Hostels in Rio

There were two hostels in Rio de Janeiro in 1997. Ten years later there were more than 60. The weakening of the Brazilian Real made Brazil possible as a destination for people travelling on a budget. The demand for the relatively cheap accommodation together with the social atmosphere that a hostel offers grew. Even if the Real has strenghtened a lot and Rio is not so cheap anymore, the rumour of this fantastic place is out and the hostels are here to stay.

Why a Hostel?
Well the big advantage with a hostel is the fact that you will meet a lot of people. Many of these will become your friends as you discover Rio together. The services offered to the guest are often affordable and tuned for the independent traveller; less touristy and more local you could say. The comfort and quiet of the hotel is for many compensated by this.

Where?
This is already described in my Accommodation In Rio section. In short: It´s how close you are to a good beach that matters in Rio. Property prices are many times higher in Ipanema than in Catete; hence the prices in the hostels there are higher. If you´re on a tight budget it may be a good idea to look for a less attractive location.

Prices
Also already explained in the above mentioned section. There is usually a correlation between price and quality: The quality of the matresses, how often they clean, location, breakfast content and services are all factors that influence the price. The popular hostels in Rio are more likely to offer all that well and therefor they can charge a higher price.

Types of Hostels
There are a few types of Rio de Janeiro hostels that I recognize:

- You have smaller hostels and homestays with a more quiet outline. The party is outside the hostel. More preferred by a slightly older crowd. Very social. Two excellent examples are Hostel Harmonia (which I´m actually involved in) and The Lighthouse . Both are located in a charming little alley in Ipanema. The location is excellent and the atmosphere very homely.

- You have the bigger more expensive hostels with a bar but a more mellow atmosphere. Their focus is on good service and slightly older more independent travellers. A good example is The Mangotree . A hostel located just one block from the beach in Ipanema. Very good. One of the newer Rio de Janeiro Hostels is One Love Hostel located in the same area. It opened in 2009.

- You have the bigger cheaper hostels with maybe a crowded bar and a party profile. They are more popular with younger people.

- There are the big ones that are run more like classic youth hostels.

More Hostels in Rio
All the hostels above and many more you can find at the excellent hostel booking engine Hostelbookers. Just click Hostels in Rio de Janeiro and you´ll get to their extensive list of available hostels in Rio. You get ratings, pictures and lots more for all areas and budgets.

Do You Have More Questions?
Just send me a message using the "Contact Me" button on your left, I promise to answer as soon as possible. I will try to advice you to a hostel that is right for you.


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