ppappi22

Floripa was a lot of fun! It’s carnival at the moment, so it was busier than usual. Bar do Deca is the place to be. Beach was crowded and lively. A $100R bracelet gets you into the nightclub, which gets crowded at night after everyone moves from the beach inside. Bracelet also includes $70R towards food/drink. 
 
But the best part is the nude beach that’s just beyond Bar do Deca. Tons of gorgeous guys letting it all hang out. At night, in the trails behind Bar do Deca I found tons of action. Lots of cruising! 

Floripa was a lot of fun! It’s carnival at the moment, so it was busier than usual. Bar do Deca is the place to be. Beach was crowded and lively. A $100R bracelet gets you into the nightclub, which gets crowded at night after everyone moves from the beach inside. Bracelet also includes $70R towards food/drink. 
 
But the best part is the nude beach that’s just beyond Bar do Deca. Tons of gorgeous guys letting it all hang out. At night, in the trails behind Bar do Deca I found tons of action. Lots of cruising! 

I never had to pay a fee when a garoto stayed over.  However, I do not have another registered guest (your partner) with me in the room.  If you have a separate room from your partner, you will not be charged for a visitor to your room or to the lounge. 
Since I don't know your set up at the hotel, it is difficult to answer. 
Clearly, if you have your own room, you will not be charged for a visitor to spend the night and/or if the guest accompanies you to the lounge.   
On the other hand, if you share a room with your partner, it is likely a third person visitor will be noticed as you enter the hotel.  The lounge is fairly large with several divided sections.  It is unlikely you will have a problem gaining access to the lounge as it is accessed via your room key.  Besides, you are entitled to a guest in the lounge.  The rules, as they are written, are ambiguous.  
The fact that you had to pay a fee at a different hotel has no bearing on the hotel in Sao Paulo.  Look at the Marriott rules (and whether you have your own room) as they now control most of their hotels.  
To be on the safe side, since you are allowed one guest (as a Platinum member)  it might be better for you to enter with the visitor and then have your partner use his key to enter a minute or so later.  This is only to avoid possible embarrassment assuming your partner does not have his own separate room.   

I just retrieved at my house my little walking guide for 4 churches and the cemetery west of them. SFA and Conc are mislabelled each other by the publication. You can mosey along this area commencing Sé or the intersection Paulista & Concolaçao west of the cemetery which is north side of Conc. You may have already discovered all this. Tap the image to enlarge. It is blurrier at the top which is less relevant. 

The narrator makes a good point. Although Spanish and Portuguese are related languages, Brazilians get somewhat offended by Americans and Europeans thinking of Portuguese as being the "little brother" or, even worse, a "variation" of Spanish.
He uses a one sentence example containing all cognate words, to show how "easy" it is to understand Portuguese. However, when you enter the world of sex with Brazilian men, you'll encounter sentences like this (from an ad for a GP, i.e., garoto de programa): 
Here is my translation of the ad: 
However, if you try to put this GP's ad through Google Translate, here's what comes out: 
You might end up wondering, "What scene is that GP really into?!" 

That hotel is only one block from Avenida Paulista, a major street in Sao Paulo.  
I stayed at that hotel last year.  
If you have at least "Platinum status" with Marriott Hotels (the holding company of Renaissance Hotel) you will be able to use the club lounge during your stay.  You can also buy access to the lounge if the hotel is not full.  I do not know the cost to buy access to the lounge.  You have to ask at the check-in desk.  
That hotel has one of the better club lounges of many of Marriott's chain hotels.  It is large and has breakfast and dinner included while using the lounge.  It is also open during the day for minor snacks.   If you have access to the lounge, you pay nothing extra for your meals in the lounge.   
If you walk one block to Avenida Paulista, then walk to Trionon park, you will find many hustlers in the park looking for customers.  Although there are hustlers in the park, you are better off going to a sauna for safety purposes.  
Here is a link to the park - 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_Trianon
Here is another link that shows the area of the park as well as the famous MASP building and other interesting places in that general area.  For reasons I do not understand, the link includes photos from Paris and Munich and other cities.  But, most of the photos at the beginning of the link are related to Sao Paulo. 
https://www.google.com/search?safe=active&q=sao+paulo+-+trionon+ark&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2m6f_rdrgAhXkJTQIHfo3DZ4QsAR6BAgEEAE&biw=1120&bih=604
Have a great time - 

