Puerto Vallarta

The time to visit the internationally known gay resort town of Puerto Vallarta would for sure be from October to March when the humidity is lower and when more of the boys are in town or out. Parts of the weekend seemed like a ghost town due to the humid weather and did not really see too many hot guys out but there were some hot dancers at places such as Wet and Tease. Tease even had some hotties working on Sunday night but the place was dead but it was all about the bartender there who reminded me of Antonio Banderas from “Evita” with his hair slicked back.

Wet had one of the hottest dancers come up to us after his show at Wet on the street who later had a drink with us he could speak some English and had one of the most charming smiles. He wore a bit too much deodorant though because when someone licked his armpits it got all over their tounge hahaha.. I wont say what drunken person did that… He was very lick-able though! Wet had a modern feel to it and a shower behind the bar where the dancers would stroke their hard cocks but all-in-all it was a “Tease”.

The new clubs on the block since I had been to Puerto Vallarta were Paco’s Ranch and Club Kox. Club Kox had a really entertaining drag show on Friday night and it was fairly busy. The drag queens were the best part of the town they had the best outfits, wigs, makeup, and did it up like it was really Pink, Katy Perry, and one did a Cher that took us away.  If you like drag they also have it at Paco’s Ranch off and on during the night and at the Blue Chair’s Resort during the Sunset from around 8pm to 10pm.  We loved Club Kox and the bartender there was friendly and it had just opened up a few days before we had arrived.

Paco’s Ranch was more of the place to be in Puerto Vallarta on most nights.  Now that Manana has remodeled and downsized their dancefloor to just outside instead of their inside part with strippers Paco’s has the better dance area in the hot months.  Pacos’s dance area is outside in the A/C while Manana’s is outside under a refreshing waterfall but OUTSIDE in the humid night air.  You can always dive in the pool there to refresh yourself though.  Neither places sell Redbull so if you want to get a normal Redbull and Vodka then expect to maybe stop by the gas station first and sneak it in. You may need a energy drink since the clubs stay open til 6am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Anthropology was a recommended stripper bar that we had numerous free passes to from the front desk of Blue Chairs and every other gay business we went in to. There was not anything free about this rip-off. While they had a few decent dancers they were mostly scary and aggressive. One of them jumped out in front of me with his balls in my face and I had no idea he was even there. I was sober at the time and did not really find him attractive so that was a Fail. My friend had another land on him and he did not seem to pleased because we would have rather have picked our boys for a lapdance then be given one without permission to someone we would turn down outside of the bar. The drinks were the most outrageous drinks I have had in most of my international travel and even more expensive than Miami, Florida. They wanted 900 pesos for a Redbull imposter drink and another 900 for the vodka that was going to go in the drink. This would be $9 plus $9 and equal let’s get the hell out of this nasty place.

If you like Coke it is everywhere and sold by every taxi and almost every other person walking the street.  And yes we mean the Coke otherwise known as Cocaine or that white powder that may be laced with drug ‘levamisole’. Which now that is going on do not think I would trust a dealer in Mexico knowing that this levamisole could be part of the filler because it is is normally used by vets to deworm livestock and causes the skin to rot off according to dermatologists.

Puerto Vallarta is a vacation made in Heaven for most couples and is a highly romantic and fun place to party during the better season. For instance, we heard that Thanksgiving week is big there and most of November. We do not really recommend it as a place for most singles though especially during this time of year there are just too many thugs and you will get your iPhone stolen by one of these aggressive younger guys. I had mine stolen and it was a guy I let up to my room for an after party was even trying to get him to leave and once he left I realized he had stolen it. Not like I want to deal with the Federales while I’ve been drinking in Mexico I have heard how they walk anyone they encounter to an ATM to be paid off.

Blue Chairs Resort that is another story. The rooms I believe all have the same room key and the place has dirty fungus or insecticide smelling blankets on the beds enough to make you want to throw up when you sleep at night. The rooms were clean other than that though and they did have WiFi in the rooms that were fast and the maid service was everyday. The person at the front did lie to me before I stayed there though because I called to see if there was a charge for guests at the front and he said there was NOT then they forcefully made me sign a paper once I brought my friends back to the room that charged me $200 pesos or almost $20 per person. That is a rip-off once again I can’t recommend Blue Chairs if they treat their guests like that and worst of all I would still have an iPhone if they had safes in the room which they DON’T. I will not stay there again unless they get safes in the room.  One good thing about the Blue Chairs resort is they did have an A/C at least in my room which came in helpful when the only elevator broke down and I was worn out from walking up 5 flights of stairs.

