Quiet location in a historic building on a side street
Three blocks from Ipanema Beach and near a metro line
Breakfast is included in the room rate
Private rooms (with some attached bathrooms) and dormitory space
Stocked bar with daily drink specials
Free Wi-Fi in the public areas
Small outdoor swimming pool
Communal kitchen, pool table (in poor condition), and lounge with a flat-screen TV
Affordable option for budget travelers
Noticeable wear and tear
Some rooms have shared bathrooms
Private rooms are tiny and have little storage space
Could use a thorough scrubbing
Nightly noise from partying guests (especially on weekends)
No restaurant or parking on-site
The two-pearl Bonita Ipanema opened in 2008, one block away from Praza General Osorio, in the heart of Ipanema on a quiet side-street location in an historical building. It was once home to the composer of "The Girl from Ipanema." Today, the hostel offers 25 simple private rooms (some with a private bathroom) and four dormitories. Rooms are basic and tiny with obvious damage, especially in the bathrooms. Wi-Fi and breakfast are free. Guests can cook in the communal kitchen or party with inexpensive drinks from the bar next to the small outdoor pool. The majority of guests are young backpackers on a budget and the nightly noise level is indicative of the crowd.
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Scene
Casual and cozy hostel that needs maintenance work
The Bonita Ipanema is a friendly hostel with a helpful staff and party vibe. From 1962 to 1965 the bright pink house was home to the famous Brazilian singer/composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, who wrote "The Girl from Ipanema." Today, it's been divided up into 25 private rooms and four dormitories, a communal kitchen, lounge, and outdoor areas with a small swimming pool. There's worn tropical decor and bright colors throughout. The reception area is little more than a scratched wooden desk, rack of t-shirts, and a dresser that holds brochures. Candid photos of past guests hang on the wall and a sagging peach-colored sofa provides a spot to sit. Bird cage pattern wallpaper adds a touchy of whimsy. The hostel is mainly frequented by young travelers and anyone seeking a more affordable bed in expensive Rio de Janeiro.
Location
Ipanema location two blocks from the beach
The Bonita Ipanema has an excellent location on a quiet side street a block away from the General Osorio Plaza and two blocks from Ipanema beach. The plaza is well known for its fun Hippy Market, which sells handmade products, souvenirs, and homemade food every Sunday. The beach is popular among surfers, beach volleyball, and beach tennis players. Often, the surf or the undercurrents are too dangerous for swimmers, so watch out for the red flags. Nearby streets are filled with small shops, ethnic restaurants, Brazilian food, and juice bars. Copacabana is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the hostel. Note that parking isn't available on-site.
Rooms
Bleak bathrooms and tiny private rooms
The hostel offers four dormitories and 25 private rooms in two categories: Standard and Premium. The rooms are basic and tiny, and most have noticeable wear and tear, like scuffed walls, tile torn off bathroom floors, and chipped paint. Some rooms have an air conditioner, others just have a ceiling fan. Private rooms include rusty safes and twin beds pushed together to make a double bed. Fuzzy blue and brown bedding looks less than ideal, especially in the tropical heat. Dormitories are crowded with creaky wooden bunk beds. Guests should pack their own locks for using the lockers but thin towels are provided for the shower. Noise from the on-site bar is a regular problem, though it's probably easier to pack earplugs or join the party than to get the music and celebrating to stop. Wi-Fi isn't available in the rooms.
Features
Free buffet breakfast and Wi-Fi in public areas
A free breakfast buffet of cold cuts, cakes, and toast is served every morning but there isn't a restaurant for lunch or dinner. There is a stocked bar with daily drink specials and bags of Ruffles for sale. A communal kitchen is available for cooking and stashing food in the refrigerator. The staff occasionally throws a barbecue party next to the small pool. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, and there's a desktop computer with a printer free for guests' use in the lobby. Laundry service is available for a fee.