Florianópolis
Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Hotels
1 Hotel Daifa | Rua Professora Maria Julia Franco 294 | (48) 3225-8300 | http://www.hoteldaifa.com.br/index2.php
From the gorgeous views on the rooftop pool deck, you'd have a hard time believing you're right in the center of town. But not all rooms have a sea view, so make sure to enquire when booking. The rooms could use some updating, but they have AC and the Special Suite has a corner Jacuzzi with one hell of a view.
2 Casa da Lagoa | Servidao Palmeiras Nativas 500 | (48) 3269-9569 | http://casalagoa.com.br/florianopolis/in-english/
This is a cute little place in the Lagoa area, which is hip enough not to ever need to go into the city center, which can get tricky at night. There's wifi in the garden as well as the rooms but there are only four of them, so book in advance.
3 Quinta das Videiras | Rua Afonso Luiz Borba 113 | (48) 3232-3005 | http://www.quintadasvideiras.com.br/
Sexy and sophisticated, this mansion-turned hotel is a welcome boutique addition to the hotel scene in Floripa and our top pick. A lot of the original details have been retained, combined with modern amenities like BOSE sound systems in the rooms and high-end linens.
4 Secret Bay Apartments (Pousada Gay) | Recanto do Surfista, 58 | book by email only | http://secretbay.com.br/ and https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/275839
These apartments are pretty basic, but they are spacious, light and airy, and come with wifi, bikes, a local cellphone, and gay-friendly owners who welcome you with a drink. You can book through either link listed.
5 Hotel Baía Norte Othon Classic | Avenida Beira Mar Norte, 220 | http://www.hoteisplaza.com.br/?hotel=baianorte
This hotel is a big-box structure with over a hundred rooms, and like Secret Bay it comes with wifi and free bikes for your use. The rooms are a bit cramped, but if you want a place where people aren't all up in your business, it's a good choice.
6 Majestic Palace | Avenida Beira Mar Norte 2746 | 48 3231 8000 | http://www.majesticpalace.com.br/
Another big-box hotel, but with more personal touches in the rooms, many of which have a balcony. The Luxo Sacada rooms have corner views that are jaw-dropping. There's a restaurant, bar and coffee shop on the property as well.
7 Praia Mole Eco Village | Rodovia Jornalista Manoel de Menezes 2001 | (48) 3239-7500 | http://www.praiamole.com.br/
The Eco Village is right near the gay beach, and has rooms and cabins spread out over its garden-like property. They've recently upgraded with AC. Though you'd think the pool area at a gay resort would be a scene, everybody heads to the beach instead. Still, if you want to be among the tribe, this is a solid choice.
8 Hotel Valerim Center | Rua Felipe Schmidt 554 | (48) 3225-1100 | http://www.hotelvalerim.com.br/
There are actually two hotels under this brand, right next to each other; Center is the budget option, while Plaza is a bit more upscale and is geared towards business travelers. We'd go with the Plaza, which features bright, modern, comfortable rooms and a lounge area that's good for meeting people.
9 Hotel Porto da Ilha | Rua Dom Jaime Câmara, 43 | (48) 3229-3000 | http://www.portodailha.com.br/
Gorgeous hotel, sumptuous rooms, top of the line service, 24-hour room service, and everything else you'd expect from a great hotel like this. Another top pick for the city center.
10 Bistro Isadora Duncan | Rod. Jornalista Manuel de Menezes 2658 | http://www.bistroisadoraduncan.com.br/
This listing is under hotels as well as restaurants as it is notable for both services. Their suite is absolutely gorgeous, and quite romantic if you're traveling with a special someone. The private deck includes a hot tub with a stunning view.
Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Bars
1 Blues Velvet Bar | Rua Pedro Ivo, 147 | (48) 3225 4111 | http://www.bluesvelvet.com.br/
This super-hip bar has a mixed scene that is very chilled out. Their theme nights are about the music only, with 80s nights and even semi-ironic karaoke happening. If you're looking to get away from a hardcore gay scene for an evening, this is a great spot.
2 Bar do Deca | Rua Rita Loureno Da Silveira 97 | (48) 3232-2052 | http://www.bardodeca.com/
Praia Mole is the best beach, and Bar do Deco is the best place to hang out on that beach. And it's right next to Praia Galheta if at a certain point you feel like you're wearing simply too much clothing. Come here for an early cocktail or party right on through the night.
