I love staying at quality bed and breakfast establishments. When they get it right, you feel like…read moreyou are staying with a very wealthy relative that wants to make sure you have a good time when you visit. The simple fact that this place has only 4 or 5 rooms that means that the staff personal knows who you are and they truly tailor their level of service to your needs. If you want assistance with anything they are more than happy to assist you. This place is stunningly gorgeous and immaculately clean. Beautiful view of the city. The have a large spread for breakfast every morning and round 8-10am. Seriously the food just kept coming. Juices, yogurts, eggs, breads, fruits, coffee, etc. And at night if you want they will mix you up a nice capirinia (or 3 if you're thirsty).

I have traveled to many countries and always enjoy staying in hostels. Small things like, no air…read moreconditioner during the day, no hot water, dirty tubs, unorganized rooms. For example, I returned one day to find a girl in my bed! She had been assigned the same bed, not the way you want to return after a long day of walking around! Those were all minor mishaps that could have been overlooked but One major thing that has scarred me for life would be the BED BUGS. I thought the itching might be from mosquitos until I looked online.When I approached the staff about the issue, he seemed more worried about the beer pong tourney downstairs. I was told there was nothing he could do until I requested switching a mattress. He made me carry it up 3 floors, and he complained I was taking his time and he needed to be downstairs. The following day as I checked out, the mattress sat in the lobby! So disgusting and they didn't even offer any compensation and stated it was all part of the experience! This was the worst experience I've ever had and would not recommend this hostel to anyone.

I enjoy party hostels but at Books it was impossible to get away from the party, plus the…read morefacilities (bathrooms) are outdated and Lapa is a shithole in the daytime. But, if you're coming to Rio to have a blast and get hammered with other travellers then this is the place for you. The staff were awesome, and though it's far from the beach it's surrounded by supermarkets and cheap food

We recently stayed at Casa Cool Beans while I was on a 1/2 work and 1/2 vacation trip and it was…read moreone of the best "hotel" experiences I have had anywhere in the world. The owner, Lance and the manger, Sergio make sure to provide the type of experience that you would get from a much more expensive hotel. They go out of their way to make sure to help you actually achieve the most ambitious itineraries to the point that you almost feel like you have your own concierge. The location is spectacular. It is located in the older, more winding cobblestone streets of Santa Teresa. It has a much more neighborhood feel, with nearby pubs and eateries that serve as honest to goodness community gathering places. We never felt unsafe even when walking around late at night. It is not the beach, but it is convenient to get there from the hotel and they have towel and bags that you can use if you need them. Excellent decor. They employed local muralist to decorate the exterior walls and have been supporting local Santa Teresa artist for the art in the rooms. We stayed in one of the more modest rooms, but it was perfect for our needs. Breakfast has an omelet bar that you can choose you toppings. Local fresh fruits (like passion fruit!) that we became addicted to... heck, they even had cashew juice!

The place is in a historic neighborhood called Santa Teresa. The neighborhood has a lot of…read morecharacter. When it comes to the b&b it is very clean. By far the biggest plus is the people. The owners are very detail oriented and REALLY go out of the way to make sure that your stay is pleasant. The only thing that I can say was not perfect (and I'm reaching here) is that it seemed to me that taxi drivers don't like to drive into this neighborhood. it might be the tight winddy cobble stone streets but those same streets are what give the neighborhood it's flavor.

Went once, in the famous Jazz party (every first friday of the month)…read more Just amazing! I'm not going to extend much about the place because the other Reviews are very faithful and detailed. The band was outstanding and "Bob's chair" was a nice touch next to the stage! (the chair of the owner!). The place is very touristy-like (I can clearly picture foreign people loving it - if one knows, picture the Jazz scene of Chicago... but happening in the top of a slum, with a kickass view) One thing, I'm not sure if this is usual, but on the day I went, the bar only opened 10pm. What we did, and that I truly advice you to do also, was to sit in a cheap bar right next to where the van that brings you up stops, drink some beers and eat some pizza. (they also have some cheap Yakissoba). The one liter beer was 7 reais (about 3 dolars)! You can save a lot of money by going to this bar before entering the Maze! Finally, at first I thought kinda expensive (40 reais for the entrance), but the awesome music make it worth.... also, make sure you explore the upper part of the Maze, there is a great view and a lot of people hang out there. I'm definitely going back there next month! Ps: they started accepting cards!

