Hostels in Rio?

Question

I was told that hostels are not very common in Brazil. Is this true? I am looking for a hostel to stay in in Rio. I went to hostelworld.com and saw some nice hostels but I'm not sure in what are of Rio I should be looking for a hostel in. This is my first time in Brazil with friends so we aren't sure where in Rio to stay.

Thank you.

Answer 1

I have Finnish friends who actually stayed in some hostels in Rio. The said they looked good on th websites (they booked them on the web), but they were disgusting in real life.

It's true there aren't many hostels in BR. You could actually stay in a decent hotel without paying so much more. You'd be comfortable at least.... and feel safer!

Answer 2

If you want to be where the action is, head to Copacabana (most of the hostels are there), but be careful as it is more dangerous

Ipanema has a few and it is more relaxed and wealthier area, so a little more secure

Santa Tereza has a nice hostel, its kind of near a favela but the suburb itself is quite charming, and its next to the bonde (tram)

Botafogo has one or two, its right on the harbour near Sugarloaf, easy to get to

Theres also one in Urca which is at the base of Sugarloaf.. its probably the most quiet and secure area of Rio, if you are worried about the danger.

The parts of Rio that you'll probably want to see (Corcovado, Sugarloaf, Copacabana, Ipanema etc) are all quite close, and if you plan right you can even see them in one day, and it doesn't really matter where you stay because of their proximity to each other.

keep in mind that the best nightlife is in Lapa, which is near the CBD of Rio, more to the west near the airport.

have fun, and don't expect to come back from Brasil as the same person :)

Answer 3

Just to add to what other people have been saying Hostels are not that common in most of Brazil but there are plenty in Rio.  Impanema is the swishest part of Rio and there are some pretty nice hostels there. It is also safer than say, Copacabana-though none of these places are particularly dangerous if you use common sense!

What they have in Brazil in stead of hostels are "pousadas" or guesthouses which can be very reasonable plus you will get your own room!  If you are going to be travelling outside of the bigger cities I would advise you to look out for these-they will generally let you have a look around before checking in and in low season are negotiable price wise.

Answer 4

Copacabana Palace and  Hotel Glória  are very famous.

Answer 5

you better be careful they like to blow the things up these day, crazy crazy BOOM

Answer 6

well if your staying at copacabana you have a great selection. you have the le meridian , the alcapulco copacabana., copacabana palace , the luxor hotel and so on. they are all very nice first class hotels. be prepared to bring your wallet though. they are not cheap,but hey your on vacation and you dont go 5000 miles to stay at in a cheap hotel. pay the extra money you wont regret it..

Answer 7

There are several hostels, and new ones continue to open. They can be booked online. See the item "lodging in Rio" thru the first link below.