and at night it has a pretty chill ambience, with a mixed, artistic-leaning crowd that considers karaoke "letting loose." There's live music on the weekends. Very West Village by way of Brazil.

8 Bar Ocidente | Av. Osvaldo Aranha, 960 | 51 3312-1347 | http://www.barocidente.com.br/

A popular bar all week long, its gay nights are on the weekends. Dress light, becuase it gets hot and packed in there but the beers are nice and cold. They play a fun mix of old and new music, so there's something for everyone.

9 Hangar Bar | R. da República, 191 | 51 8136-9664 | no website

Despite the name, this is an intimate space on the bar-packed Rua da República. It's not a huge scene, per se, but they have a decent selection behid the bar and it's a great place to canoodle. Grab a seat outside so the acoustic guitar plaer isn't sitting on your lap unless that's what you're into.

Clubs/Discos

1 Vitraux Club | Rua Conceição, 492 | (51) 3221-7799 | www.vitraux.com.br

As is the norm in Brazil, there is a mixed crowd here despite the overall vibe being gay, gay, gay. Stay on one level to enjoy their legendary drag shows, or head to the second level for dancing. You never know who's going to show up on the weekends, from top DJs to famous live acts. Strangely, they have a coffee bar as well, if you need to have your wits about you.

2 Refugius Megadanceteria | Rua Marcílio Dias, 290 | 51 3231-3158 | http://refugius.com/nova/

This is a club, and it is a gay club. But there's a mixed crowd, and sometimes there are acoustic sets, and sometimes the action stops dead for a drag show. Just go with the flow, because it's a great night out and without the constant thumping bass, you can actually get your flirt on.

3 CABARET! | Av. Independência, 590 | 51 3227-8998 | http://www.cabaretpoa.com.br/

Lesbians! Bears! Theme nights with names like Amnesia and CRAZY and Dirty Job! And a young, gorgeous crowd that will make you feel tingly. This is a fun, raucous place where you can see what the kinds are into today. Who knows? They might be into you!

4 Astro Club | Av. Goethe, 141 | 51 3062-9166 | http://astroclub.com.br/

Young, adorable gay hipsters are a-plenty at Astro, and they range from twinks to otters and everything in between. Baby lezzies are dancing here, too, under the laser lights and pounding bass. If you like 'em young (but legal), this is the place to do some leering.

5 Casa do Lado | R. da República, 546 | 51-9143 1401 | http://www.casadolado.com.br/

With theme nights like Sex on the Beat and Party Hard, this scene hits the ground running. Get your groove on, laugh and chat with locals, and make your mark by writing on the chalkboard before you head home.

6 Cine Theatro Ypiranga | Av. Cristóvão Colombo, 772 | 51 3286-2408 | http://www.cinetheatro.com.br/ (doesn't work)

This place does have legit club nights, but it's more of a concert venue, so check in advance so you're not stuck having to watch the stage instead of the talent, so to speak. But regardless, it is gay, friendly, and there are plenty of cuties to chat up. And its massive space can get seriously heaving when the DJ is burning through those records.

Sauna/Massage

1 Termas Plataforma | Av. Pernambuco, 2765 | 51 3395-1633 | http://termasplataforma.blogspot.com

This is a sauna, and you can get laid here. There are 40 masseurs on staff, and a video room, and private cabins and even decent food service. But the focus is on their nightly parties, which run the gamut of themes, from drag to strippers to cabaret acts. That being said, the boys are gorgeous.

2 Thermas Point Sul | Rua Cabral, 468 | 51 3331-6324 | http://www.thermaspointsul.com.br/

Point Sul's facilities are super clean, and their lounge areas are fantastic for cruising. Many rate their massages among the best in Porto Alegre. Their garden is a relaxing outdoor space to chill out before hitting the nightlife scene.

3 Sauna Floresta | Rua Dr. Vale, 88 | 51 3312-6248 | http://www.saunafloresta.com/

Floresta has dry and steam saunas, and massage services. There is not much for ambience; it is more like an actual men's sauna than a comfy cruising spot. But it does exactly what it is supposed to do, which is put you in close, sweaty contact with gorgeous Brazilian boys who want to do naughty things to you.

