Candelária 83

Nice.

This was the best place I’ve stayed in Rio de Janeiro. The owner and his wife are wonderful, lovely people, and the staff are great too. The rooms were very clean and had everything we needed. Everyone was so kind that, in an emergency, I even washed my clothes there. The neighborhood is great for walking. You can reach places like Museu do Amanhã and Banco do Brasil’s CCBB on foot. CCBB has a bookstore, cinema, theater, and excellent exhibitions, all free or at very affordable prices. There are other lovely museums nearby, as well as that church with Gregorian chant. Bar do Luiz on Rua da Carioca has the best dark draft beer I’ve ever had, and the food there is divine too. The hostel has a bar downstairs, and it can get a bit noisy. While I was there, they kept playing Roberto Carlos, but the music stopped early. The bar’s barbecue sandwich is a must. On Sundays, someone sets up a fantastic barbecue right out on the street. There are statues in front of the hostel, and there’s security all night. The people looking after things are incredibly nice. I nearly forgot, breakfast was delicious, simple and just like a meal at home.

The hostel is right in central Rio, near Museu do Amanhã, which is a real highlight of the location. It’s welcoming and has both private and shared rooms. There’s a kitchen for preparing meals, and a fridge where guests can store food. Breakfast is included in the rate and is simple: bread with cheese and ham, fruit, cakes, coffee with milk, and juice.

The price is fair and the service from the owners was excellent. They’re very attentive. The hostel is near the new Praça Mauá and Uruguaiana metro station, and the street has 24-hour security. It’s above a bar, but the bar really doesn’t bother you. I recommend it.