Aquarela do Leme - Hostel

The hostel has a friendly feel, and the neighborhood seemed safe. It's right by the beach and easy to reach by car or motorbike. Giorgio and Gaston were really helpful and flexible with requests. My only suggestion would be larger lockers that are easier to get into. I'd definitely recommend it.

The hostel has its own feel, and the staff are always ready to help. I liked the lovely breakfasts, the big kitchen for cooking, and the free karaoke in the evenings. There are pets who are happy to greet guests, plus a WhatsApp group where people can arrange beach trips or walks together, so it’s easy to meet others. The shared rooms can be disruptive, though: people arrive late or leave early, and snoring can wake you up. Still, the friendly atmosphere means you won't feel alone here.

We stayed at Maresias do Leme in mid-August 2021 after booking through booking.com. The hosts greeted us warmly and even made breakfast when we arrived. Breakfast was tasty, and whenever a question came up they helped us quickly. They were lovely and tried to meet all our requests. The location worked well too, about a 10-minute walk from the beach, with friendly locals around. There’s a parrot and a cat at the hostel, whose name I think was Camila. We felt very comfortable and would come back.

Arthur really made the stay for me. He was welcoming and helpful, and the service from him was outstanding. The terrace bar is another plus, with a nice atmosphere. The rooms are cramped and pretty basic, and I think they need renovating. Taking out some beds could make them more comfortable. The hostel is near the beach, and although the area is next to a favela, it seemed safe to me, with police patrolling around.