4 Sauna Arpoador | Rua Prof. Ivo Corseuil, 210 | 51 3338 4306 | http://saunaarpoador.blogspot.com

This sauna, tucked away in a residential section, is a pretty big facility, laid out on six levels. There's porn, private rooms, a steam room and dry sauna, and comfy changing rooms. Note that you probably won't find super young guys here, but they're hot nonetheless.

5 Convés Sauna Clube | Avenida Maua 1897 | 51 3287 7820 | http://www.convessaunaclube.com/convasauna/

This sauna is convenient, right in the city center, so depending on where you stay you won't have to worry about a taxi. It has a dark room as well as video rooms, private cabins, and lounge areas. It may not be the sleekest, chicest place you've ever looked to get laid, but it gets the job done.

6 Thermas Hera | Rua Buarque de Macedo, 54 | 51 3312-1471| no website

Here you are going to have your pick among a huge selection of working boys. Because of the boy/client ratio, though, they can kind of go in for the hard sell, but stay firm (so to speak) and don't feel bad about saying no.

7 Thermas Mezzaninu | Rua São Salvador 108 | 51 32737776 | http://www.mezzaninu.net/

Where the boys are beautiful, beautiful boys, every color of the rainbow. The big scene here is the bar area, which I comfortable and big enough that some serious scoping and flirting can happen. The video room isn't the most comfortable but who's here to watch a movie? Decent theme parties as well.

Restaurants

1 Koh Pee Pee | Rua schiller 83 | (51) 3333 5150 | http://www.kohpeepee.com.br/koh_pee_pee_restaurante_tailandes/index.php

Missing Thailand? Head to Koh Pee Pee for excellent food in a Thai-inspired ambience that may have you hopping on the next flight to Bangkok. It has a full menu of all the Thai favorites, authentically made, and also has a great wine list.

2 Polska | Rua Joao Guimaraes, 377 | XX | http://www.polskarestaurante.com.br/localizacao.htm

OK. No one is going to Porto Alegre for Polish food. But if you're looking to eat something that doesnt even remotely resemble Brazilian cuisine, this is your place. It's delicious, real Polish food that is ultimately satisfying. The buffet is a great deal.

3 Lancheria do Parque | Avenida Osvaldo Aranha 1086 | 51 3311-8321 | http://www.revistainternet.com.br/2009/02/06/a-lancheria-do-parque-em-porto-alegre/

This high-ceilinged eatery with not the most flattering lighting on the planet attracts everyone from crotchety seniors to emo rockers to hipsters to, yes, the gays. Laugh all you want, but it will quickly become your go-to place for a down-home lunch in a give-no-fucks environment. It turns into more of a bar at night, with an equally mixed crowd.

4 Panápaná Pub Bistrô | Rua da República, 174 | 51 3024-3559 | www.pier174.com.br/pana/

This is the restaurant that is connected to Pier 174, so you can make a whole night of it without worrying about leaving to grab a bite. It's good in its own right, especially being that the bar is what makes this location so popular. And, it's still quite the scene.

5 Bar Ocidente | Av. Osvaldo Aranha, 960 | 51 3312-1347 | http://www.barocidente.com.br/

We included this in the bar section because at night it is definitely a hot spot, but don't discount it for a lunchtime spot, either. Most notably, they're big on vegetarian dishes which can be a welcome respite from the heavier meat dishes that tend to weigh you down in Brazil.

Businesses/Organizations

1 Bourbon Assis Brasi | Av. Assis Brasil, 164 | 51 3072-1111 | http://www.bourbonshopping.com.br/site/index.jsp?shopping=assis-brasil

You can definitely do your shopping here, but build in some extra time for all of the cruising that you are definitely going to want to take part in. The bathrooms are the only spot for action, but come on you've seen worse.

2 Rua da Praia Shopping | R. dos Andradas, 1001 | 51 3211-6600 | http://www.ruadapraiashopping.com.br/

What is it with Brazilians and shopping mall cruising areas? Don't ask just multi-task. The scene here is as follows" cruise inside, then head to the park outside to get it on.

3 Parque Farroupilha | Av. Osvaldo Aranha | http://www.aredencao.com.br/ (website is down)

If you like your rent boys al fresco, this is the park after dark for you. Cruise around, and find a boy to take you into the bushes for a reasonable fee. Not the safest thing to do in Brazil, but the cruising scene is populated enough that it should be OK if you're street savvy.