BananaZ Hostel

The staff were fantastic, especially Yvonne. She answered all my questions and even went out of her way to help on a day she wasn't working. Thanks, you're the best! The communal dinner was excellent too. You won't leave the table hungry or disappointed, and you'll meet someone new.

We booked a private room at BananaZ Hostel in Lappa, where there are nice bars nearby. The room was dark and small, the bed squeaked with every movement, and the mattress was disgustingly dirty. The pillowcases were too small for the lumpy pillows, so you somehow ended up sleeping right on them. We were looking forward to the included breakfast the next morning, but there was only half a roll left. When we asked whether there was more bread, the answer was simply, "NO!" Our friend, who had eaten earlier, said she'd had bread but nothing to put on it. At checkout, the guy asked us to pay for food and drinks from the previous evening, even though we'd already paid that night. After we argued, he finally let us leave and said, "I'll let you go first, but if that's not true I'll find you". It wasn't a nice stay. There are plenty of better hostels in Rio.

Nice people and a very laid-back vibe. The free dinner is a nice extra. It's a cool hostel, but don't count on getting much sleep.

The included dinner was excellent, and it was an easy place to meet people thanks to the great atmosphere. There are lots of parties around the Lapa neighborhood.