Looking for unique and budget-friendly lodging in Rio? Brazilian Guru recommends two cool hostels in the Leblon neighborhood.

Leblon and Ipanema

Written by Brazilian Guru

Traveling around the world on a budget? If one of your stops is Rio de Janeiro, I’ve got the places for you! The marvelous city has become very expensive for the common traveler. So during a short stay in Rio last year, I was on a mission to find affordable and cool places in town.

Mission accomplished. I found two great hostel options in the upscale and trendy neighborhood of Leblon. However, before making any pre-judgment, I booked a stay in both places to get an in-depth opinion of each establishment.

Lounge at Z.Bra. Photo: Brazilian Guru

First stop, Z. Bra hostel. This place is located on Av. General San Martin only one block away from the beach. The hostel offers a very modern atmosphere with neon colored sofas, tables and chairs in the lounge area, and purple capsule-looking bunk beds in the rooms. The staff is very friendly and super keen on sharing local tips of their home city. One thing that really differentiated this hostel from others is the individual bathrooms, each one has a toilet and shower so you can close the door and have some privacy. The prices start at R$41, and includes a tasty breakfast of toast, coffee, jam and cheese.

Z.Bra website: z.brahostel.com

Common room in Leblon Spot. Photo: Brazilian Guru

Next Leblon Spot. Here I felt truly at home. While the other hostel is more targeted to the young party crowd, here the architecture is composed of wooden furniture and a large living room with white sofas and a flat screen TV. In the common area, there is an American style kitchen with large counters, which makes breakfast all the more sociable. The rooms are simple, white walls and bunk beds. The bathrooms are in locker room style, however everything is very clean. The location is a little further away from the beach on Rua Dias Ferreira, which is where all the best bars are located. Prices start at R$55 a person.

Leblon Spot website: leblonspot.com

Aside from the awesome price, these two spots are great places to meet cool travelers with great stories to tell. I know I did, and they are my friends to this day!

Brazilian Guru is a travel blog written directly from Brazil! Check us out for travel tips, good restaurants, fabulous parties, beautiful beaches and only the best of Brazil at http://brazilianguru.com/.