Other things to do in Puerto Vallarta include a zipline and yes they even have a gay one you can take and an ATV tour but that may be a little too straight for some of us.  There is also a Booze Cruise party boat that goes on for half of the day and you can even do that for free if you take a timeshare tour but who really has 90 or so minutes for that sales pitch?  I would rather just pay the pesos and hop on and drink.

In Summary, make sure you go in Season and check out the Blue Chairs area where the gay beach is and make sure you visit Wet any night, Manana on Saturdays and Club Kox on Fridays. You can drink the water there is plenty of bottled water that is filtered and make sure you get all your food from a taco stand those are the best places to eat and the cheapest.  Make sure you check out the underwear shops near the Blue Chairs area and most of all relax and enjoy the sun!

California Party Boys:
Each Month BoyPartyBus will be Loading up the Hottest Guys from ALL of Southern California for a Stunning Night that Will Not Be Forgotten! Our all Inclusive Package Provides Everything a Gay Boy needs to Survive a Wild Night of Dancing and Debauchery at
Southern Californias Premier Gay Nightlife Destinations.

On Wednesday March 30th. BoyPartyBus will be Sending
Limousine Party Busses From:

?West Hollywood (Pacific Design Center)
?Silverlake (101 / Alvarado Area)
?Downtown L.A. (California Market Building Area)
?Long Beach (Broadway Corridor / Traffic Circle)
?Riverside (The Plaza)
?Pomona (Pomona Arts District)
?Fullerton (CSUF Area)
?San Diego (Hillcrest)
?Oceanside (Oceanside Transportation Center)
?Laguna Beach (The Old BoomBoom Room)

This Months BoyPartyBus Destination Will Be:

SOCIETY: Experience, Encounter, Enjoy
Music by DJ Ray Rhodes
Hosted by JESSICA and HUNTER
Music Video Premier by ONICKS
Located in Costa Mesa at The Beautiful SHARK CLUB

The BoyPartyBus Limousines:

? Posh Limousine Party Bus (2009 and Newer)
? 34 -56 Person Capacity Size Busses
? Onboard Entertainment (Gogo Boys, Music, Etc)

The $30 BoyPartyBus Experience Includes:

?Pick Up and Drop Off at The Specified Location
?Complimentary Cocktails Aboard The Party Bus Limousine
?VIP Entry Into The Event
(Includes Full Club Access Including the
Members Only GREEN ROOM)

Tickets can be Purchased at:
BoyPartyBus.com / GayPartyBus.com / BoyBar.com
Want To Request a BoyPartyBus Pickup in Your Area?
Email: RSVP@BoyPartyBus.com
We Might Just add another Bus and More Stops!

Florida Party Boys:
The NIGHT OWL Party Shuttle is a fun, affordable, and safe way to travel between Miami and Ft Lauderdale…directly to your favorite bars and clubs without any driving or parking hassles. The Night Owl Shuttle is equip with an on-board bartender, music videos, bathroom and comfortable seating, offering service between Miami Beach and Ft Lauderdale/Wilton Manors. You can take the shuttle from Ft Lauderdale TO Miami Beach or from Miami Beach TO Ft Lauderdale. The NIGHT OWL will make round trips at scheduled times (choose your pick-up and return time in the drop down menu to the right).

MAIN PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:
Miami Beach: MOVA Lounge, 1625 Michigan Ave @ Lincoln Rd
FT Lauderdale: LIVING ROOM Nightclub, 300 SW 1st Ave
Wilton Manors: GEORGE’S ALIBI, 2266 Wilton Drive

PARTICIPATING VENUES in Miami Beach:
Mova Lounge, Score Nightclub, Palace, Twist, Bar 721, Lords Hotel
Nearby: Lincoln Rd Mall, Buck 15, Lupa Di Roma, De Leo…

PARTICIPATING VENUES in Ft. Lauderdale:
Living Room, George’s Alibi, Matty’s on the Drive, Bill’s Filling Station, The Manor Complex, New Moon
Nearby: Rosie’s, Galanga’s, Boardwalk, Johnny’s, Sidelines…

