Rio Hostel Review

MANGO TREE

We booked this hostel when we first booked the trip to ensure that we had somewhere to stay for when we first got in to Rio. 

Facilities 

Mango Tree had an inside lounge to chill in, an outside eating area which could be covered in case of rain, aswell as hammocks littered around the place. They had a kitchen which could be used anytime after 11 till 10, where it would be locked. Wifi was alright here, but it really depended on where you were but it worked all the same. There was also computers here that were free to use. 

Breakfast 

Breakfast was really good here, there was a large selection of fruit, cereal, yogurt aswell as cake, bread, cheese and ham. Drinks wise, there was fresh juice and coffee, tea etc. it was nice because the area used was quite big so you could meet people at breakfast and see what they were doing in the day. What I liked about the hostel was that despite us checking in very early they allowed us to have breakfast in the first day we were there- something other hostels may not have done. 

Showers/Toilets 

The showers were powerful although getting them hot was sometimes a bit difficult. If you do stay here I would recommend if you are girl, using the ones in the main building upstairs because it is larger, if not the one on the first floor of the other dorm building. There is nothing wrong with the others, I just found that these were the nicest ones.

Staff 

Staff were really nice and helpful on arrival, like I said allowing us to have breakfast and carrying our bags. The reception is 24 hour aswell and someone will always be there to let you in and greet youas you  come in. Some staff have varying levels of English so if you do know bits of Portuguese this is early helpful or even Spanish as many members of staff could understand this also. Staff and the books put together by the hostel were really helpful especiallyregarding the transport for the big attractions. When we extended our stay, they also ensured we were in the same room to stop us having to move all of our stuff around, which was very well appreciated.

Value for Money 

This was on the more expensive side costing around £16 each per night but I would prefer to have paid slightly more and be in safer area, with lockers and nice and friendly staff. 

Dorms 

The room was nice, slightly small but because of the big common areas, this didn't really make a difference. There were large lockers underneath the bed which a padlock and key were provided for. There was also further lockers near reception which you could use your own lock on. *TIP* use the lockers provided to put all your essentials in like toiletries etc, then out valuables and the key for your room locker in the locker in reception because this means you don't have to take the key out with you thus risking the chance of losing the key. 

Location 

We chose to stay in Ipanema because it is one of the safer areas on Rio, you could stay in Copacabana however we were advised it can be quite dangerous at night, the same for Lapa. Athere re were good public transport links from our hostel with two bus stops very close to us. Plus, you are round the corner from Ipanema beach and about a 15 minute walk from Copacabana. 

OVERALL

I would really recommend splurging that but extra and staying at Mango Tree, the staff go out their way, the breakfast is good and the location is good too. What is not to like?

Imogen xoxo