Aquarela do Leme

If you’re a backpacker looking for a place in Rio that feels like home, Aquarela Hostel should be on your list. From the moment you walk in, the staff is welcoming and makes you feel like you’re more than just a guest. It’s a laid-back, friendly vibe that puts you at ease right away. The rooms and common spaces are super clean—something you really appreciate when you’ve been on the road for a while. The beds are comfortable, so you can actually get a good night’s sleep, and the rooms have everything you need without feeling cramped. One of the best parts is the rooftop bar, which has an amazing view of the city. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day, meet other travelers, or just enjoy the sunset. And then there’s the breakfast—it’s seriously up there with what you’d expect in a fancy hotel, so you’re set for the day. Aquarela isn’t just a hostel, it feels like a little home base in Rio, with people who genuinely care about your stay. Definitely worth checking out if you want a comfortable, welcoming place while you explore the city.

I had an amazing stay at Aquarela Do Leme, which I contribute to the owners, Marielle and Thibaut, who goes out of their way to accommodate the guests of their establishment; their staff is likewise of this mindset, which further magnifies the hospitable atmosphere. Additionally, they have a working area, great for digital nomads, of which there where quite of few staying for this reason. There's also a rooftop a gym-area, lounge area and a rooftop bar with a great bartender; shout-out to Adriel :D ! The hostel is bright, has great views and a even greater location, being situated at the beginning of the tourist-friendly Babilonia area, just 5 min north of the superb Leme beach, where I spent oceans of time. Moreover it's a short walk of max 15 min to the nearest subway station, whereby youre connected to the rest of the City of Rio. I ended up spending 3 months at the hostel, although my initial plan was to stay for about 6 weeks, and I guess this stands as a great testimony to the exceptionally pleasant environment facilitated by the owners, staff and guests of Aquarela Do Leme. For the same reason, I met quite a few returners, and I now believe that I'll be yet another returner at the end of this year! See you all soon, and thank you for a great stay!!

Probably the best hostel I have ever stayed in. The attention to detail in the rooms here is amazing, it makes for such a comfortable stay. The breakfast is wonderful and is full of freshly baked and home made goods. The staff are what make the place special, you feel like family. The hostel is in lemme which is a really cool area and it is up a pacified favela. As a young female traveller I had no issues walking up to the hostel, the area is as safe as can be, whether you walk up at 1pm or 1am, you have no reason to be concerned.

This hostel is really amazing. Its location is near Leme beach and inside a pacified Favela Vibe so its cool to exprience in Rio de Janeiro. Felt completely safe area there. The best breakfast to start the day. The bed is comfortable with a Pod Style bed (with your own curtain for privacy, light, personal shelves and charging plugs). The hospitality of the owner and the team are amazing. They can always recommend trips, events and hikes. It has a good communal area where you can easily meet people from all over the world. It also has a co working space where when you need to focus with your work, you can easily do it. My favourite space will be to rooftop bar where you can chill, meet people or even work and drink an in-house caipirinha. Highly recommended for a great stay in Rio de Janeiro...

This is the BEST hostel I stayed in !!! Very safe, clean, good vibes, family atmosphere… the owners are amazing, as well as the volunteer team. Major bonus : the gym spot in the rooftop ! Breakfast is fresh and delicious every morning, beautiful coworking place, the area is very safe as well. You will make tons of friends and memories! The only danger in aquarela is to stay more than expected 🙃