Brazil Travel & Tourism News
RIO DE JANEIRO – The Brazilian Federation of Youth Hostels (FBAJ) announced Monday their annual ranking of the 10 best-rated hostels in Brazil.
The ratings are based on evaluations made by Brazilian and foreign travelers and takes into account only hostels affiliated with the worldwide network HI (Hostelling International), represented in Brazil by FBAJ.
In total, there are about a hundred hostels in Brazil, which meet the requirements necessary to affiliate with HI.
Among the qualities evaluated by travelers are service quality, comfort, cleanliness, location, security and the helpfulness of staff.
On the list of hostels that received the highest scores, seven are in the Northeast: one in Ceara (in first place), four in Bahia and two in Rio Grande do Norte.
Other than the northeastern hostels, making the list are an establishment in Ubatuba (Sao Paulo), one in Florianópolis (Santa Catarina) and one in Curitiba (Parana).
Brazil’s ten best hostels all have English language websites and English-speaking staff.
Brazil’s Top Ten Hostels
One: Jeri Brasil Hostel – Jericoacoara, Ceara
Opened four years ago, the hostel leads the ranking for the first time (last year it rated fourth). One hundred meters from the beach, it offers wireless Internet, restaurant, laundry and tours of the region. Besides dorms (for six people), there are options for families and couples. Some units feature air conditioning. Site: www.jeribrasil.com.br
Two: Pipa Hostel – Praia de Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte
The hostel on the famous beach of Rio Grande do Norte has a swimming pool, barbecue area, TV room, pool table and a small library. There are options for shared rooms for couples and families. Some of the have air conditioning, refrigerator and balcony with hammock, free Wi-Fi. Site: www.pipahostel.com.br
Three: Tribo Hostel – Ubatuba, Sao Paulo
Located on the Lazarus Beach, it has a swimming pool, barbecue, living room and kitchen. Breakfast is complete with fruit, bread, cake, cold juice, milk, hot chocolate, coffee and tea. It offers games and racquetball for guests and has a bike rental service. Site: www.ubatubahostel.com
Four: Hostel Chapada – Lencois, Bahia
Located in a historic mansion built in 1870 in the city center, the hostel offers male and female dorms, as well as options for couples and families. The yard features fruit trees, barbecue and Wi-Fi. Site: www.hostelchapada.com.br
Five: Arraial D’Ajuda Hostel – Arraial D’Ajuda, Bahia
This hostel, in the city center and 400 meters from the beach, has a swimming pool with hydro spa, green area, snack bar, game room, Internet and TV. The apartments have air conditioning, mini fridge and a balcony with a hammock overlooking the pool. Site: www.arraialdajudahostel.com.br
Six: Lua Cheia Hostel – Natal, Rio Grande do Norte
This hostel is literally a castle – located in a building imitating a midlevel castle – it is one of the best-known hostels in Brazil. Located in Ponta Negra, it has a medieval tavern and organizes an extensive program of entertainment for guests, including trips, samba circles and masked balls. The sounds of Gregorian chants and opera accompany breakfast. Site: www.luacheia.com.br
Seven: Barra da Lagoa Hostel – Florianopolis, Santa Catarina
Located in the middle of a small fishing community, 150 meters from the beach, this hostel features a cafeteria, dorms and rooms for couples all with fan and solar heating. Site: www.alberguesfloripa.com.br
Eight: Praia do Forte Hostel – Mata de Sao Joao, Bahia
This hostel has 23 apartments, seven of them communal. The newer ones are private, spacious and air-conditioned. The dining room faces and internal garden. Site: www.albergue.com.br
Nine: Eco Hostel Curitiba – Curitiba, Parana
Located in a 7 km² (1,730-acre) green area with native trees and a stream, the Eco-friendly hostel has a swimming pool, hammocks and rooms with bathrooms. Besides breakfast, there is an option for homemade lunch and dinner. Site: www.curitibaecohostel.com.br
Ten: Itacare Hostel – Itacare, Bahia
Located in a colonial house on Itacare’s main street, the hostel has a lounge with TV, DVD, games, movies and computers with Internet. Some of its 19 suites are air-conditioned and overlook the sea. Site: www.itacarehostel.com.br
