Che Lagarto Hostel Bar & Beach Club

Che Lagarto confirmed my booking months ahead, so I bought my flight for those dates. Weeks later they canceled, citing technical issues they couldn’t resolve. By then, prices at their other hostels and alternatives in Rio had doubled, and I couldn’t find another dorm for less than €100 a night. I contacted them politely, though I was upset, but they wouldn’t offer any accommodation or other help. They essentially told me tough luck, then ignored and blocked me. I’d avoid doing business with Che Lagarto.

A great hostel in IIhla Grande, especially if you’re in the mood to party at night. They bring in artists to perform too. I got to see a Jamaican act and live Samba, which was pretty cool. Highly recommend it.

US$200 was stolen from my room! Don’t go there. Management made no real effort to resolve it and only said I could cancel my booking if I wanted.

The shower barely worked, and the food service was a mess. I ordered ceviche that was supposed to take 15 minutes, but it took 50, by which time all my friends had finished eating. When I complained, the kitchen guy laughed at me. They then agreed to switch my order to a pizza and refunded the price difference, but I’d asked for a margarita and they brought a different pizza. It started to feel deliberate. The manager offered me any drink as a courtesy, something I’d already asked for while complaining about the way I was treated, and they served it in a plastic cup. I’ve never felt so mistreated somewhere. Worst hostel experience of my life. It seemed like they almost enjoyed it. I’ll never stay here again.