Part of the Golden Tulip international hotel chain, the Plaza is a popular choice with the gay community given its exquisite location at the end of Farme de Amoedo. This can also be a bit of a problem for light sleepers given the noisiness of the road in high season when the parties go right through to dawn. The Ipanema floor, opened in 2006, is the most upmarket on offer, with Italian furnishings, big TVs with DVD players and the little extras like bathrobes, free newspaper and a champagne welcome that really make it special. Also has a big rooftop pool, sauna, gym and steam bath.