Rio Forest Hostel Review

This is the hostel I have been looking forward to staying in the most and it didn’t disappoint. We moved here on Day 3 in Rio de Janeiro and came from the Copacabana area up to Santa Theresa in order to move closer to Central Rio.

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After a journey through winding roads, narrow streets and up very steep hills I was thankful that we had took a taxi. The mister’s foot was still not working properly, so we had to taxi it but I would recommend doing the same if your carrying all your earthly goods with you in a rucksack or two!

When we arrived we were faced by never ending steps but … there was a saving grace! What can only be described as a mini cable car came down the mountain side as a trolley for our 60L rucksacks. We were so grateful! We were greeted by the loveliest staff who also speak very good English, which was helpful. We were super early for check in but there was a place to rest our bags and plenty of places to relax and soak up the views of Santa Theresa and Lapa.

Again, the staff were fantastic and our ‘Samboromo 8 dorm room’ was ready within 30mins. This room had 4 bunk beds, it’s own bathroom with a warm shower (this was a first for us in Brazil) and 4 large lockers inside the room and 8 just outside. The rooms were clean and supplied with clean sheets and pillows and linen was stored in the lockers.

This place is truly stunning with colourful graffiti artwork throughout the many floors and lots of comfy seated areas on balcony areas overseeing the city lights. The first main floor has a Reception and Kitchen. As well as the graffiti murals, canvas artwork transforms the building. The colours and textures of the art add to the vibe of this beautiful hostel. The Kitchen is basic, as it seems to be in hostels. Although, a few extra pans, knives and a tea towel would improve this.

The second main floor hosts the mini bar and pool. When we arrived the atmosphere up there was chilled with all the good vibes, beers and people laid by the pool. There are secluded areas shaded by trees with benches up some more steps, as well as a great photo opportunity with the front end of a VW orange campervan! Living the dream ey! There is BBQ facilities up there too which we by accident stumbled upon a birthday BBQ party! Blissfully unaware, we were invited across for some food by pleasant Brazilianoes that made us feel very welcome. As it is low season, it is quite quiet in the day time so this added a great atmosphere.

The mini bar and pool area is also where the Free Breakfast is on a morning. We were delighted to see an array of food, drinks and utensils on offer. We had cereal, toasties, fruit, coffee and juice, so we were set up for the day. It was lovely to see healthy looking fruit that was well covered (elsewhere food can often be left out for a while!)

This place is literally built into the side of the mountain, it is incredible! We have seen lizards, birds and even got to see 5+ little monkeys keen for their banana breakfast too!
Our 8 person dorm cost 45.00BR each which is £10.38 pp/n. The dorms range from 9 person at 40BR to a family room at 220BR. As we arrived in low season we had the dorm to ourselves with its own bathroom. You cannot beat the service, the smiles of the staff, the vibrant artwork, clean rooms and chilled atmosphere, especially for the money!

While in Santa Theresa we stumbled across the Secleron Steps and completed a walking tour in Downtown Rio and Lapa, which are both walking distance of Rio Forest Hostel. There will be a blog featuring ‘Things to do in Rio’ to soak up more knowledge before you arrive, coming soon.

If you would like to stay at Rio Forest Hotel, I recommend taking a look at their website, Facebook or Instagram. However, for simplicity and best rates book through booking.com.

We intend to return to Rio Forest Hostel in the future in Carnival Season.

Go the Distance in Rio,

Chloe