The Maze is perfect for those in Rio interested in good music, interesting people and fair prices…read more(there is a way called "lista amiga" for you to get a good discount in the entrance fee - around 40 reais without this discount). It is located in the top of a slum (favela) in Rio's south zone called Tavares Bastos. Despite some people could think it is too cliche a jazz bar on the top of a slum where middle class guys usually go to have fun while local people stay away, it is not that simple in this case. The bar is a very important source of money for the locals (and for the owner, obviously). The Maze is a kind of business that is helping to integrate slums with the rest of the city. This is a matter of putting the walls and prejuice separating slums and the city down. The view from the bar is amazing, undescridible. You gotta go there and see by yourselves. Highly recommended!!

Voted the #1 hostel in Rio as well as Latin America...and I can see why…read more One friend arrived before two of us and he described Discovery Hostel as a house. When we arrived, I could see what he meant. You walk into a reception area which is in the living room area. You'll find that other people staying here will hang out and talk in the living room. There's a kitchen which you're able to use or store your perishables. The kitchen serves a complimentary breakfast during the early morning and has a bar with cheap drinks during the evenings. The rooms are clean. What I loved about the rooms was that there is a nightlight and power outlet at each bed. I stayed in the all female room which had two bunk beds (3 beds high) and a private en suite bathroom. My only gripe was having to stay at the top bunk (they're difficult to get up and down). This room is the only room with an en suite. Other than that, there are other male/female dorm rooms and I believe two private rooms for two people. Staff is helpful and friendly. Take advantage of their help for events and activities. Events and activities are updated daily at the reception board. You pay a bit more for some of the activities, but it usually includes transportation. We went to Marcana for a futebol/soccer match which turned into a hostel outing. Another night we went to a club in Lapa. WHAT TO KNOW: *Cash only!! You cannot pay anything by credit. *Price is right. We each paid 164 Real (About $55) for 3 nights. *Check-in is not until 2pm and they do make you wait until then. *Complimentary wifi...though it was a bit spotty for me. *Bring your own towel and lock for your storage locker. If you forget either, you can purchase a lock or rent a towel. *Short walk to Lapa and the colorful Escadaria Selaron steps. *Metro station located half a block away so sites like Copacabana, transportation to the Christ statue, etc. is just a ride away. *A cat lives at the hostel so beware if you have allergies.

Rated one of the best hostels in Latin America by trip advisor I can definitely see why. It's…read morecentrally located close to Flamingo beach, Gloria metro station, and the famous Escadera Selaron, this is a great place to stay if you're not necessarily looking to stay close to the pricey beach scene. It's just a few metro stops away from copa cabana so I didn't feel inconvenienced at all! Now for the place itself, it's an intimate hostel with no more than 25 guests. It's an house so you really get to meet everyone and make some great friends. -plugs and lights by all the beds - kitchen for use until midnight - water filter -cheap caipirinhas - their own hostel logo memoribilia for sale which is awesome - a HOSTEL KITTY. LIKE. Put a fork in me I'm done. - one of the best breakfast spreads I've seen in South America (fruits, bruschetta, juices, coffee, etc) - awesome public showers - lockers for use - 5 star security. You have to ring the bell to enter the hostel, there's security cameras everywhere. And your bags are locked if you use their storage. Definitely a big thumbs up. - the all girls dorm is awesome with a private bathroom and balcony -great WiFi everywhere - transfer to ilha grande - did I mention there's a hostel cat? Yeah. Book now. **only thing is its cash only. Which sucks because ATMS in Rio are always so moody.

Nice large hostel, walking distance to the beach and metro. Friendly staff that help you find your…read moreway around Copacabana. Walking distance to an adequate amount of food options and shops. Bathrooms on every floor that have more than enough room for everyone on the floor. Great common areas with a bar.

The staff is friendly and there are extra showers and bathrooms in the halls in case the one in…read moreyour room is being used. Doors are locked to each room and lockers are in each room.