Rio de Janeiro Hostels, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro hostels are in very good supply, which is excellent news for travelers who really want to save on lodging rates while spending time in the city. The cheap hostels in Rio offer what amount to the lowest lodging rates around, and while some are cheaper than others, all of them can help you stay on top of your budget. Mostly popular with backpackers and students (but open usually to everyone), the Rio hostels are known for their hip and friendly atmospheres. Should you stay at one of the better ones, a friendly and helpful staff is something else that you can expect. The staff can also set you up with tips on local tours and attractions. Cheap hostels in Rio can be found in all the right spots, so you don't have to stay far away from all the action to save big time on lodging rates.

The best hostels in Rio de Janeiro rest on or near the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in such renowned neighborhoods as Ipanema and Copacabana. The famed beaches of these neighborhoods are just a short walk away, and you'll also be just steps from a satisfying array of shops, bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Among the top hostels in this coveted area is the Lighthouse Hostel, which is just three blocks from the beach in Ipanema. There are only ten beds available at the Lighthouse Hostel, though twelve people can be accommodated. One of the rooms is a double room that can fit four, while the other is a mixed dormitory room that can accommodate up to eight people. Cable TV and DVD players figure among the amenities in the rooms, and guests can enjoy cooking facilities that include a barbecue grill if they please. As is true at other top Rio de Janeiro hostels, the Lighthouse Hostel offers secure lockers for guests to safely store their things in while they're out and about, and Internet access is available should you need it.

If you can't manage to get a room or a bed at the Lighthouse Hostel, there are a bunch of other good Rio de Janeiro hostels in the immediate area. Among the other hard to beat picks are the Mango Tree (pictured) and Newton's Roof Top Hostel. The Mango Tree has eight double rooms, some of which have private bathrooms, and 26 dorm beds to offer guests. All of the rooms are air conditioned, and as is true at many other hostels in the city, breakfast is included in the very low rates. Computers with Internet access are available for guest use, and you'll be happy to know that you are just one block from Ipanema Beach.

As for Newton's Roof Top Hostel, it can be found in the heart of Copacabana. Just across the street is a metro station, so you can venture off to other parts of the city with ease. The rooms at Newton's are very low on frills, which helps to make this one of the cheapest cheap hostels in Rio, though the common room features cable TV, a DVD player, and comfortable furniture for lounging around. A spacious terrace that affords excellent views of Christ the Redeemer, a communal kitchen, and a good selection of books also figure among the facilities.

Most of the best hostels in Rio de Janeiro can be found in Copacabana and Ipanema, so many travelers start there when searching for a hostel that fits their needs. Some of the other dandies that can be found in this part of town include the Hostel Harmonia, the Che Lagarto Hostel Copacabana, and the Ipanema Beach House.

If you prefer staying closer to the downtown core, then you might look to Botafogo to find your ideal hostel. This neighborhood boasts the lovely Botafogo Beach, not to mention a handful of reputable Rio de Janeiro hostels that are popular with budget-minded travelers. The Botafogo Easy Hostel is among the most complete hostels in the city, so it's hard to beat. In addition to offering welcoming drinks for guests, the Botafogo Easy Hostel provides a barbecue area, a garden with relaxing hammocks, a bar, a deli, and a small pool.

It is important to note that the best hostels in Rio de Janeiro fill up fast at certain times of year. The peak December to March season is when it can be especially hard to find a room, and you'll probably have to book a minimum of five days if your stay coincides with Carnival.