Host City of COP30 Climate Summit Lacks Space, Compelling Diplomats to Stay in Unconventional ‘Love’ Motels

Adjuncts of Love Hotels Adapt for COP30 in Belém

A significant shortage of suitable lodging in Belém, Brazil, has led a local “love” motel, which typically caters to brief romantic encounters, to modify its facilities to host diplomats and attendees of the ongoing COP30 climate change summit. Reports indicate that these love motels have removed erotic images, furniture, and even some sex toys to make the space more appropriate for their new guests.

Belém, in the state of Pará near the Amazon rainforest, is the host for the 30th United Nations COP Climate Change Summit, which began this week and will continue until November 21st. Throughout the year, the Brazilian government has been preparing the city’s infrastructure for the conference, even clearing thousands of acres of rainforest to improve transportation routes. Additionally, plans are in place to build more hotels to meet accommodation needs.

Despite these efforts, logistical issues have emerged, with a particularly acute shortage of hotel rooms. At one point, Brazil announced it might relocate COP30 due to the high prices and lack of available lodging for attending delegations. Private hotels have capitalized on the situation, raising their rates significantly, sometimes up to 100 times more than usual.

CNN reports that Belém offers 18,000 hotel rooms, yet it was not ready for the possible influx of around 50,000 COP30 participants. One negotiating team member noted they were quoted over $20,000 for a three-bedroom apartment for two weeks.

In response to the lack of accommodations, some love hotels in Belém have been repurposed. Ricardo Teixeira, owner of one such establishment, mentioned that they plan to tone down the erotic decor and content to better suit diplomatic guests. Meanwhile, the love hotel known as “Pure Pleasure” has been designated for participants from Europe and Africa and has been undergoing renovations, including painting over suggestive murals with images of the Amazon rainforest.

Teixeira shared insights about his newly updated facilities, emphasizing comfort over eroticism. His hotel will now include amenities aimed at making it suitable for delegates working on reports during their stay. Notably, suggestive artwork and specialized furniture have been removed to further this effort.

Another hotel in Belém, the Acropolis Inn, has made similar adjustments, changing its exterior color and redecorating its interiors for a more traditional hotel vibe. Hotel owner Alberto Braga remarked on their transformation and noted that they had already attracted international guests during the summit.

To tackle the accommodation crisis, the Brazilian government has offered discounted rates to less developed nations. They are also utilizing cruise ship cabins as alternative lodging options. Attendees now have a range of rooms available for $200 to over $1,000 per night, with many accommodations requiring extended stays.

Interestingly, President Lula da Silva and his delegation chose non-traditional lodging on a rented boat equipped with hotel-like facilities, which has raised environmental eyebrows as it will consume a significant amount of diesel fuel. Despite various logistical challenges, Lula remains optimistic, claiming this COP30 will be the “best in history,” highlighting the importance of showcasing the Amazon to the world.