Are you looking for a fun, relaxing, and affordable hostel in Rio de Janeiro? Then keep reading! In this post, we’ll go over why Jo&Joe Largo do Boticario is exactly where you need to stay!
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We’ve all been there before… Wanting to have the most incredible vacation/trip but at the lowest price possible. It can be hard to know where to stay, if the hostel is any good, or if the reviews we read can be trusted.
With 3 swimming pools, a restaurant, and a bar, Jo&Joe Largo do Boticario is the perfect hostel for budget travelers, families, or couples!
Whether you are traveling on a budget or want to save on accommodation costs to splurge on adventures in Brazil, I’ve got you! Here are all the reasons that Jo&Joe Largo do Boticario is the BEST & cheapest hostel in Rio de Janeiro.
History of Largo do Boticario
Jo&Joe is a relatively new hotel located in Largo do Boticário also known as Apothecary’s Square in Rio. It’s easily recognized by its colorful neo-colonial style houses.
This area got its name because a well-known and successful apothecary bought and lived in this house during the 1800s. An apothecary is known as a pharmacist or chemist in today’s world.
He even treated important people like members of the Brazilian royal family. As the houses got passed down from owner to owner, lavish parties were thrown here by well-known figures in Brazilian society.
Over time the area got run down and even taken over by homeless people. That is until Jo&Joe refurbished the area and brought back new life to Largo do Boticario when it opened in 2020. Since then, they’ve brought a certain liveliness back to the square with their own live music and dance parties.
Jo&Joe Rio
If you’ve been to many hostels before, you know each one is unique and differs from the next. Jo&Joe Rio is by far one of the better ones I’ve been to, especially for the price. Not to mention that almost everyone I had talked to in the hostel said that was the best one in Rio.
Jo&Joe is a small hotel company with a few hotels in Europe and one in Colombia. While I’ve only stayed at this one in Rio, I would easily stay at another location due to how great this one was!
Amenities
This hostel is massive! It has a large restaurant and bar which is open to the public with outdoor seating and a pool. They often have live Brazilian music and a classic dance party.
In my opinion, the food is only okay. It was kind of expensive for what you get. Luckily there are a few restaurants down the street selling much better food at a cheaper price. I’ll share more about this in the next section.
However, the breakfast buffet was pretty good but did cost an additional $8 a day. It is possible to book a room with breakfast included for an extra cost so you don’t have to worry about it every day.
As a guest, you can access the entire hostel with a keycard. It takes a while to get yourself orientated so they even have a digital map to show you around. Once you’re inside, there are two more pools. The main one is heated and just for hostel guests. Then there’s a small one that is better to cool off in.
There is a rooftop outdoor common area on top of one of the buildings near the pool. As well as a small kitchen area. It only has a microwave and a refrigerator but it works for some fast snacks or to keep your water cool.
What makes this the best hostel in Rio is its unique charm and vibe. There are a ton of places to chill including some swinging chairs, comfy couches, and other seating areas. Plus there is a telescope that is pointed right at Christ the Redeemer so you can get a pretty cool view from the hostel!
Location
Jo&Joe Rio is located in the neighborhood of Cosme Velho right at the foot of Mount Corcovado. While it is a little far from the city center, it’s located right down the street from the tram to get to Christ the Redeemer. Cosme Velho is a rather safe area with a few stores and restaurants nearby.
There is also a public bus terminal right next to the hotel so it’s easy to get into the city center or to the beautiful beaches. I liked this area because it did feel safe and was nice and quiet.
Rooms & Prices
Jo&Joe Rio offers either classic dorm rooms or private rooms. The dorm options include 4-bed, 6-bed, or 8-bed rooms and they start at just $17 a night. There is a bathroom with a shower in each dorm room.
The rooms were nice and cozy and each bed had USB charging ports as well as a “locker” to keep your things in. Just be sure to travel with a lock.
The private rooms start at $39 per night and include an en-suite bathroom. From the look of the pictures, they are also painted nicely with cool murals.
Nearby Attractions
As mentioned, the public bus terminal station is just next door so it’s easy to get into the city center. Each bus ride costs less than 50 cents and runs pretty frequently. However, be careful riding the bus at night as the chance of petty theft increases.
A few blocks away is a small grocery store that has fresh meats, cheese, produce, and pastries. I often bought microwavable food from here to store in the refrigerator at the hostel to save some money on food.
There is also a small restaurant next to the grocery store, Capitu Cafe. They offered more affordable breakfast options as well as lunch and dinner. They also have nice outdoor seating right on the sidewalk.
If you are looking for the best hostel in Rio de Janeiro, Jo&Joe Rio is it! It’s affordable, has so many amazing amenities, and in general has a great upscale vibe that doesn’t even make you feel like it is a hostel. If staying in the city center is not important to you, you’ll love this hotel!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nights do you need in Rio?
To experience everything Rio has to offer and really soak it all in, you need at least 7 nights. The options are endless for hikes and excursions you can do nearby. To have the best experience, 10 days is recommended.
If you’re okay with only visiting one beach, seeing Christ the Redeemer, and visiting Sugarloaf Mountain, you could probably get away with just 3 nights. However, I wouldn’t recommend so little time. You won’t get a great feel for the city in such a short amount of time.
Can you walk at night in Rio?
Any local will tell you to be careful going out at night in Rio. While during the day some areas are quite safe, this can change quickly at night. It’s best to avoid walking around alone at night or going down any poorly lit streets.
If you’re going out at night, be sure to stay in a group or around groups of people. Be sure to leave any important valuables in your hotel room and don’t attract any unwanted attention with flashy, expensive items.
Just be aware of your surroundings and be smart about the places you visit and you should be just fine.
For more helpful posts on Brazil, you may also like:
- Uber in Rio de Janeiro: Everything You Need To Know + Why It’s Safe
- Astonishing Climbing in Rio: Topping Out at Christ the Redeemer
- 5 Simple Reasons Rio de Janeiro is Safe Despite What You Hear