3 Floribar | Rua Durval Melquíades de Souza, 638 | 48 3322-2550 | http://www.fervo.com.br/empresas/floribar/
This isn't a raucous bar, but instead a sleek, comfortable place to have a quiet drink in your choice of nooks. And by drink, we mean proper cocktails. Keep this on your list for great places in the city center.
4 Koxixos Beer Bar | Av. Governador Irineu Bornhausen | 48 3228-0114 | http://www.koxixosbeer.com.br/
As you can guess, beer is the star at this cute pub on the sea. It's casual, laid back, has indoor and outdoor seating, and their food choices are varied, decent, and will soak up the suds.
5 Denys Bar | Travessa João Grumiche, 437 | (48) 3034-4342 | http://denysbar.webnode.com.br/
There is a club section of this joint, and their new sound system is packing in the boys who are dancing the night away to hot DJ sounds. But its extensive outdoor bar area is where the real action is, so grab a drink and head outside.
6 Flowers Bar by Kit Kitana | Av. Hercílio Luz, 1202 | 48 9946.1753 | http://www.fervo.com.br/empresas/flowers/
This is a gay music bar, with a bit of an older crowd during the week; on Friday there is a drag show that is part Vegas, part Priscilla, and should not be missed.
7 Fany Café Bar | Rua Bocaiúva, 2468 | 48 3024-6970 | no website
This is a daytime gaytime bar, where you can share a piece of cake with your sweetie, or a cupcake with your cupcake. Seriously though, it's a cute hangout place if you're able to drag yourself away from the beach.
8 El Divino Lounge | Rua Almirante Lamego, 1147 | 48 3225-1266 | http://www.eldivinobrasil.com.br/
9 Rancho do Maneca | Rod. SC-405, 472A, Km 1 | 48 9616-6715 | http://ranchodomaneca.webnode.com.br/
This is a rustic, cowboy-themed bear bar that is a lot of fun. Hang out at once of the many indoor or outdoor areas, and be there on their Karaoke nights, which are a hoot! (Or is that a woof?)
Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Clubs
1 The Week | Praia Mole
The Week descends onto Florianópolis in the summer and during holidays only (like Carnival), so you need to check with local listings to see if it's up and running. If it is, then you are in for a treat the chance to be at the absolute epicenter of gay nightlife. Its space packs in thousands of sweaty, dancing bodies.
2 Isla Urbana Lounge | Av. das Rendeiras, 1046 | (48) 3809-5804 | http://islaurbana.com.br/
It looks like it should be on the rooftop of a W Hotel, but instead it's on the sea, and is crazy-sexy. A mixed crowd, a bit heavy on the lesbians, comes to their theme nights and stays all night long.
3 1007 Boite Chick | Alameda Adolfo Konder, 1007 | (48) 3204-6175 | http://1007brasil.com/
This is a rocking club housed in a former brothel, with lights, music, tons of fabulousness, and insane drink specials that change by the hour starting at midnight. It might seem like any other club at first, but wait until the hotties show up.
4 Jivago Lounge | Deputado Leoberto Leal 04 | (48) 9940-5336 | http://jivagolounge.ning.com/ (doesn't work)
Ask around for when the gay nights at this otherwise mixed-scene club, and then head there to find a younger crowd of beautiful boys among the lesbians that also come to party. Note that even on gay nights there's a mixed scene, so don't go hog wild but those young 'uns are pretty chill.
5 Concorde Club | Av. Rio Branco 729 | (48) 3222-1981 | http://www.concordeclub.com.br/site/inicio.html
Bare chests! Go-go boys! Balconies for scoping out the talent! And a circuit-party vibe that is all about seeing, being seen, and getting your gay on. If you're going to go out to one place in Floripa, this is it.
6 Mix Cafe | Rua Menino Deus 47 | (48) 3324-0102 | http://www.mixcafe.com.br/mixcafe/home.php
Go-go boys and drag shows and hot DJs are the order of the night at Mix. Note that on weekends they have live music along with the drag, which is the perfect time to grab your boy and have a little chat.
7 Barbarella Lounge | Rua Saldanha Marinho 351 | (48) 3207-5666 | no website
This place is relatively new, and feels more like somebody's awesome party than a nightclub or dance hall. The crowd skews young, with baby gays and lesbians having fun and flirting and generally having a ball. A really fun time.
Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Saunas
1 Thermas Club Hangar | Rua Henrique Valgas, 112 | 48 3225-5858 | http://www.clubhangar.com.br/club_hangar/
We're listing this here in the interest of thoroughness, but this sauna is really to be avoided. It's bare bones, not a place you'd want to get undressed in let alone relax, and really just is not a place to waste your time. Head to our other sauna listing instead.
