The Hostelz.com Review
Che Lagarto Hostel Copacabana is not great to look at. Upon entering, it is dark, loud, and hot -- especially as we were incorrectly put in a cramped and tiny ten-bed dormitory with very weak air conditioning when we had ordered a six-bed dorm. The atmosphere is not great or inviting. There is no towel either, as described on their listing. In addition, the hostel is not really self-catering either. The kitchen is locked at times and it looks like more of an industrial kitchen rather than an inviting one to make simple meals.
The Location
The hostel is very easy to find -- it's about a block or two away from a busy road with very frequent buses. The hostel is also in quite a quiet area of town which is a relief from the noise in more busy areas. There are many local shops, eateries, and a supermarket nearby. Parking appears to be available too.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are secure with door locks and large luggage locker areas under the beds. We were originally put in the wrong dorm as we had arrived late and the staff had mislaid our booking. After this night, to make up for the mistake, we were upgraded for free to a double private, which is relatively luxurious (towels and soap are complimentary in these rooms). However, it is not truly free because the hostel uses a fixed historical exchange rate, which means the customer loses out big time while the hostel gains. This leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
The are hot and sticky toilets need a good scrub and have quite a lot of flies. Showers are hot and cold, which is very annoying, although the shower rooms appear to be clean and there is space to change in the showers with hooks for your clothes and soap dishes.
Common Spaces
The common areas are in good shape. There is a pool table -- you can play for free -- that doubles as the breakfast table with all sorts of cereals, juices, breads, cakes, and hot drinks. There is also an in-house bar, but the drinks are more expensive than elsewhere. This is similar to the trips and future accommodation at the chain's other hostels they want to book -- it is much cheaper to organise yourself. The lounge is clean and comfortable with TV and DVDs available. A downside to the sofas available throughout the hostel is that there always seems to be someone sleeping on them at all hours of the day and night -- including the staff. The internet is not free, although it is very very cheap and has a good connection.
There are lots of inside and outside seating and tables, which means that the hostel is a social hostel, but not overly so. If you want to have a good party, this is also possible as the hostel organises nights out. Even though the hostel is a no-smoking building, smoking does take place on the premises. The hostel will also store your luggage if you check in too early or your transport is not until later in the day. The hostel also has a very good book exchange.
Summary
On the whole, there are bad and good points about this hostel, so if you're prepared you can have a good stay here. The staff speak very good English, so most queries can be addressed properly.
The Location
The hostel is very easy to find -- it's about a block or two away from a busy road with very frequent buses. The hostel is also in quite a quiet area of town which is a relief from the noise in more busy areas. There are many local shops, eateries, and a supermarket nearby. Parking appears to be available too.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are secure with door locks and large luggage locker areas under the beds. We were originally put in the wrong dorm as we had arrived late and the staff had mislaid our booking. After this night, to make up for the mistake, we were upgraded for free to a double private, which is relatively luxurious (towels and soap are complimentary in these rooms). However, it is not truly free because the hostel uses a fixed historical exchange rate, which means the customer loses out big time while the hostel gains. This leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
The are hot and sticky toilets need a good scrub and have quite a lot of flies. Showers are hot and cold, which is very annoying, although the shower rooms appear to be clean and there is space to change in the showers with hooks for your clothes and soap dishes.
Common Spaces
The common areas are in good shape. There is a pool table -- you can play for free -- that doubles as the breakfast table with all sorts of cereals, juices, breads, cakes, and hot drinks. There is also an in-house bar, but the drinks are more expensive than elsewhere. This is similar to the trips and future accommodation at the chain's other hostels they want to book -- it is much cheaper to organise yourself. The lounge is clean and comfortable with TV and DVDs available. A downside to the sofas available throughout the hostel is that there always seems to be someone sleeping on them at all hours of the day and night -- including the staff. The internet is not free, although it is very very cheap and has a good connection.
There are lots of inside and outside seating and tables, which means that the hostel is a social hostel, but not overly so. If you want to have a good party, this is also possible as the hostel organises nights out. Even though the hostel is a no-smoking building, smoking does take place on the premises. The hostel will also store your luggage if you check in too early or your transport is not until later in the day. The hostel also has a very good book exchange.
Summary
On the whole, there are bad and good points about this hostel, so if you're prepared you can have a good stay here. The staff speak very good English, so most queries can be addressed properly.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
February 2011
Their Description
Che Lagarto Suites Copacabana Anita Details
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Che Lagarto Suites Copacabana Anita Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
For the price I paid, I expected more This hostel is based in a very old looking house with aged floors and walls. I wish breakfast was served earlier, 9 AM is just not a good time for those of us who like to get up early and And get right on to the sight-seeing and/or other stuff. I was in Rio for the Pan American game and the events I was going to started at 10 AM. I did not get my breakfast on one morning and arrived super late at the event on the other because I just refused to leave without a breakfast I had paid for! With most hostels I have stayed at, breakfast is usually served either at 7 or at 8, 9 is a bit late I think. The computers have super old software and are painfully slow. It took hours to upload some pictures. The one thing that is super awesome about this place is the location. It's close to a 24 hour grocery store and bus stops and other good places. — Leila Pereira , Brazilian (2007-07-23) I checked out some 4 hostels in Copacabana and this one is definitely a winner. The location is the decisive factor - it's located in one of the quietest spots in the neighborhood. Can't say that it's the best hostel I've seen, but if you look for one in Copacabana it's probably your best bet. — Victor (2006-08-23) the hostel has a great location, close to Copacabana beach, to bus lines and to stores and banks. some rooms have private bathroom some don't. friendly kitchen staff, long breakfast, so no need to get up early. i recommend it. — bluerain (2005-08-28) Excellent vibe, lots of fun, and really friendly staff and people. It's in a good location to get to other parts of the city and attractions. Well worth the stay. — Anonymous (2004-08-19)