Books Hostel

Rio de Janeiro · Brazil

Books Hostel

HostelPunk Score
85% GOOD-ISH
High confidence 554 reviews
Best in Rio de Janeiro
No bed bug reports in 554 analyzed reviews
No incentivized-review patterns detected in 554 analyzed reviews

Tags

Facilities

🍳 COOKER 👕 Laundry 🍳 Free Breakfast 🍺 Bar
Other facilities (36)
Free WiFi Free Internet Access Bicycle Parking Luggage Storage 24 Hour Reception Tours/Travel Desk Housekeeping Reception (Limited Hours) Internet Access Book Exchange PlayStation DVD's Cable TV Wi-Fi Table Tennis Smart TV Linen Included Air Conditioning Hair Dryers Ceiling Fan Charging Plugs Tea & Coffee Making Facilities Filtered Water Dispenser Towels For Hire Late Check-out Security Lockers 24 Hour Security CCTV in Common Areas Fire Extinguishers First Aid Kits Common Room Games Room Lounge Room Hot Showers Recycling Bins Flexible NRR

Prices

Dorms $25 / night
Privates $99 / night

HW prices from today

Worst reviews

Guatemala FEMALE 25-30 Sep 22, 2025 2.0/10

Terrible, las camas, la atención en el desayuno, el olor en los cuartos, terrible

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India MALE 18-24 Jul 14, 2025 2.0/10

Requesting everyone to think 10 times before booking this property. The property is no more as described or shown anywhere.

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France MALE 25-30 Apr 30, 2025 2.0/10

Une des pires expériences que j’ai eu en hostel. L’établissement est dans un état déplorable : pas d’eau chaude pendant tout mon séjour, des lits vétustes avec des draps douteux. Mais le pire reste l’accueil : à part Lucy et Sofia qui ont été adorables, le reste du personnel est tout simplement à fuir. J’ai même été insulté sans raison, ce qui m’a complètement choqué. Je ne comprends absolument pas la note de cet endroit, elle ne reflète en rien la réalité. Franche...

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Netherlands FEMALE 31-40 Apr 24, 2025 2.0/10

De meid die me welkom heette was vriendelijk. Echter waren er veel dingen onvoldoende. Mijn lakens waren smerig, de afstandsbediening van de airco was kwijt en toen ik deze ging vragen zei ze dat de airco centraal werd aangezet maar dit was niet het geval. De kamer was vochtig en vuil en rook muf. Ook de toiletten en douches waren beneden de maat. Ik ben na één nacht uitgecheckt en heb de feedback ook gegeven. Hij zou checken of ik geld terug kon krijgen maar ik heb niks meer gehoord.

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Ireland MALE Jan 21, 2025 2.0/10

Very poorly run and very clicky atmosphere did not feel welcome at all. Bars music does not stop and very loud all night. So if you plan to get up for a trip u will not sleep till very late. Management let 7 men gang up on one man then kicked out the poor man as if it was he’s fault !! Staff very rude ! Breakfast was barely edible! Did not feel safe at all plz do not waste your money ! Staff included grabbing this man by the neck !!!

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USA FEMALE 25-30 Dec 19, 2024 2.0/10

Stayed one night and wanted to leave immediately. Rooms were dirty, there was black mold all over the shower and shower curtains. Never experienced the “vibes” other reviews had. Our friend had multiple days here and cancelled them after the one night I honestly don’t know how this place has so many good reviews.

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USA MALE Jan 1, 2024 2.0/10

This hostel lacks the basic minimum. No air condition and we are in tropical Rio. Bathroom is below standards. No towels.

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USA MALE 31-40 Jun 23, 2023 2.0/10

My friend and I went to check in to the Books Hostel and after seeing the room (which had zero lockers for your belongings) immediately checked out and went back to the other hostel we were staying at in Rio. I am sure it has a good party vibe and is in a fantastic location for night life. All in all though the lack of having a secure locker and the cleanliness of the room went into our decision to abandon our stay there. Staff was alright but it took them a bit to even answer the door when we f...

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England FEMALE 25-30 Feb 28, 2023 2.0/10

Stayed 3 out of original 8 nights as room was infestisted with bedbugs. I still haven't manage to get rid of them and now have 100+ bites on my body (more everyday.Manager was sympathetic and gave a full refund & bough me meds but I keep having to pay to wash my clothes as they've followed me everywhere so I'm out of pocket. They still let new people sleep in the room with bedbugs. DO NOT USE THIS HOSTEL!! Several bites are now infected and I will need antibiotics. They told me it happens often.

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Canada MALE 25-30 Feb 16, 2023 2.0/10

This place is so overrated. Not worth the money at all. It’s an old building and inside feels old and dirty. The location is in a dangerous location. Not much going on as far as activities either. They closed the main courtyard at 11 pm, forcing everyone to go out to the bars instead of having the option of socializing indoors. Not the party hostel I expected it to be.

