Beach House Ilha da Gigoia

I only stopped by for drinks with friends, I didn't stay at the hostel. The music was great and the staff were friendly. What a good find.

The owner seemed crazy, like she wanted to pick a fight with customers. We had a night bus, but after checkout she wouldn't even let us make sandwiches. It felt like she was just trying to get us out.

We were served promptly whenever we asked for something, including towels and soap, and both check-in and checkout were quick. The 24-hour bar might suit people looking to party, though I didn't use it, so I can't comment on prices. This was our first time on Ilha da Gigoia and our first stay in a hostel, so I understand the place's idea is a “Beach House where all tribes are welcome,” with people of different cultures, genders, and ages. Suite 01 was the hard part. It smelled strongly of stale tobacco and coffee, the walls were dirty, and one had a mark that looked like blood, though I can't be sure. Some outlets had no cover and exposed wires. The air conditioner wiring was crudely patched with an extension cord. The bathroom seemed clean and the electric shower worked well, but parts of the ceiling were missing and the window glass was broken. The sheets looked clean. The suite was extremely noisy because it's right by the alley people use to reach the hostel and bar, and the bar stays open all night. We could hear people walking, talking, vomiting, and other things. Water dripping from the air conditioner above onto ours kept making noise through the night. There was also what sounded like a couple fighting in one room, and the staff didn't intervene. That was frightening and unpleasant. These things could happen anywhere, but given the whole situation and what we paid, I think there are better options. The hostel is tucked among dirty narrow alleys, which made getting there feel strange, a bit like some Rio de Janeiro communities, with wires hanging everywhere. Someone waits by an alley to the right of one of the island's main streets and walks you to the hostel. The place could be fun for a party.

The sunset is definitely the main draw. It's a pretty house with beach-style decor, and the swing and hammock by the deck make for nice photos. The staff were friendly, although they ignored us a few times. We arrived around 4 pm and ordered a seafood mix with shrimp, squid, and fish fingers. It took over an hour to come, and it was pricey. There wasn't a huge amount, but it was enough to satisfy us. The squid was very salty. The beer was good, though there wasn't much variety. I'd probably come back for a photo and a drink, since there are cheaper places to eat on the island.