I stayed at the Sofitel but there is the Blue Tree and the Majestic that is closer to the mall. Other posters will advise you to stay in a Pousada but I prefer to stay downtown as there are 3 clubs in the city, 2 sauna's and another video club. I took the bus to the beaches daily. The rest is up to you. I really liked the city very clean and safe.

Please see the thread below:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/glbt-...is-brazil.html