2 Sauna Termas Oceano | Rua Luiz Delfino, 231 | 48 3222-4547 | http://www.thermasoceanoflorianopolis.blogspot.com
This isn't the biggest sauna in the world, but it's really the only one in Floripa, so chances are you will see everybody at some point including bears, who are welcome here. The crowd skews yum oops we mean young, and the dark room is where you'll find the most non-sauna activity.
Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Restaurants
1 Barracuda Restaurant | Avenida das Rendeiras, 1562 | (48) 3232 5301 | http://www.barracudagrill.com.br/
Fried, baked, grilled, raw however you like seafood is how you'll find it here. And in case that's not enough, there are also excellent meat dishes, pasta and risotto. And save room for dessert!
2 Bar do Vadinho | Rua Manoel Vidal 305 | (48) 3237-7305 | no website
As you can imagine in water-logged Floripa, their menu is seafood-heavy, and it's fresh and delicious. It's a huge space that's a lot of fun, if a little loud; but a glass of wine from their extensive collection will mellow you out soon enough.
3 Café das Artes | Rua Esteves Júnior, 734 | 48 3024-0669 | no website
This is a cute cafe that has all manner of beverages and snacky-type foods that you pick up and bring to your table. Definitely only a daytime place, but it's a great daytime place. Order the strawberry juice, it's delicious!
4 Box 32 | Mercado Publico Municipal | (48) 3224-5588 | http://www.box32.com.br/
Yes, this is in a food market, but you should still make a reservation. And lest you think it's absurd to book a table at a food market stall, think again this is seafood at its exquisite, inventive best. Just go ahead and book your next meal there as well, you know you want to.
5 Churrascaria Ataliba | Rodovia José Carlos Daux, 3008 | (48) 3333-0990 | http://www.ataliba.com.br/
This massive, almost hilariously elegant place seems out of sorts with the massive meat-eating crowds that pack in this place, but when you want your churrascaria fix, this is THE place to come and come hungry to this temple-like spot to worship the gods of glorious meat.
6 Caravana Fusion & Trailer | Avenida das Rendeiras 1672 | (48) 3232-0045 | http://www.caravanalagoa.com.br/ (doesn't work)
This started out as a trailer, and has evolved into quite a little foodie spot one of those places where you order a hamburger and receive a masterpiece. It's casual and delightful and you'll definitely return to work your way through the menu.
7 Bistro Isadora Duncan | Rod. Jornalista Manuel de Menezes 2658 | http://www.bistroisadoraduncan.com.br/
With a name like that, you can guess that it's gay-owned, and is also listed in our hotel listings for their stunning, romantic guestroom. If you're not staying here, book ahead as there are only five tables. But book you should, for really great French-inspired food in a most welcoming atmostphere.
8 Boteco da Ilha Choperia & Bar | Avenida Afonso Delambert Neto, 714 | (48) 3236-0098 | http://www.botecodailha.com.br/
This is a locals' place that resembles a down-home bar and grill, with a bar-friendly menu of seafood and various fried things with things to dip them into. Yes, it sounds like a sports bar, but it's super-fun and the kind of place you can make friends even if you go alone.
9 Restaurante Pier 54 | Rua Forte Santana 405 | 48 3225-2419 | http://www.pier54.com.br
If you can tear yourself away from the seaside view book a table outside - you'll be richly rewarded with beautifully presented, delicious seafood with an international flair.
Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Activities
1 Hunter Video Club | R. Padre Roma, 431 | 48 3228.5868 | http://www.huntervideoclub.com.br/ (under construction)
As is the norm in gay Brazil, yes, this video club has private video viewing rooms, dark rooms, labyrinths, and a pretty good cruising scene. And it also has an Internet point that is a decent cruising area as well.
2 Magia Video Clube | Rua Hoepcke, 76 | 48 3225-1441 | no website
This takes the cruising video place to a new level; they have all the usual dark rooms, labyrinths, etc. - and they also have go-go shows and a bar, so you can actually hang out there as well.
3 Praia Galheta
This is a naturist beach, and VERY gay-friendly although not exclusively gay. Head back to the dunes for cruising.
4 Praia Mole
This is THE gay beach in Florianopolis, and since it's Brazil, this means it's also the major spot for the gay scene in town as well. If you want to know what's happening in Floripa, head here and you'll get the low down and go down, too.