NIGHT OWL SCHEDULE:
9:30pm depart MOVA LOUNGE>>Wilton Manors
10:10pm arrive George’s Alibi
10:15pm depart GEORGE’S ALIBI>>South Beach
10:55 arrive Mova Lounge
11:00pm depart MOVA LOUNGE >>*LIVING ROOM*
11:40pm arrive LIVING ROOM
1:00am depart GEORGE’S ALIBI
1:40am return to Mova Lounge
2:00am depart MOVA LOUNGE
2:40am return to George’s Alibi
3:00am depart LIVING ROOM
3:40am return to Mova Lounge

Barcelona Spain
Classic architecture, hot Hispanic boys in tight trousers, nights under the stars with a glass of Rioja and a tapas or two, romance and… bull fighting? Well, forget that last one and think about what else Barcelona has to offer us.

You have a wealth of the usual gay bars, discos, nightclubs and beaches, and you’ve got the Med right there on your doorstep. Start at the port (where better for some Matelos and sailors?), and the beginning of Las Ramblas, the main gay thoroughfare that everyone heads for. It leads you straight up to the centre of town, stopping short of the main gay village, it’s a popular street for street-performers and can be crowded with life, and professional pick-pockets, the only downside. In Spain you don’t go out to eat until after 10.00 pm so expect late and sultry nights under the night sky. Grab a siesta in the afternoon and prepare yourself for the sights and sounds, of those sexy Catalonian boys.

Key West, Florida
Did you now that Key West, Florida, is home to the nation’s only gay and lesbian historic trolley tour? They mean street-car type trolley, not supermarket type trolley. It’s also home to some of the sexiest parties and events on the planet, well, so their official gay website tells us. It’s your typical sun, sea, sand and sex destination with romantic places to dine, hot beaches to cruise, plenty of nightlife and gay friendly paces to stay. Accommodation here ranges from the luxurious for those with the cash, to the basic but comfortable for those on a budget. And then you have the festivals: Pride, Bear, Women – ad ‘fest’ to the end of each, plus many other events all year round. Romantic and buzzing; a really sexy place.

Las Vegas
This one surprised me; I thought Las Vegas was only casinos and gambling in the middle of nowhere? (Sorry.) But no, it’s a top gay destination and not just among gamblers. I’m told that there is a small town, fun feel to the place and plenty of friendly gay bars and clubs sprinkled around. There are spas and bathhouses too, plus endless miles of shopping opportunities. Krave is a big night club on the strip ‘expensive but fun’ according to one recent visitor, and I found a list of gay/gay-friendly restaurants for your romantic nights out which were, more or less, all given a five star rating by folk who had actually used them. Sounds like Las Vegas is a place for late night fun, following a romantic dinner among the glittery lights of The Strip.

Rio De Janeiro Brazil
This almost goes without saying. It’s not the safest city on the planet, but then where is? But it must be the most vibrant, lively, fun and laid back one. You’ve got all the Latin heat you handle here, from the spicy boys on the beaches to the spicy food on your plate. You’re watched over by the famous statue, and you have the world as your oyster when it comes to carnivals, festive occasions, quiet dinners and romantic walks by the sea. Head south and you’ll be hooked in no time.

Tel Aviv Israel
And another surprise entry into the list. Don’t think that it’s all troubles and battles here, there is more to this sexy place than you might glean from the media. It’s a 24 hour city with a reputation for being ‘one of the world’s finest and friendliest GLBT travel destinations.’ They will be having their Gay Pride celebrations there on June 10th 2011, so that’s one for your diary, and while you are there you’ve got a host of nightlife opportunities with many regular, occasionally, and once-a-month bars and clubs open to all. And did I mention the weather, the gay film festivals and the welcoming people? All those hot Israeli boys and girls waiting to welcome you intimately to their sexy city?

Palm Springs CA
And finally good old Palm Springs CA. the very name suggests luxurious hotels and locations, the beautiful sea, the toned boys, the sexy girls, the nightlife and parties, the warm weather the swimming in the clear sea, everything you could wish for in a sexy holiday destination. Again you’ve got plenty of romantic places to wine and dine your loved one, loads of choices of places to stay and go, sights to see and many events to hook into; from the Film Festival in January, to the Desert Romp in May, there’s something for everyone at this top destination.

