Che Lagarto Budget - Copacabana Hostel

I stayed at the 304 Santa Clara Street hostel in April 2007. This one is not as fantastic as the one on Paul Redfern in Ipanema, but the staff is attentive, the breakfast was big and a good value. The rooms are a bit cramped, but have lockers, a bathroom per room, and acceptable air conditioning. Allows baggage storage and locker use on day of departure. The internet is a bit pricey, and did not work well. I could not send AOL messages, or open my messages with graphics or attachments. The place has a great feel--pool table, video area, outdoor tables, a fun, young crowd hanging out together in the evenings. I thought security was more than adequate, but heard a report of a mugging in the recent past, but I don't think it is worse than anywhere else in Rio. A bit of a hike to the beach, maybe 10 minutes. Clean bathrooms.