Gavea Guest

The hikes around here are a big draw if you want to stay in the city. Vista Chinesa is “behind” the BNB, and the climb is steep but rewarding. The Two Brothers monoliths over Leblon and Ipanema are nearby, with the Vidigal and Rocinha communities near their base and on top. The peaks offer some of the best city and geological views in the world. There are also mountain bike trails and hang gliding from the mountaintops. Pedra da Gávea takes more effort and is farther away, but the view is well worth it. You can also hike Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar). The BNB sits near the center of bohemian Gávea, in Rio’s bohemian city. Shops and restaurants are a short walk away, and old colonial buildings and institutions in the South Zone are close enough to walk to. PUC-SP is nearby. Leblon and Ipanema, with their beaches, clubs, and exhibits, are about a 15 minute walk; Copacabana is a little farther, but still not far. Corcovado and Redeemer/Parque Lage, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Botanical Garden, and the lagoon are close too. Uber, 99, taxis, and public transit are easy to find, and there’s plenty of street parking. The area feels secure and safe, and the street is quiet and stately, with mature trees and orchids. Inside, the decor is vibrant, welcoming, and very clean, with a touristy feel that seems geared toward couples, but still tasteful. Tall guests will appreciate the high showerheads. They worked for my 7' (2.10 m) friend and for me, who am taller than average. Juan and his wife were gracious hosts. His wife makes an excellent breakfast, and Juan is genial and easy to reach, attentive without imposing. He speaks English and Portuguese fluently and is at least conversational in Spanish. He knows the area well and is happy to share tips, so have a chat with him. Breakfast is hearty and varied, made each morning when you’re ready. The tap water is filtered, and some of it comes from rain catchment instead of Rio’s supply, among other sustainable touches. A Brazilian friend who knows the neighborhood found this place for a work trip that we extended into a leisure stay. I strongly recommend Gávea BNB and would return, even though I like trying new places. It’s worthy. The host is genial, the location is excellent, and the accommodations are lovely. Yes, I highly recommend it.

Raul, the owner, is such a lovely person and made me feel completely at ease. I felt right at home, and this will always be where I stay when I visit Rio de Janeiro, which is still beautiful. The location is ideal, right beside Baixo Gávea. You’re near the buzz, but the street itself is quiet and peaceful. The house is beautiful, carefully looked after, full of plants, and spotlessly clean. There’s a pleasant shared yard at the front with sofas and hammocks for relaxing. At the back, another yard under the trees is where Raul serves a delicious breakfast. The house also has a well equipped kitchen for cooking, or just getting a cold glass of water.

There’s no parking at the house, and guests keep a key. The owner is attentive, helpful, pleasant, and fluent in English. The BnB has a sauna and barbecue, plus a shared area with capsule coffee and cake. It has three suites and a pleasant, safe atmosphere. Everything was clean and new. The room was comfortable, with a minibar, safe, WiFi, TV, gas heated shower, and a private balcony. Breakfast was excellent, with fruit, breads, cold cuts, coffee, yogurt, and juice. We were served homemade bread and pão de queijo, and ate on a deck shaded by a tree.

Raul, the host, and his assistant Silvana were both extremely kind and good at what they do. They clearly want to make guests feel well cared for. The stay was great, in a peaceful, well located neighborhood near several tourist spots, as well as good bars and restaurants. The welcome was excellent.