So, a very quick rundown of what’s considered the set of top, sexy gay destinations. Here’s a challenge to leave you with: how many have you been to, and which one will you visit next? Can you see all of them within the next 12 months? Worth a try!

According to Trip Out Gay Travel you’ve got a few choices. Recently, Logo, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks, announced that TripOutGayTravel.com (its comprehensive travel site dedicated to the LGBT traveller and MTV Network’s first stand-alone, travel-focused site), revealed its second annual “TripOut Gay Travel Awards” at London’s World Travel Market – the premier global event for the travel industry.

Top of their list came New York City, it won the award for the ‘best global destination.’ A few other sites and bloggers agreed with NYC as being a top gay destination, but what if you don’t like cities? Well, trawling around looking at what people are saying is hot and what’s not, all the ‘top destinations’ I found were cities. Berlin for example…

Having recently been there I can give a big thumbs up to Berlin as a great destination. It’s clean and the people are friendly, public transport runs on time and you’ve got a great variety of places to go and things to do. From the zoo to the backrooms, you get well looked after in Berlin. And it doesn’t have to be expensive. For eating, you’ve got loads of sausage stalls beside the road, plus a huge range of eateries, and for drinking, I found that with a little planning, I was able to find a ‘happy hour’ happening at a bar somewhere practically every hour of the day.

If you fancy somewhere slightly more exotic, then how about Argentina? Buenos Aires, to be precise. Apart from seeing where some of Evita was filmed, and having the chance to do your best Madonna impersonation on location, you have a wealth of bars and clubs to explore. If you check out thegayguide.com.ar an Argentinean gay guide site, you’ll also find saunas, restaurants, maps and a guide to the city’s pride celebrations, though that information was a little out of date.

And back in Europe there is always London, somewhere else I’ve been recently. One of the best gay bars in the world (as voted for online) can be found there in Vauxhall, but there is more to London than the famous West End and Soho, the gay village. When you’re there you should look in the free magazines and listings to find clubs and bars that are away from the centre of the city. You will find a different atmosphere, guys seem to have more fun in the outlying areas, there is less attitude. And while you’re in England don’t forget Brighton, another ‘gay capital’ by the sea, and Manchester, one of the newer gay hot spots in the country.

Madrid, if you want sun, sea, sangria and sexy Spanish boys with tight butts and tanned skin, is a perfect destination. Get away from it all in a cultural city that’s got more going for it than just its architecture. Gay Madrid websites report that many bars have back rooms, where just about anything goes, and the whole city seems to breathe a raunchy atmosphere.

Over the pond you’ve also got Montreal. There’s a whole strip of places to hang out there, loads of bars and cafes, restaurants and clubs. It’s going to be a question of knowing where to start, so a site like montreal.gaycities.com is a good starting pace. And, when you’re looking around at these gay city sites and choosing your destination, you may find special offers for hotels and travel. I noticed several, all very tempting.

But if you’re not into city vacations but still want to go gay? Well, how about a gay cruise? But that’s another story.

Mexico City gets a gay friendly rating from Trip Out Gay Travel who describe is as ‘loopy bars, friendly locals, amazing food and urban insanity.’ Sound like it’s going to be fun. There is a smattering of gay bars, and plenty of ‘gay friendly’ places to go and to stay. The transport is cheap though you are warned to be a little cautious when out and about, the same as in any major city really. Think safety and you’ll have more fun.

Reykjavik, Iceland, doesn’t always spring first to mind when thinking about a gay vacation or a visit. But it’s on the Breakout list and there is a growing gay scene there. Being Iceland you’re going to find the gay scene all in one place, in the capital. Gayice.is is the site to start your browsing, the official gay guide to the country is found there. You’ve got bars and clubs, places to stay, events and much to see and do. But you might want to check out prices first, we’re heard that drinking in Iceland is not the cheapest of pastimes.

Ever thought of going to Tel Aviv, Israel? There’s an all year round nightlife, a great scenes and friendly and welcoming people. The annual pride even is in June next year, everyone’s welcome and you’ve got the added attraction of the weather, the coastline (there’s a safe nude beach at Ga’ash, and the Hilton beach is recommended for cruising), and of course those sexy Israeli guys and girls. Gaytelaviv.com is a simple community based site where you can discover basic listings, though Gaytlvguide.com has much more information.

