HI - Paraty - Casa do Rio Hostel has quite a convenient location -- only a short walk from the bus station, historical centre, shops, and amenities. However, having no co-ed dorms and only one private room, it is not very couple-friendly.
The Location
From the bus terminal you should expect a ten-minute walk approximately. Walk North down Rua Manoel S Padua, turn right onto Ave. Roberto Silveira then take your next left onto Rua Joao Do Prado and the HI Hostel is signposted from here.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorms (single-sex only, no co-ed), seem to vary in size and quality with those at the back of the hostel probably being the best option as they are away from the road and kitchen noise. Most dorms have an en-suite bathroom, which, again, vary in size. If you end up in Room 1, take care when closing the bathroom door as there is no handle and the door sticks! Whilst the rooms are clean (daily housekeeping service), the pillows in a few rooms smell unpleasant. The dorms are lockable by key but there are no in-room lockers -- lockers are available upon request and are located behind the reception area. Most dorms have no air conditioning (those that do incur an additional daily fee for its use) but there are ceiling fans. There is only one private room here so book well in advance if you want it!
Common Spaces
There is one common area outside (mostly under-cover) next to the reception, with a couple of large tables and wooden chairs, a book exchange, and a TV. There is also a drinks/snack bar here, a couple of hammocks, and furthest from reception is a tiny pool and a decking area overlooking the river with more tables/chairs. There is a separate TV room where you can watch DVDs or cable but this is in a different building (three houses down from the hostel). This is quite a sociable hostel with a good mix of people but somehow lacking in atmosphere.
The guest kitchen is nice, clean, and quite well equipped although strangely the act of frying is expressly forbidden here! There is a filtered-water dispenser, which is a nice touch -- it offers fresh, chilled water at all times. There is no Wi-Fi but guests can use one of the hostel's four computer terminals for a modest extra charge. There is no sign of the gym/fitness room mentioned in the hostel description. The hostel does have its own boat and jeep, however, which it uses to run tours at a reasonable price.
Summary
This is an ok hostel, although it feels quite cramped at times, and the pillows should definitely be replaced! On the plus side, there is plenty of information on local activities and the breakfast is good and plentiful.
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
March 2009
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