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Recent reviews

Netherlands MALE 18-24 May 4, 2026 Atm 100%

I had an amazing stay at books. Great vibes and definitely the most social hostel I‘ve been to in Latin America. Make sure u seize the happy hour, u‘ll never find caipirinhas this cheap anywhere in brazil;)

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England MALE 18-24 May 1, 2026 Atm 100%

A second time visiting within 3 months for my trip. A great place to call home for your stay in Rio - the staff treat you like family with a welcoming attitude and provide all the facilities you will need. André as the frontman for the staff here is an exceptional host who goes above and beyond to ensure all guests are catered for. Beds are clean and comfy, bathrooms have clean showers and the breakfast is to die for. Will be back next year for carnival!

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USA MALE 31-40 Apr 25, 2026 Atm 100%

Vibes. Everyone from reception to the bartenders. Pure vibes.

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England COUPLE 25-30 Apr 17, 2026 Atm 80%

This is a party hostel but there could be more organisation from the team for organised events other than just the football match/beer pong. If you’re looking for a party hostel then you will be fine but if you want any chill time there isn’t really anywhere to be. Unfortunately in the three nights we stayed the water wasn’t working on four occasions. I know this isn’t the hostel’s fault, but it made being in a sweaty dorm room in Rio difficult to feel any ounce of clean.

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England FEMALE 18-24 Apr 16, 2026 Atm 100%

Books foreverrrr! Andre and Philippe (and the rest of the staff) are incredible. I came back five separate times on my trip. Rooms and bathrooms are always clean, free breakfast is great. Right in the heart of Lapa, 15 minute walk to the cathedral, Saara, Centro, the Portuguese Library, Gloria Market, Selaron Steps etc. The vibes are amazing and I will 100% be back - they really have created a family

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England MALE 25-30 Apr 10, 2026 Atm 100%

Well located and a good atmosphere.

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Germany FEMALE 18-24 Apr 9, 2026 Atm 100%

Sehr tolles hostel. Immer etwas los und tolle Angebote.

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Algeria MALE 31-40 Apr 7, 2026 Atm 100%

I really like this hostel, the stuff wass amazing 🔥

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Germany MALE 25-30 Apr 5, 2026 Atm 100%

Die Unterkunft war für ein Hostel sehr in Ordnung und man kann sehr leicht neue Leute kennenlernen. Vor allem ist das Personal sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.

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Belgium FEMALE 18-24 Apr 4, 2026 Atm 100%

Super leuk hostel! Ging normaal voor 4 nachten blijven heb verlengd tot bijna 2 weken…🙃 De vrijwilligers zijn super vriendelijk en elke avond is er wel iets te doen!! De activiteiten zijn ook altijd fijn! Ik kom zeker terug!:)

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England MALE 18-24 Apr 3, 2026 Atm 100%

Amazing stay! Was unsure at first how it was a party hostel but it transforms at night. Great vibes and great people to meet. The breakfast was brilliant for the price and the location is good. The dorm rooms could be better as they look a little old.

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Mexico MALE 31-40 Apr 2, 2026 Atm 100%

I had a good time in this hostel, amazing and friendly staff, Andre and all the crew were there all the time to help and always with a smile, this place feels like being home, good party and good vibes.

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England MALE 25-30 Mar 26, 2026 Atm 100%

Books was recommended to me for it's amazing people and it did not disappoint! I feel it could be easy to feel lost in a city like Rio but the team at books make you feel welcome and safe as soon as you enter the door. a real family!

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England MALE Mar 24, 2026 Atm 60%

Staff was excellent.

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England MALE 25-30 Mar 23, 2026 Atm 100%

I’ve stayed at Books a few times now and it always feels like coming home. Lovely atmosphere, genuinely friendly people and a proper family vibe. Easily one of my favourite hostels, I’ll definitely be back again. Such a good hostel to get to know Rio de Janeiro.

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Germany FEMALE 25-30 Mar 19, 2026 Atm 100%

I can definitely recommend this hostel. The atmosphere was amazing, the staff were super friendly and always helpful, and the location is perfect. Pre drinks at the hostel were a lot of fun, and there were always easy options to head out and keep the night going.

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Brazil MALE 25-30 Mar 14, 2026 Atm 100%

Ambiente agradável e organizado. Pessoas muito receptivas. Com certeza um dos melhores do Rio 🤙🏻

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Sweden MALE 31-40 Mar 14, 2026 Atm 100%

Great hostel, great people!! Only minus is that there are no curtains for the bed.

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Mexico MALE 18-24 Mar 11, 2026 Atm 100%

I would give this hostel a 10/10, great atmosphere and great people. I think it’s a great place to start if you’re getting into the hostels.

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England MALE 18-24 Mar 9, 2026 Atm 100%

If you want a place to stay in Rio where you’ll find everything to do at your doorstep then look no further! Books is an amazing hostel with a real sense of community! Really friendly staff and volunteers, the minute I arrived I was warmly welcomed by André and introduced to everyone there!