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Reviews of Aquarela do Leme - Hostel

2.5 out of 5
Aquarela do Leme - Hostel
Ladeira Ary Barroso,21, Leme RJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 73 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Hyewoo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Strange atmosphere for a hostel!
Breakfast was the highlight each day, great choices. Dorms were okay, but did smell like they were cleaned with dirty water some days. The atmosphere was a bit strange, this is not your usual hostel, it is also a family’s home. Their children would be screaming and shouting and watchingTV in the common area really very loud. Which means hostel guests could not relax there. The children seemed to do what they want. When you first arrive you don’t receive much information, like where is the terrace, there is a gym on the roof, they offer a washing service, what time is breakfast etc. it is also essential to be added to the WhatsApp group so that you don’t miss information. Volunteers were lovely but there is a high turnover rate - this also impacts the atmosphere. The location is great, be prepared it is within a favella at the very top of a very big hill but the environment around the hostel is great and Leme itself is a lovely part of Rio
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephen, Leeds

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ravit

10/10 Excellent

Evan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really love the Aquarela do Leme hostel and plan to stay there again in the future; however, people should understand that it does get noisy in the neighborhood. On my final evening, the music from the neighborhood went - literally - all night long. Be sure to bring earplugs or headphones that will drown out the noise so that you can get quality sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Evan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hostel with a wonderful staff. Views are great, activities are numerous, breakfast is tasty… I suppose my only complaint would be that the area can get noisy. There was music all night long … bring earplugs or headphones to drown out the noise.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This is the highest quality hostel in Rio de Janeiro. The facilities are brand new. The beds are little cabins with drapes and are thus semi-private. It is kept very clean and the complimentary breakfast is fresh and delicious. Excellent selection drinks at the bar. Beautiful views from the roof. Highly recommended for those who need space from the party hostel environment.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Karolina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to stay in Rio de Janeiro
Very nice and spacious hostel a bit uphill from beach and main street. Great views for watching fireworks on New Year’s eve. At the edge of pacified favela, so not a very scary place, but you need to watch out for your belongings (like everywhere in Rio). Hostel is in superb condition, staff is very friendly and breakfast options are more than good (much wider choices than standard).
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

CanadaTraveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great safe local experience with outstanding staff whonare in sabatrical from law, engineers, human resources, finance, wow. And thebcustomers are respectful, open and collaborative. Whatban enjoyable stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

TeenTeen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

CanadaVisitor

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Customer service and care 👍😊 Very clean, quality and private.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

6/10 Okay

David

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
July 2019 Rio de Janeiro
My wife and I both agree, we made a great choice to stay at Aquarela do Leme. Thibault is the best host and is very accommodating to the needs of all guests. Don’t hesitate to book your room because this place is in high demand. It is literallty just five minutes from the beach, we could see it from our room, and the short walk up the hill is actually one of the things that we will treasure the most! Enjoy a comfortable and genuine experience at the Aquarela do Leme.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Henrik

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is one of the best Hostels I have ever experienced.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Pepe Jr

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
110% recommended!
My first ever hostel stay was the best travel accomodation I had. My friends would also tell me that I am an expensive traveler as I travel a lot but always stay in luxurious hotels. This time I wanted to make a difference so I tried to stay at Aquarela. The roof deck view was amazing, 1 side facing the beautiful Copacabana beach and the otherside facing the Babilonia favela. Many would probably think that it is dangerous because it is located at the entrance of Favela but definitely no. The neighboorhood were very friendly, there were police presence, free breakfast 110% friendlt staff (the owner even asked me if I want to stay in the room as long as I want as my flight leaves at 11:45PM. Family friendly hostel, 2 cute and friendly kids were there during my stay. Animal friendly hostel (i love dogs heavenly). The guests were very nice and disciplined (we wash our own plates/utensils after use which I find really cool). The cleanliness was superb. The room was excellent with each bed has its own privacy curtain (feels like rooms in a cruise ship). Hostel lobby staffed 24 hours. There is a bar if you want to grab some drinks. Oh yes, definitely recommendable place! Very safe!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had an amazing stay here. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the vibe is great. Will recommend this place to others.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

