Rio de Janeiro Reports

[Chezz]

After going on a Centaurus binge over the past 4 months, I decided to mix it up a little and head over to Solarium this past Thursday. I'm a creature of habit, and tend to stay with places that know my name. However, a recent slew of "retirements" at Centaurus prompted me out of my comfort zone. My top 5 at Centaurus retired for one reason or another. Top reason given: "no boys. ".

However, my spirits were lifted upon entering Solarium. It's been a number of years, and it took me a few minutes to get my bearings. But I have to say, I was very expressed. The girls were very easy on the eyes and the mood was very uplifting. Centaurus was becoming very dull and not worth the extra money. The talent just isn't there at the moment. Solarium, on the other hand, was very refreshing. A lot of dancing, beautiful faces (and bodies) and a generally upbeat vibe. Perhaps the girls were happier with more clients. Or maybe it's the management. Or a combination of factors. But there's no getting around the fact that Solarium has it going on. And if you pay cash, it's about 140 are cheaper than Centaurus. Of course the rooms are much smaller at Solarium, but that doesn't matter to me.

I returned yesterday after Brazil stunk up the joint vs Belgium, half expecting a somber club. But not the case, again the club was upbeat and with about 30-40 working. Both girls I sessioned with were 10's in the service department. Just outstanding. And both very beautiful in their own way.

The traffic to Solarium can be a bear, so best to wait until after 8 pm or you'll be sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. And they close at 1 am, which can come as a surprise if you're taking your time. But based on the past 2 visits, Solarium is my new #1.

[Balboa]

Felt like checking out some hot negras so I headed out to VM last night.

I was not disappointed, LOL.

I know the place is not for everybody, but really, if you know which bars have the nicer / cleaner rooms, it can be so much fun!

I found 3 separate beauties, took them out of their shithole bar, that has shithole rooms, LOL, and brought to one of the bars that has much nicer rooms.

The Tia there knows me, and I go up with my girl (s) at 15 reais a half hour for the room, stay as long as I like, and she knows I'll pay up, with something for the caixinha (tip).

And of course I pay the garotas appropriately.

Normally if I select 3 girls during the evening, all at separate times, I'm not a dupla type guy, I strike out with a dud at least once.

Last night though, I batted a 1000!

3 for 3, with one absolutely spectacular!

I like Sundays out there.

True, not as many girls, but always something, and very few dudes, that's priceless!!

I know most of the VM taxi guys now as well, with some really cool ones.

Funny, I was going to pay for a Taxi home for one of the girls, taxi guy said it was far and would cost like 150 reais.

Told me it'd be better if I called her an Uber.

That was a first! LOL.

Anyway, great time!

Vai Brasil!! (They just won today).

[Sho423]

I'm from Houston too and was looking for flights to Rio in March possibly for Carnaval or February. Is 1500 $ the normal price for round trip non stop? I see flights that are 900 $ but its like a 22 hour flight with multiple stops.

[BigB18]

I'll be arriving in Rio on the 9th. I wanted to to terma 4 x 4 on the 10th. But I looked at the world cup schedule and if Brazil wins his match against Mexico they will play on that day. Does anyone know of the terma will he open? Or are they like everyone else that will close to see the game?

[Dave1111]

What are some of your experiences using services like Airbnb or HomeAway to book apartment / condos while in Rio. I've been to Rio a few times but always used another site (that is no longer in service) for my stays. I see most of the Airbnb rules state (no guests or the guest may have to be registered ahead of time). Do any of your have suggestions for other websites that offer condos / apartments other than airbnb.

Air BnB is great. I found 90% didn't say you couldn't bring guests back and didn't need to register guests. I always email host and say my girlfriend will probably be staying and is this a problem. I also book the apartment for two people from the beginning. Get along with the porter / doormen from the outset and there won't be any grief. On Air BnB their is a so called Super Host called Monica who manages or co hosts a number of properties in Rio. Don't use anything connected with her! Take my advice there.

Apart from that Air BnB is fantastic and woks like a dream. I was hesitant at first as I was with Uber, but both are great in Rio.

[Java Man]

I also think airfares aren't necessarily cheaper the further out you book. It seems the airlines don't start dropping price until the date gets closer.

Per some people I know, who worked in the travel industry, best prices are found 45 to 90 days before the travel date. Last minute fares can also be cheap. When searching online clear your cookies before searching again. Or use the Private Window on Firefox, Incognito on Chrome browser.

[Eszpresszo]

You are right but your reasoning is wrong. I have friends who travel to New Orleans or Austin to fly to GIG to save $300 - $400 to me it's not worth it.

That's not my reasoning, that was what two veteran travel agents told me. But, I won't argue with you about it, as I am sure you will believe what you choose to believe.