Toronto sound interesting? It’s breaking out, like the others we’ve listed, but its probably more established than some other breakout gay destinations. The hit TV series ‘Queer as Folk’ was filmed around the Church and Wellesley Gay Village so it’s become popular for that, more popular than it was before; it’s always been a bit of a hot spot. As has the city’s other gay village, the Queer West Village, which is described as being funkier and edgier.

And now let’s throw one at you right out of left field. Cambodia. No, honestly and there’s an good online guide to the country and its gay life at Cambodia-gay.com It’s legal to be gay in Cambodia, the reign of terror that stalked the country is well and truly over. The first gay pride was held there in 2004, in Phnom Penh, but the current government is holding back on gay marriages and civil partnerships, even though the King supports them. Meanwhile, you’ve got bars and clubs just the same as anywhere else, but with Asian charm and hospitality added in for good measure. And not just in the capital either. There are other cities, such as Siem Reap, and in the south, Sihanouk-Ville which is small, has one gay bar and two hotels. But, as they point out on sites about Cambodia, the people are friendly – you can meet and chat anywhere and, reading between the lines, what they are saying is hat it’s easy to pick up and meet ‘new friends,’ wink, wink.

There you go, there are a few ideas to give you some food for thought. When you’re tired of the same old same old vacations, you should turn your thoughts to one of these new Breakout Destinations and become a pioneer.

Axel Hotels has won several awards as the best gay friendly hotel chain. Axel has only three hotels; Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Barcelona. The boutique Axel chain focuses on the needs of gay travelers but they bill themselves as “heterofriendly” due to their tolerant attitude towards all guests. The hotels are decidedly modern and upscale. The all boast a rooftop Sky Bar and a wellness club with spa treatments and fitness options.

Ace Hotels is a small chain with hotels in Portland, Seattle, Palm Springs, and New York. They say they are both modern and bohemian and they are serious about being eco friendly.The hotels are not only gay friendly but pet friendly too. The small Portland hotel is in the historic downtown. This hip hotel has a bar with good local bands and a black and white photo booth in the lobby. The hotel near the Theatre District in New York is tiny, only 12 rooms, with some of the best rates in the area. The Palm Springs hotel is the biggest with 180 rooms in a midcentury modern motel. They are known for their minibars with cheese popcorn, patios and fireplaces. They have DJ’s at the pool, hip music in the bars and celebrations for GLBT events.

Andaz Hotels are part of the Hyatt chain. Hotels are in the chicest places; London, New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego. They cater to a cosmopolitan upscale customer. One of recent promotions at the Andaz West Hollywood was to give each guest an all access VIP pass to live entertainment venues on the Sunset Strip. Over the top theater nights in the London hotel draw many GLBT guests. In the 5th Avenue location the closets have rolling garment racks, luxurious marble bathrooms with footbaths, and a fashionable lounge bar.

Kimpton Hotels cater to the GLBT community with special promotions like their crush contest with a winning prize of a weekend at a Kimpton Hotel. Kimpton started in San Francisco so they have been gay friendly for over 20 years. They support local GLBT organizations and participate in the annual Red Ribbon campaign. They have over 50 hotel properties in major cities across the United States. A few hotels are resort and spa properties.

Four Seasons hotels are luxury properties in locations across the globe. They host LGBT events at the hotels. Four Seasons hotels are known for their spas, their incredible locations, and their legendary service. Their fitness centers have personal trainers and classes like yoga and Pilates. Four Seasons doesn’t shy away from hosting events for the gay community such as Gay Travel Expos at their hotels.

Hyatt has been voted one of the best places to work for LGBT employees. They have 16 Hyatt resorts in the United States and the Caribbean. Regional architecture, gourmet cuisine with fresh local ingredients, and spa treatments are all part of the experience. Hyatt has a reputation of being gay friendly for guests and trains employees to welcome diversity. The Park Hyatt in Paris has been selected as one of the top ultra luxury hotels in the world by gay travelers.

