Post: #1

Since Brazil is a popular destination, I wanted to start a thread that has some suggestions for lodging throughout the country. If this goes well we can do dedicated threads for more countries.

I'll start.

Foz do Iguacu - Hostel Bambu (http://www.hostelbambu.com/)
Clean, newish hostel located in a decent area of town within walking distance of a large grocery store. The staff was very helpful and accommodating, giving me a free ride to the bus station when I left. WiFi, kitchen use, cable television, and hot water. I paid 30 reals a night for a 6 bed dorm room (about $15).

Rio de Janeiro - Mango Hostel (http://www.mangotreehostel.com/Home.aspx)
Probably the best hostel in Rio, mostly due to the fact that other hostels are so horrible. In a prime spot in Ipanema (across the street from Posto 9). The owner comes across as strict and no-nonsense but I had no problems. No WiFi but free computer use with internet. Nice living room. Unfortunately there is no kitchen use. Two blocks down is a great eatery called Delerio Tropical. The web site has prices.

If there is a place you stayed in Brazil, whether hotel, hostel, or short-term apartment, can you share it here? Some city suggestions: Fortaleza, Salvador, Recife, Belo Horizonte, Floripa, Porto Alegre, Sao Paulo, Brasilia.

Post: #2

I second Mango Hostel. Had excellent experiences there and I still keep in touch with the staff.

Post: #3

Yeah, Mango Tree was cool. Some good times there and can't beat the location. I've slept in nicer hostels but the hammock on the front porch is worth it alone. Could still get wifi from somewhere in the neighborhood. That's pretty much THE hostel to go to in Rio. Warning though, it's dangerous at night, though that's true of all of Rio. Hardly a day went by where a hostel-mate wasn't robbed literally right outside the front door. I got in the habit of taking a good look before I stepped out the door first. Don't let your guard down. Luckily I never got robbed. I think that's because I can blend in with the locals easily.

Post: #4

I have about 2 weeks to spend in Brazil in Nov/Dec this year before moving onto Argentina and Colombia. I will be flying into Sao Paulo, plan to stay there a few days and then catch the bus up to Rio.

Is there anywhere else around that area that is worth spending a few days in? I wouldn't mind getting out of the huge cities and check out some smaller towns. I am thinking it's better to stay up north rather than head down to Porto Allegre area. Any tips from those of you that have travelled there much appreciated!

Post: #5

Any suggestions on hostels for salvador, bahia or fortaleza for feb.-mar?

Post: #6

Good idea Roosh, I think we should have something similar for the major cities/countries in here. Would be very helpful.

For Rio, I usually stay at the Rio Othon Palace using my personal membership where I can get any week of the year for $650 and sometimes even as low as $250/week. I also used to stay and can emphatically recommend a nice little place I have stayed at numerous times, called Colinas Residenca, on Rua Saint Roman, in Ipanema. Very charming little hostel/hotel. I stayed at the hotel sections, where they have comfortable private rooms for 80Reais/night. That's the rate I paid up to 2009. Haven't been there since so I'd expect it now to be at 100R/night. It's a great little place, the people are very friendly and nice, located rght on the border of Ipanema and Copa, just 2 minutes from Ipanema Beach and Copa beach and Arpoador. As soon as you exit the place, you're on Visconte de Iparaja, chock full of stores, restaurants and all.

For Brasilia, I stay usually at one of the hotels in the Seitor Hoteleiro Zona Sul. In Zona Norte, hotels are about 20% cheaper than zona sul, while the two districts are just accross the street from each other.

I've been in various cities, in too many hotels to remember the names, but I'll say that use this site, it's a little get to me is http://www.hoteis.com.br but now seems to have changed to http://www.clickhoteis.com.br/Hoteis/# Site now has an engish version which can be useful to those who don't speak Portuguese. Prior to a trip to Brasil, this is the site I go to get good deals on hotels.