Hostel The Gypsies

We only stayed a short while, my husband and I, but it was enough to meet some really lovely people and have a long chat. It was a one of a kind experience, and the place felt clean and welcoming. Dona Mara was wonderful. Thanks, "Tia Mara," for taking such good care of us and being so kind!

Terrible! My advice is to stay on the street rather than ever book this dump of a hostel. Mara charged me for my stay even though I canceled within the free cancellation period. Then she said she wouldn't refund me because she didn't have time to deal with it, told me to stop bothering her, and hung up on me. The worst customer service I've ever seen. MARA treated me horribly and is a terrible person. I canceled after seeing all the bad reviews, and now I understand why. The hostel must be as awful as its owner.

I tried to stay at the hostel, but the owner, I think, was so rude that she wouldn't even let me through the gate to see the place. I was without internet and had heard about the hostel, so I stopped by to take a look. Instead, she shooed me away and said, "First, we're closed. Second, if you want to see it, the photos are on the website." So are people not allowed to see the place or make a reservation in person? The person who "helped" me had no manners at all. If someone wants to run a hostel well, they need to know how to deal with the public.

I stopped by to see what the place was like before booking, but the attendant was dismissive and arrogant from the start. She had a southern Brazilian accent and wouldn't even let me in through the gate. She said that if I wanted to see the place, I had to book and stay there. They must be making loads of money to treat people this way. I've never been treated like that at any hostel. I definitely don't recommend it.