Hostel California Cafe Bar

The beds and pillows are really comfortable, and breakfast is good too, with delicious cake. The staff are nice, and the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed. There are shops and cafés and bars nearby. It takes about a 20-30 minute walk to reach the metro station or the center of Vila Madelena. The bathrooms could be better, but they’re okay.

A cool wind through my hair as I drove along a dark desert highway, with the warm scent of colitas floating in the air. A glimmering light appeared in the distance, and as my head grew heavy and my vision dimmed, I knew I had to stop for the night. A woman stood in the doorway. I heard the mission bell and wondered whether this place might be Heaven or Hell. She lit a candle and led me along the way. Voices came from down the corridor, seeming to welcome me to Hotel California, that lovely place with a lovely face and plenty of rooms, where you can find a place any time of year.

We walked from the hostel to Paulista Avenue when we had time to explore, and getting around Sao Paulo was easy thanks to nearby bus stops and a metro station. The neighborhood is great for reaching the main sights. Our private room was comfortable and clean, and the shared bathrooms were too. The staff were lovely, and breakfast was included, with freshly baked cassava bread. They also kept our luggage and let us use a bathroom for a shower after checkout. It was really hot, and we had an overnight bus to catch, so that shower helped a lot.

The hostel is in a nice spot, close to lots of good things to do in SP. My wife and I stayed a few days and found everyone on staff friendly and helpful. We'd definitely recommend it.