Books Hostel Reviews

If you wanna stay close to Lapa this is definitely the place to be. Super staff, cheap hostel bar(and you can run a tab) and a great breakfast. All the essential busses run just outside the door and it is so easy getting anywhere. And also people should not worry about cleanliness in this hostel even though the rating suggest otherwise - if there at some point was a problem here it has now definitely been taking care of! I would with out doubt stay here again if I return to Rio!

If this hostel was a girl, then I'd marry it! Amazing staff, great beds, great breakfast, great bar, really nice showers! I love it here! The fact that I'm writing the review whilst still in the hostel tells you how great it is it, because I stayed longer than the hostelworld reservation! Thanks so much! Mitch & Ben

This hostel is not for those who are looking for a relaxing get away from the busy city of Rio, but it is a great place to stay right next to the Lapa arches, and a short walk uphill to Santa Teresa. Almost all of the staff are awesome, the other guests are looking to meet new people and have a great time just as much as you, breakfast was fine, and the Caipirinhas were great. Second time staying here and I probably will next time I'm in Rio.

Great hostel with everything you could ask for... perfect for a weekend spent partying in Lapa

Great atmosphere, was full of interesting people when i was there. Nice, helpful staff too. Clean and good value.

Located in the Lapa neighbourhood, Books had an enjoyably chaotic atmosphere to it, with a fun alternative crowd come to the area to enjoy the street parties and Samba clubs of the area. Well positioned for exploring Lapa and Santa Teresa, and with a 10 / 15 min walk to the underground, not a bad base from which to spend your time in Rio. The area has a bit of an edgy feel to it, which is part of its appeal, but which might put off the more nervous traveler. Further from the beach than many.

Books Hostel is the best hostel I have stayed at in South America. As soon as you get there someone will spark up a conversation with you and make you feel part of the family. The owner, Felipe, clearly takes pride in his work, he will really go the extra mile (1.6km) to help you out, is a fountain of knowledge and has a real talent for remembering names. All the staff are lovely and can often be found partying with the rest of us after they clock out. Great location, atmosphere and people!

As soon as I arrived in Books Hostel I was made to feel extremely welcome by all the people there. Within an hour I was sipping the excellent Caiprinhas to head out to a street party in Lapa. This hostel is great if you want to meet people and socialise. If you are looking for somewhere a bit quieter and more relaxed this might not be the place for you. I would definitely recommend a stay at Books Hostel for a good party atmosphere and a nice boho vibe.

Great stay in Rio! It is definitely a party hostel, but the atmosphere is great and the staff very helpful and nice. Facilities are good and if you are looking for a stay in Lapa look no further!

my second time in this hostel, i recommend this place definetly! 2 blocks from Lapa, Good Breakfast just they should have more juice or ice drink to refresh the hot morning, also need airconditioner in some areas! i will come back soon!

Excellent place to stay.. Staff couldn't have taken any more care of us.

Books Hostel felt like a home away from home! The staff were such a highlight and are a big reason we would recommend this place to everyone we know travelling to Rio. The breakfast was one of the best we had on our travels so far and the atmosphere at night at Books was always great, they really get everyone to interact with the communal space when it becomes a bar in the evening. We only stayed a week but we could have stayed so many more, I know we will be repeat customers in the future.

Books hostel was my very first hostel on my trip around the world. I intended to stay for 4 nights and have since stayed two weeks. It is that good that leaving here will be hard, as how can you top the owners of Phillipe and Lobo, as well as the party artistic vibe of Lapa. I recommend this to anyone who wishes to see the grungier side of rio, enjoys night life / street parties, and wants to feel like they are welcome back whenever. Hats off to books.

keep up good work!!!!!!!!!!!

books hostel is the best hostel in the whole world. they made our stay during the carnival the best time ever. It is like having a family away from home. they make you feel safe and loved. felipe the owner was like a big brother always helping and showing love and happiness to everyone. after carnival week we went there to visit and stay another night in the day we had for a connecting flight just to visit the crew and stay somewhere we knew was great. the breakfast is awesome.

Good hostel, super friendly staff; nice location. Altough we paid a lot for a bed, but what do you want during the carnaval period.... Also it was a little bit loud at night. But once again, it was carnaval...

We stayed at books over carnival so it was very expensive, but this is to be expected, we had a great room with air conditioning which was definitely needed. They have lockers in each room. All the staff were great and very helpful if you needed anything. There was always something going on at the hostel but they would also let you know what was on around the city. Drinks were great, kitchen was a bit small but who wants to cook during carnival anyway.

I loved staying at this hostel over carnival. The staff are really friendly and helpful. The place is cool and you can bring your own alcohol, which means people stay and socialise more at the hostel. Breakfast is really nice and I had aircon in my room. Bathrooms are always clean and good internet. What more can I say, just stay here. Definitely go back.

My favourite hostel during all my travels in south america for six months! very clean, nice rooms, make sure to get air con it was too hot without! But the staff really make it ....especially Deivid, Jerome and Lobo!The owner Felipe helped us with everything to finding a good favela tour to calling a doctor when i needed one, even rang them to tell them i was coming!!! Only downside is not enough bathrooms and wifi is a bit slow..but they are working on it! Keep up the good work guys!!!

Books is the best hostel in lapa! If you want somewhere to meet people and have a few drinks its ideal. It's also nice to chill out in during the day. The wifis good, the breakfast was above average and the bathrooms are cleaned several times a day. If you can stay in the smaller rooms :) thank you felipe for the best few days!