W Hotels have 37 locations. They offer a glamorous contemporary experience that they say is “centered around fashion, music and entertainment”. They all have acclaimed restaurants, posh shopping and luxurious spas. The hotels have the latest technology to keep you fully plugged in. From spa products in the rooms, luggage forwarding, pet amenities, gourmet meals for you to take on your flight and even being able to choose the perfect pillow style the W is famous for their guest services.

Rio De Janeiro. Well, it was in 2009 according to Trip Out Gay Travel. Their 2009 awards are a good guide to what’s currently top of the polls for gay travellers. Rio De Janeiro, ‘Brazil’s sexiest city’ is a bit of a mix. Yes there is the huge Pride celebration and Mardi Gras, yes there are the beaches and the clubs, the party atmosphere and of course those oh so sexy Latin men, but it is not without its drawbacks. It’s not as cheap as it used to be, global currency rates are constantly changing though, and it is not without its dangers. Go, party, but be safe, is the advice.

The Trip Out Gay Travel awards last year also had Buenos Aires as a nominated top destination, another Latin country, Argentina, and another one that is easier to get to if you are in the States, than if you are in Europe. But not to worry, voters put Barcelona in their top list too, along with London. You may note a recurring theme in these destinations, the Pride celebrations. Which is why Sidney was also up there towards the top in the nominations. But there is more to a vacation than a Pride march and party.

Greece may not strike you as the place to go, at the moment at any rate. But don’t believe all you see on the news. There was a riot recently, the country is struggling with debt and so on, but then many other countries in Europe are facing the same things. Meanwhile, small and idyllic islands sit in the cool Aegean Sea, their people welcoming and friendly, and their prices still reasonable – again depending on your currency exchange. A tiny island called Tilos made the headlines a while back for hosting the first gay civil partnership marriage in the country, controversy and publicity followed. Mykonos is still a popular island for visitors after a lively time, and the recent news from the island of Rhodes is that Faliraki, long thought to provide British lout hell, has cleaned up its act and is now a more tranquil place to be, as it once was. Nearby you have the neo-classical island of Symi, for peace and calm and quiet, and this island is typical of many that appeal to the more discerning gay traveller.

How does Curaçao sound to you? ‘One of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets’ won the award for the best ‘breakout’ destination last year. It is a Dutch island not far from the coast of Venezuela, maybe tricky to get to, but worth the visit we’re told. And if you want the sexiest city? Then it has to be Paris, again as voted for in the 2009 awards. It’s busy, it’s beautiful especially at night when lit up, and it’s crowded. I have to say it’s also not that cheap, but you can’t beat a romantic cruise on the river, at night, a walk along the tree lined boulevards, and the wealth of museums and galleries. Sit with your coffee at a café on the sidewalk and drink in the views, the people and the atmosphere. You can find tranquillity inside the city and just outside, it or you can party the night away. It does have a lot to see and do.

Of course these destinations are only one set of suggestions, based on what the users of one top website had to say about things. Everyone has their own favourite place to go, just as everyone has their own wish-list of destinations. But if you want something really special: Machu Picchu in Peru, a night at an eco-hotel, sunrise over the ancient Inca city and a night-time blessing by a shaman (of your gay relationship is fine), is my personal top of the poll recommendation. (See Amro Holidays for more.)

Photo: Courtesy of OUT Magazine cover of a hot, hot Brazilian boy.

The Holiday Inn is known for some fun songs and all but will this go over with the Gay circuit crowd the same way the Buena Vista Palace did?  Well this hotel is newly renovated with a $35 million dollar makeover.  Rooms at this Holiday Inn include pool views but I see no suites which we were used to at the Buena Vista Palace.. Does this Hoooliday inn have such things?

The Doubletree hotel, a Hilton family hotel, is the host hotel for the Gay Days event where they have an expo center.  They made a drastic move for 2010 to run from Disney over to SeaWorld area on International Drive.  Not so sure this is the smartest move since it’s supposed to be Gay Disney.  Why not just move things downtown orlando while your at it?

If you are contemplating which hotel to stay at the Doubletree offers smoking or non-smoking rooms and they start at $99 and they do have suites but they are mostly sold out of the best ones facing the “interior” of the “resort”.   The Mark Baker events host hotel will start out at $159 with the highest room at $179, a bit steeper than the Doubletree rooms.  Who knew a Holiday Inn costs more?  Maybe the pool area is bigger?

