Gay and lesbian guests are welcome at basically all hotels in Rio. They have long ago discovered the power of  pink dollars. As there isn't a single gay-owned-and-operated hotel or bed and breakfast in town, you are going to pick out a property in a gay-friendly area.

You want to be very near or on the beach, in a walking distance to restaurants, cafes, nightlife, transportation, and all attractions. Your best bets are Ipanema, Copacabana, Arpoador, Leblon and Leme.  You will find lodging options in all price ranges.

Even at economy hotels rooms are air-conditioned, and have an ensuite bathroom. Other staples are a phone, color TV, small refrigerator (stocked with overpriced snacks and drinks), and either a double bed or a set of twins.  Many offer cable channels in English.

You may also consider all-suite hotels, locally known as apart-hotels. These properties have a mix of permanent tenants and daily guests. In addition to all features of a hotel room, units have a kitchenette, and often there's a separate sitting area. Daily room service, a parking spot and breakfast are usually part of the deal.

Hotels in Rio take major credit cards, and you can pay directly at the counter.   The only exception are the Carnival and New Year's periods. During Rio's two highest season periods hotels offer their rooms in prepayable packages with a pre-determined number of mandatory nights (usually 4 or 5). You have to book as early as you can, as the best-priced values go very fast.

During off-season periods (even in the summer) expect to pay from US$50 to US$80 per night for a room with double occupancy in an economy hotel. For less than US$120 you can choose between a room in a 4-star hotel a few blocks from the beach or an oceanfront room in a more modest hotel right along the beach. With US$160 or less you can afford a room with a view in a 4-star along the beach. An oceanfront room or suite in a luxury hotel along the beach will cost you US$200 per night and up.

Learn more about hotels and flats at All About Hotels, a very thorough guide to lodging in Rio de Janeiro offered by www.ipanema.com.   There are insider's reviews of each property, you can choose by area or price range, and there are clickable maps with highlights and attractions of each neighborhood. You are also welcome to request your booking online, it's a free service!

Map of Highlights and Attractions in Ipanema (Hotels are shown in blue)