Discovery Hostel Rio

Stayed here for four nights with my boyfriend. We enjoyed a private room on the first floor and had fun overall at this small travelers hostel, but give it 4 stars with a few hesitations for couples traveling together.
For the good: Having stayed in many hostels across different countries, this one definitely has extremely helpful staff. Fluent in English, always with recommendations and great directions /​map help. They create a great group atmosphere in the hostel that welcomes everyone in and creates community for backpackers. Lots of night time activities sponsored and the hostel even has a little «bar» that opens up at night for ordering capirinihas (some of the cheapest and best in Rio!)
For the not-​so-​good: This hostel really has room for improvement on the bathrooms. They are tiny tiny tiny (room for 1 person at a time only) and quite stinky /​no frills whatsoever. This was the worst part of the hostel. Another thing to keep in mind is noise, as the place is quite small and noise really carried. A/​C only runs in evenings between 10PM and 10AM, which although not a deal breaker, made it difficult to be in the room during the daytime.
Overall, a very social spot for backpackers with a great friendly vibe but needs work in the bathroom sector.

I was nervous traveling to a country without knowing anyone and unable to speak Portuguese. When I landed and discovered the unexpectedly low number of English speakers, an ounce of regret crept into my mind. However, my negative feelings swiftly departed as soon as I stumbled into Discovery Hostel with my luggage. The embellished décor and adventurous vibe reassured me that I was about to have a blast! From the moment I booked the hostel to the moment I left, the staff never ceased in aiding my international adventure. The owners were frequently around to make sure everything was picture perfect and were eager for feedback from travelers. I had researched what I wanted to do in Rio, but after talking with the knowledgeable staff, I experienced unique activities unbeknownst to other well-​researched foreigners. What impressed me most was the balance between fun and comfort. The hostel would be hoppin for most of the evening but around 11pm everyone would go out, leaving whoever wanted to sleep in peace and tranquility. The location couldn’t be better. Gloria is close to Lapa (best nightlife) and Centro (culture and shopping) and the metro is down the street to take you for a 10 minute ride to beaches or anything else in the city. I was thrilled with my stay at Discovery. I have traveled to many countries and stayed in many hostels, but Discovery Hostel in Rio is by far the best hostel I’ve ever stayed at.

Voted the #1 hostel in Rio as well as Latin America… and I can see why.
One friend arrived before two of us and he described Discovery Hostel as a house. When we arrived, I could see what he meant. You walk into a reception area which is in the living room area. You’ll find that other people staying here will hang out and talk in the living room. There’s a kitchen which you’re able to use or store your perishables. The kitchen serves a complimentary breakfast during the early morning and has a bar with cheap drinks during the evenings.
The rooms are clean. What I loved about the rooms was that there is a nightlight and power outlet at each bed. I stayed in the all female room which had two bunk beds (3 beds high) and a private en suite bathroom. My only gripe was having to stay at the top bunk (they’re difficult to get up and down). This room is the only room with an en suite. Other than that, there are other male/​female dorm rooms and I believe two private rooms for two people.
Staff is helpful and friendly. Take advantage of their help for events and activities. Events and activities are updated daily at the reception board. You pay a bit more for some of the activities, but it usually includes transportation. We went to Marcana for a futebol/​soccer match which turned into a hostel outing. Another night we went to a club in Lapa.
WHAT TO KNOW:
*Cash only! You cannot pay anything by credit.
*Price is right. We each paid 164 Real (About $ 55) for 3 nights.
*Check-​in is not until 2pm and they do make you wait until then.
*Complimentary wifi… though it was a bit spotty for me.
*Bring your own towel and lock for your storage locker. If you forget either, you can purchase a lock or rent a towel.
*Short walk to Lapa and the colorful Escadaria Selaron steps.
*Metro station located half a block away so sites like Copacabana, transportation to the Christ statue, etc. is just a ride away.
*A cat lives at the hostel so beware if you have allergies.

Rated one of the best hostels in Latin America by trip advisor I can definitely see why. It’s centrally located close to Flamingo beach, Gloria metro station, and the famous Escadera Selaron, this is a great place to stay if you’re not necessarily looking to stay close to the pricey beach scene.
It’s just a few metro stops away from copa cabana so I didn’t feel inconvenienced at all!
Now for the place itself, it’s an intimate hostel with no more than 25 guests. It’s an house so you really get to meet everyone and make some great friends.
–plugs and lights by all the beds
— kitchen for use until midnight
— water filter
–cheap caipirinhas
— their own hostel logo memoribilia for sale which is awesome
— a HOSTEL KITTY. LIKE. Put a fork in me I’m done.
— one of the best breakfast spreads I’ve seen in South America (fruits, bruschetta, juices, coffee, etc)
— awesome public showers
— lockers for use
— 5 star security. You have to ring the bell to enter the hostel, there’s security cameras everywhere. And your bags are locked if you use their storage. Definitely a big thumbs up.
— the all girls dorm is awesome with a private bathroom and balcony
–great WiFi everywhere
— transfer to ilha grande
— did I mention there’s a hostel cat? Yeah. Book now.
**only thing is its cash only. Which sucks because ATMS in Rio are always so moody.