I've been in Saquarema last February and what a great surprise Ii had with the very nice city and amazing beaches. The average prices are half than Rio prices. I recommend to visit Saquarema -- it's really nice and sunny!
Búzios … Buzios is a small resort town with a bunch of mediocre hotels, restaurants, and it's full of old people and mothers pushing baby buggies. This town is overhyped and needs a facelift.
[I deleted the long story about his taxi being searched etc because I didn't know how relevant it was for a city comment and it was also hard to understand, but if it should be put back in let me know.]
Rio de Janeiro … This is a somewhat overrated city, although it does have its charm. The girls do not live up their reputation. The sea on the beaches is a bit rough -- extreme caution when venturing in. I even saw a helicopter rescue, apparently a common occurrence on the beach, so watch out! The area of Lapa where the "famous" nightlife goes on is seedy and rundown. You need to have your wits about you. Still, I would go back although often I suspect people say this place is wonderful as a default statement, but the reality is a little different.
Rio de Janeiro … The girls of Rio are the best in Brazil (and in the world). Lapa is great, Rio is great.
Rio de Janeiro … It's for people who want to meet great and wonderful people and beautiful beaches. It's the greatest city in Brazil, but be careful!
HI - Arraial do Cabo - Marina dos Anjos Hostel in Arraial do Cabo … i had an amazing stay here and ended up extending it. i was the only guest at the time (low season), and the rest of the rooms were taken up by boarders for a local industrial project, so i cannot comment on the social scene, but the staff was amazing and the place absolutely beautiful.
Aquario Pousada - Hostel in Ilha Grande … This place was fair savage, though we did have to spend the first night in the Favallah House because there were no rooms. But it was of our own acceptance...they don't usually give it out. Great location!!
Albergue Praia dos Amores Hostel in Búzios … Very Good Hostel!
The most inexpensive way to stay in Buzios!
Simple, Clean and Confortable.
Great Breakfast and very good location.
Welcoming staff.
Hostel Harmonia in Rio de Janeiro … We had a great time in Rio, fun and nice people but the hostel is very tiny, small rooms for 6 people and just a small social area.
HI - Rio das Ostras - Entrada do Coqueiro Hostel in Rio das Ostras … The hostel is located only a few steps from the beach, and this is awesome, but the breakfast is served from 10 to 11 a.m., which makes you miss basically half of your day waiting for it to be served. The reception is always closed and there is no one there to help you if you have any doubts or need any service. The owner and her mom, who helps her run the place, couldn't care less and are almost rude sometimes. Definitely the worst hostel experience I've had in Brazil so far.
Pousada Praia Serena in Paraty … If the welcome, location, cleanliness, price, friendliness of the owners' pool, hammocks, sheer tranquility and quietness of this hostel do not make you think that it is one of the best in South America, then the homemade carrot cake you get at breakfast certainly will!!! A fantastic place to stay and chill out. I could not recommend this place any more! Stop reading this review and book the place!!
Pousada Itauna Inn in Saquarema … Staying at the Itauna Inn was one of the best experiences I had in South America - I planned 4 days here and ended up staying for almost 3 weeks. The beach is beautiful, there are great resaurants close by and Otavio and Roberto are the coolest hotel managers in the world. Get a room with a view if you can (upstairs or at the front).
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