There is also the Parliament House which the rooms are still available if you book them now.  This resort has not-so-sleek rooms but they do the job.  We spend most of the day out at the pool parties anyway don’t we? Until we want to take someone back to a motel, hotel, or a Holiday Inn…

The Mark Baker host hotel will be closer to the Arabian Nights events but if you are worried about that you can always get a hotel next door so you do not have to deal with buses or cabs.  The Seaworld hotel is close to Wet N’ Wild which might be fun but Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon I am sure is much funner.

I have a feeling we will all be missing the Buena Vista Palace when this is all over, but I am willing to give the newly renovated hotel a try on Hotel Plaza Blvd.  Hopefully, the crowds will still come to the event in 2010 and the music will be just as fierce as it was the past few years!

I stayed over at the Sheraton hotel Wall Centre just a block from Celebrities. The perfect hotel if you plan a trip to Vancouver and wish for a Starwood location close to the gay bars. Once I walked in the club I could not take my eyes off the dj who resembled Nick Lachey. He had his shirt off and was hella hot but I think that was his gf on the lights from the vibes they gave each other.

The boys in this town were loud and fun it seemed. Just not a mass orgi of hotties by any means. This was a Wednesday night club night so it may have been much jucier on a Saturday night. I would have expected more from a club that was 18 to enter and drink with more hottie action. They had an upstairs that was sort of a walk around but there was really nothing up there but a red light… maybe it was a babylon type area that I did not know about

When in Vancouver Canada you should check out Celebrities. We did not get a chance to check out the other gay bars in Vancouver but plan to sometime next year. Vancouver is such a beautiful city!

First things first: Rio is a great destination for a holiday, combining sun, sea and sand with bars, clubs and an annual pride event. So get you timing right and you can will able to find the famous carnival, the famous beaches and many other attractions with a gay theme. Many people there will speak English so you don’t need to now the local lingo, though it always helps, and I am sure most men will understand your body language when the time comes.

Rio’s Gay Carnival happens in he height of summer every year. It starts on a Saturday and finishes on Fat Tuesday, when Mardi Gras takes place. So expect to party for a full weekend and more. Thousands of people come from all over the world for this event so we’d recommend finding accommodation early. Actually the carnival has been taking place for hundreds of years, the first recorded event being in 1723, so it’s certainly a well established parade, made more glamorous by today’s lust for costumes, music and wild and outrageous people.

ipanema.com is a well informed site that tells you about carnival, the gay parade, the samba schools and all other aspects of Brazil’s top city. But for a gay specialist site with loads of information and links then try riogayguide.com. There are links to accommodation here too. You may have seen the famous beach front shots with the massive hotels lining the coast, well, you may have to settle for a straight hotel rather than a gay specialist one, but at least you will have a room close to the beach and the nightlife.

And, when you’re looking for a gay bar, club or place to eat, I mean specifically a gay run, gay owned or just gay friendly one, then the pages at rio.gaycities.com/bars would be a good place to start. This site arranges locations by district of the city, so you can start to put together your own itinerary based on where you have found your hotel. Copacabana is going to be the most popular place, being close to the beach and those mighty hotels, but six other neighborhoods are also listed. Looks like plenty to do and see then!

Actually, just from this one site and its listings I was able to find as wide a range of gay entertainment as you’d find in any major city. These Latino boys and girls know how to have fun. There are sex shops and bathhouses, strip bars, drag shows and dance clubs, places for guys and gals of all ages, mixed gay and straight places and all manner of mouth-watering places to go and eat. Generally speaking the less fussy you are the better. I mean if you only want gay environments then that’s fine but your choices are going to be more limited. If you want the real flavor of the city you’re going to need to get into the salsa bars and clubs, the local eateries and meeting places. But if you do, don’t expect everyone to be as gay as you. Rio is one of South America’s most gay friendly cities, but not every inhabitant will share that view, so always approach with caution and don’t assume.

So, you’ve got your hotel and your flights, you’ve worked out an itinerary to take you from the beach at Farme de Amoedo (popular with pretty boys) to your meal and drink at Bar de Mineiro, and on to one of the seedier but more fun hotspots. What’s left but to enjoy the bossa nova beat and have a great time.

Read about Sao Paulo Brazil.