186 Lapa Central Hostel

The Manga gets good feedback for its friendly staff and great location. A 2012 opening updated some areas, but maintained elements like brick walls and the extra high ceilings of this historic property. The decor is playful and fun (if a bit kitschy), with bright pops of color. The public areas have funky details such as artwork, flags, hats, clocks, and lights. The lobby lounge has a bar that serves free Caipirinhas for 30 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays, while the second-level lounge features an LCD-TV and sofas with big throw pillows. Considering the low rates and party-centric neighborhood, this hostel mostly attracts young budget-minded travelers. 

The Manga Hostel is located along the famous Lavradrio street in Lapa, Centro. The neighborhood is famous for its lively weekend scene filled with thousands of people enjoying ice-cold beer or Caipirinhas at casual street restaurants and bars. Just about a five to 10-minute walk away is the Rio Scenarium, among the most famous bars in Brazil and the world, offering live samba music. The neighborhood is quite safe on weekend evenings -- with thousands of party-goers -- but during the week the streets get more quiet, and it is always smart to be more cautious and ask the front desk for safety tips.The hostel is within walking distance of some of the most exciting attractions in Rio de Janeiro. The historical Centro -- which is also the financial district -- has a lot to offer. Just a few minutes away is the Cathedral, that looks a bit odd from the outside, but has a lot of warmth inside. Praza Quince area is the heart of the colonial time Brazil with imperial palaces, statues, old baroque and rococo churches, and charming cobblestone streets. The area offers several bars and restaurants worth exploring.The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema can be easily reached by the metro in some 20 minutes. The international airport (Galeão) is about 20 minutes away (by taxi) and the domestic airport of Santos Dumont can be reached in 10 minutes. Music bars, cafes, street restaurants, clubs and samba dance halls are all in the vicinity.

The Manga Hostel -- launched in 2012 -- features six private rooms that all have air-conditioning. Some have private bathrooms, while others are shared. A couple of the rooms facing the street have small French balconies. The front rooms offer high ceilings, cabinets, LCD TVs, and bathrooms that have a fresh and clean look. They come with small shower areas. As they are facing the street, they may be a bit noisy. Rooms added in 2014 are quite small. They have no private bathrooms, nor adequate in-room storage space. However, they have LCD TVs and air-conditioning.The hostel also offers four dorm rooms with four to 23 beds. All have air-conditioning and adequate storage lockers. One eight-bed dorm is for women only, while the others are mixed. The shared bathrooms look modern and are reasonably clean.

The Manga Hostel offers simple, comfy public areas. The main lobby features a billiard table, some tables and chairs, and a funky bar that gives out free _Caipirinha _drinks during happy hour (actually a half-hour) on the weekends. The second level has a TV lounge with a desktop computer for guests' use.The courtyard offers space for smokers and those wishing to grill food. Adjacent is a well-equipped kitchen with two full refrigerators, a stove, and a kitchen countertop with cups, plates, and utensils.The front desk staff receives good feedback for friendliness. They are linked to the Rio Hostel network and are well aware of parties and outdoor activities (hang gliding, treks, boat parties, etc.) in and around the city. They also sell tickets to city tours, as well football games in the Maracanã stadium. Tickets are also available for samba shows, and before the world famous Rio Samba Carnival, to the rehearsals (which are more like parties) of Rio's elite samba schools.