I'm just glad to hear that $400 doesn't mean that much to you. I hope I get to be in that position when I cease having to pay child support 52 months down the road. However in the meantime, I did do a bit of price comparison using various airfare sites, and I found a price difference of several hundred dollars by flying out of AUS to GIG, versus direct from IAH (though that price difference won't always be available 365 days a year). For me, several hundred bucks is the cost of flight from IAH to BKK (on Eva, of course). But its your time and your money, and I sure you know best how to expend it.

[WyattEarp]

You are right but your reasoning is wrong. Flights from non-hub cities are cheaper because you have a choice. In your example the hub city for United is IAH for American it's DFW so if you are in Austin you can fly United through IAH or American through DFW both with a short connection. The same applies to New Orleans or other non-hub cities. If you live in Houston the airline believes most customers will fly with them instead of going to another city first. I have friends who travel to New Orleans or Austin to fly to GIG to save $300 - $400 to me it's not worth it.

Yes, good point. I also think airfares aren't necessarily cheaper the further out you book. It seems the airlines don't start dropping price until the date gets closer. As was mentioned, December is very expensive because you are competing with holiday travelers. Prices don't come down until the second week of January.

[Houston Player]

We had a discussion about this on the General Info (Brazil) thread at the beginning of this month. I suggest you check it out. Some good info there.

You live near Houston? How far are you from Austin? You can get a much better flight going out of Austin (sometimes) though it involves a connecting flight back to IAH for the same direct flight. Same situation going to Bogota on AA. Its an expensive direct flight out of DFW but the fare out of AUS with short connecting flight is often much cheaper. Why? Because Austin is the state capital, and state capitals traditionally are served with better airfares, despite an additional connecting flight added to the trip. Also check out Skiplagged.com or Skyscanner.

You are right but your reasoning is wrong. Flights from non-hub cities are cheaper because you have a choice. In your example the hub city for United is IAH for American it's DFW so if you are in Austin you can fly United through IAH or American through DFW both with a short connection. The same applies to New Orleans or other non-hub cities. If you live in Houston the airline believes most customers will fly with them instead of going to another city first. I have friends who travel to New Orleans or Austin to fly to GIG to save $300 - $400 to me it's not worth it.

[Java Man]

Do any of your have suggestions for other websites that offer condos / apartments other than airbnb.

I like using Agoda.com They also list apartments and condos.

[Eszpresszo]

Guys,

Trying to book a flight from Houston to Rio 6 months out. Flights are $2000.00 and up. WTF! Anyone know why the flights are so damn expensive?

We had a discussion about this on the General Info (Brazil) thread at the beginning of this month. I suggest you check it out. Some good info there.

You live near Houston? How far are you from Austin? You can get a much better flight going out of Austin (sometimes) though it involves a connecting flight back to IAH for the same direct flight. Same situation going to Bogota on AA. Its an expensive direct flight out of DFW but the fare out of AUS with short connecting flight is often much cheaper. Why? Because Austin is the state capital, and state capitals traditionally are served with better airfares, despite an additional connecting flight added to the trip. Also check out Skiplagged.com or Skyscanner.

[Forty Time]

What are some of your experiences using services like Airbnb or HomeAway to book apartment / condos while in Rio. I've been to Rio a few times but always used another site (that is no longer in service) for my stays. I see most of the Airbnb rules state (no guests or the guest may have to be registered ahead of time). Do any of your have suggestions for other websites that offer condos / apartments other than airbnb.

[BeenBob]

Six months from now will put you into the Holiday season especially New Years eve which is a big event in Rio. So yes this is to be as expected. Try a month later prices are a little bit better but they fluctuate also.

Not to mention airlines said they're increasing ticket prices since cost of fuel has surged over the past months.

[Java Man]

Guys,

Trying to book a flight from Houston to Rio 6 months out. Flights are $2000.00 and up. WTF! Anyone know why the flights are so damn expensive?

$2K, that for first class?

Airfare tools I use.

It's not 100% accurate, but gives you an idea of when to fly:

(Click the pen icon, upper right corner to edit destinations.).

https://www.hopper.com/deals/from/airport-houston-HOU

Check multiple sites for airfare. Once I find an airfare, I book directly with the airline. (Sometimes there are issues when booking with a third party site. Like unable to pick seats.).

https://www.kayak.com/flights

Also good.

https://www.google.com/search?q=flights

[Rio Bob]

Guys,

Trying to book a flight from Houston to Rio 6 months out. Flights are $2000.00 and up. WTF! Anyone know why the flights are so damn expensive?

Six months from now will put you into the Holiday season especially New Years eve which is a big event in Rio. So yes this is to be as expected. Try a month later prices are a little bit better but they fluctuate also.