Bossa in Rio Hostel

If you’re looking for the most quintessential backpacker experience, this is the hostel for you. It was founded by a pair of backpackers, so you know they are thinking of you when they offer things like free breakfast, Wi-Fi throughout the hostel, pool tables, bars, hot showers, games and a BBQ patio. Bossa in Rio Hostel makes its home in the attractive Santa Teresa neighborhood. It’s is well-connected to other parts of the city. 15 minutes will get you downtown, and 5 minutes will get you to the Lapa neighborhood and its famous aqueduct. Santa Teresa is an artsy area with small streets and old buildings, and boasts the most green space in the city. If you’re arriving during carnival, this hostel is a good option since it’s right near the Sambodromo.

Fatima Macintyre Guesthouse

The Fatima Macintyre Guesthouse is another superb accommodation option in Rio. You’ll find it in Leblon, a few blocks from the beach and close to plenty of nightlife. You’ll be welcomed by Fatima herself, who provides you with the experience you’ll want to have. It’s personal, and its location puts you in good shape to enjoy the whole southern quarter, including famous Ipanema. You can even borrow a bike to head along the shorefront.

Vidigalbergue Rio Hostel

Nearby is the Vidigalbergue Rio Hostel, a quaint place with good service and excellent views out over the ocean from their terrace, where you’ll also take breakfast. Leblon and Sao Conrado beaches are nearby, and the hostel organizes events throughout the week. Want to learn samba? Want to hang out in the natural pool? You can do that and more here.

Che Lagarto Hostel Copacobana

If you want a big hostel experience, check out the Che Lagarto Hostel Copacabana. The hostel is located in the very heart of the city, right near the famous Copacabana Beach where you can learn something about the local beach culture. The hostel is great for partying and meeting other people, and its location puts you close to the main Rio sights and museums, include Sugarmountain and Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado.

Zbra Hostel

If none of the above have peeked your interest, the Zbra Hostel surely will. Zbra is a new hostel with all the modern and super-modern facilities you could hope for, including capsule-like beds with iPod connections. They’re located just a block from the beach and lots of bars and clubs. This place has everything, from an in-house bar to television room and café. They even have wake-up calls so you don’t miss that flight out.

You’re going to want to stay somewhere near the beach if you want the best experience of Rio, but don’t forget to head to the downtown to see all the main sights. Everything around Cinelandia Square is gorgeous, and Rio’s museums are mostly in that district as well.

When in Rio and staying in the Santa Teresa District, very useful association to consult for available bed-and-breakfast options many of which are indeed housed in splendid historic buildings is the Cama e Cafe Association. This is their website: http://www.camaecafe.com.br, and here is their new address:

Cama e Café, Rua Laurinda Santos Lobo, 124 – Santa Teresa
Bairro: Santa Teresa
Rio de Janeiro, RJ – Brasil
CEP: 24240-290
Tel: (21) 2225-4366 e (21) 2221-7635