I use DK Eyewitness travel guides, hardcover. Much cheaper formats of those publications available iBooks or Kindle. The Brazil version would cover SP and Floripa, as well as RJ for future. The RJ Top10 version is unnecessary if you spring for the country guide. 
I described a walking itinerary for SP in the thread 'SP in dribs and drabs' here, Sept 2018?

If you go to the saunas, you will not be disappointed. 

Hi, you said you travel a lot to Latin America and Europe. 
Brazil is no more or less dangerous than parts of Latin America.  Some parts of Europe are as dangerous as Brazil.  
Medellin, for example.  I was there last year and had a wonderful time.  It is not as interesting (to me) as Brazil but it was fun.  I would return.
You do not need to go to a studio for a massage.  At the saunas there are usually guys who are fairly good at massage.  When you go into the sauna, just ask to see the masseur.  
As I wrote, there are more than eighty museums in Sao Paulo.  The most famous is MASP located in a very good neighborhood downtown (Avenida Paulista).  Last year they had on display more than fifty original Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.  Yes, originals!  Think of the cost of those treasures.  
There is so much to do you really should check google.  As I do not know your interests, I do not know what to recommend.  
Prior to your going, you might want to see about setting up your telephone so you will be able to communicate while in Brazil (Uber, garotos etc). 

TMI?? We expect fully rendered explicit accounts!
 

Massage houses with tantrica [nudge wink] are less stable. This is my observation following the ads over the years. I stick to Lagoa or Fragata.
netgay.com.br may yield some ads/links

Thank you so much for your input! Of course we'd like to experience some culture while in Sao Paulo, so if you have recommendations on tours, guides, museums and restaurants -- please share! 
Also, I must admit I was a bit unaware of the high crime rate in Brazil. We travel a lot to Latin American and Europe and usually are very vigilant about our surroundings. But it sounds like in Brazil we should be very, very careful. I mean -- being mugged while getting out of an Uber? Scary! 
One last question: any good gay massage studios? 
 

Hi, I think you made a wise decision to skip Carnaval in Rio.  It is very crowded during that event.  Many ordinary things like hotels and certain restaurant prices get doubled and tripled in price during Carnaval. 
My first Carnaval in Rio made me ask myself, why I was there.  I did not enjoy it at all.  I enjoyed being in Brazil but I did not enjoy the celebrations because of the massive crowds.  
I am of ordinary height.  However, when I went out walking in the areas where celebrations were being held, all I could see was the backs of the people in massive crowds in front of me.  Performers on stages could not be seen, only heard.  
Despite the crowds and lack of ability to physically see any performance, I am glad I had the experience of attending one Carnaval.  How else can one evaluation something without experience or exposure?
You said you read a lot about Sao Paulo on these threads.  Therefore, I will not go into much except to say there is a lot to do in Sao Paulo during the day if you have interests other than to visit the saunas.  There are more than eighty museums in Sao Paulo and there are a lot of cultural things available. 
You mentioned Lagoa sauna.  I have been there hundreds of times over the years.  The fact that I have been there so often and so many times must mean that I like the place.  You don't need me to go into detail about Lagoa as you said you read this forum.  I cannot add much to what has already been written about that sauna.
I have been visiting Brazil for going on sixteen years, many times each year.  Last year was the first time I had a bad experience on the street with muggers.  That experience will not stop me from visiting Brazil but it will make me more cautious than I have ever been while visiting Brazil. 
You should remain alert while in Brazil.  In my case, there was nothing I could do.  Two muggers appeared out of a doorway around eight thirty at night while I had just exited an Uber en route to a restaurant only about one hundred feet from where I exited the Uber. 
Thus, no matter how careful you are, if your unlucky number comes up, it comes up and often there is nothing you can do about it.  
As to Florianapolis, there are parts of the city that are nice.  However, over the past three years, crime has increased there markedly. 
Here is a link to a study that was updated last month that shows an increase in street muggings in the city.   
https://www.numbeo.com/crime/in/Florianopolis
Your Brazilian friend who recommended the city might not be aware of current statistics. 
You wrote "it seems the bathhouses are less about having fun with locals who are horny and more of hiring escorts" - I believe you are describing a regular gay sauna. 
There are many regular gay saunas in Brazil but I do not go to them.  The variety of person available there is not what I seek and vice a versa.  So, yes, the saunas discussed on this forum are saunas where you will meet hustlers or commonly known as garotos.  
Lastly, you wrote - "   Do people walk around in towels or fully dressed?"
The answer is yes, to both - some people walk around the saunas in towels (most) while some walk around the saunas fully dressed. 
It is up to you how you want to dress and what to wear. 
I have even seen guys in Lagoa wearing a dress and no one gave them any trouble. 
At another sauna in Sao Paulo - Fragata, I have often seen the same man wear a dress - he is transvestite and seems to be liked by most customers and some garotos. 
There will be others to give guidance. 
Have a wonderful time in Brazil - it is not like any other place in the world.