L

Clean and welcoming hostel with a great family running it in a great location with an amazing roof terrace.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Phenomenal hostel. All the other reviews are right. Hope nothing ruins this in future!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exceptional!!
This is THE best experience I've ever had in a hostel! The owners Thibault and Marielle went above and beyond what I expected to welcome me and help me have a wonderful stay, and they truly care about their guests. They are kind, warm, approachable - I cannot say enough good things. The place itself is a beautiful space, with high ceilings, open feel, spotless, and a rooftop patio where I enjoyed one of the best BBQs I think Rio can offer ;) The breakfast was also completely beyond expectations - a huge spread with fruits, homemade yogourt, different granolas, waffles, homemade cakes, homemade bread, and gourmet teas with ingredients I absolutely wouldn't expect in a hostel like rose petals. The bathrooms were spotless and the showers always hot and excellent pressure. The rooms are also fabulous and were thoughtfully designed, with pod capsule like beds offering privacy in the dorm rooms, lockers and individual outlets. It was a place where I was able to get a quiet night's rest if I wanted, but when wanting to go out, it was a very social crowd to explore the nightlight of Rio. The other travellers I met were all great - this seems to be a place that attracts wonderful people :) The location is great, walking distance to Leme beach and a fun party scene at the edge of Leme. Marielle and Thibault have created a haven in Rio!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Aidan, Belfast, Ireland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hostel in a favela like area
Fantastic hostel all round, probably the best I've stayed in. The area is part of the experience but can feel a bit dodgy - maybe get a taxi or uber straight to the hostel
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Fanny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Oswald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ricardo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excelente! O melhor hostel em Copacabana
Excelente como sempre. Minha terceira vez e tudo continua incrível. Parabéns aos colaboradores, voluntários e proprietários!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfeito
Minha estadia no Hostel Aquarela do Leme, foi maravilhosa um lugar excelente, limpo ótimo atendimento boa localização perto da praia camas confortáveis. Recomendo o lugar com certeza
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Fabiano

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excelente para partilhar cultura
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Isis

10/10 Excellent

Vinícius

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Geraldo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Não indico! Longe, sem ar e difícil acesso
O hostel fica numa ladeira super íngrime, próximo ao morro da babilônia! O banheiro não é privativo (dentro do quarto compartilhado) conforme parece ser anunciado, mas é bem limpo! Cheguei as 22h pra passar a noite e estava bem limpo. Os quartos estão em ótima condições, tem cortinas em todas as camas e tomada também, mal possui lâmpada nas camas. Tem um compartilhamento para guardar as malas com você dentro das camas também. Na recepção do falavam inglês(bem mal) e francês, ninguém falava português como está anunciado aqui, o ar condicionado não foi ligado, estava muito quente e tinham mosquitos, nem consegui dormir direito, perdi o sono e levantei logo 6h da manhã e fiz check-out. Enfim, o hostel é limpo, tem bons quartos e uma vista ótima, mas o serviço de atendimento e ar falharam muito. Não acho a localização apropriada também, muito longe, de difícil acesso com carros pois as ruas são curtas, e o morro muito íngrime.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

ADILSON

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
maravilhosa
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eleonor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

2/10 Terrible

Fabrício

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021
Response from Fabio on 21 Dec 2021
Bom dia Fabricio, Vimos sua avaliação. A nota de 2/10 é bem ruim e por isso pedimos desculpas por não estarmos a altura do que você esperava. Ficaríamos muito gratos se você pudesse nos explicar toda sua decepção para podermos melhorar no futuro. Att Equipe Aquarela

10/10 Excellent

Daniela

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Leandro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ótima estadia
O hostel é aconchegante, tem à disposição espaços agradáveis para compartilhamento, destaque para o terraço, que tem uma vista linda. O Mauro é uma pessoa maravilhosa e está sempre disposto a ajudar. Apesar de ser bem próximo da praia, um motorista do Uber não quis subir a ladeira, pois o hostel fica dentro de uma comunidade. Tudo no hotel é de qualidade. Como pontos a melhorar, os itens do café da manhã poderiam ser repostos mais rápido, além disso a TV poderia ficar um pouco no jornal, mostrando as notícias, só vi futebol passando, ou senão disponibilizar outra TV em um outro espaço comum, mas com uma programação diversa.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carlos Nardim Junior

Business traveller, Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tenzin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Among quite some countries which I’ve travelled across the globe, Aquarela will be my top Hostel to have stayed in so far. I’ve stayed in Rio for approximately three weeks. Aquarela has their highest standards for hygiene, guest-friendliness, knowledgeable staff, organized activities, breakfast variety, common area, great bar with traditional appetizers cooked occasionally, great Internet, rooftop workout-area, safe lockers and very understanding volunteers working there. You get the best tips on how to travel around the city from the locals in their very own personalized experience. I would come to stay here again and again rather than any 5 star hotels in Rio. The breakfast is great, the place is ideal for travellers/weekend tripper or digital nomads. Thank you Aquarela for all the help and tips!
Stayed 25 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alexis Renato

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ótimo ambiente! Limpo Staff educado! Recomendo!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Victor Hugo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Equipe super simpática e profissional
Excelente, a equipe é amigável, prestativa, atenciosa, profissionais competentes. Hotel limpo, agradável, bom, a equipe de limpeza super simpática. Muito legal e fiquei satisfeito em me hospedar no hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nicolle

Business traveller, Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Maravilhoso!
Incrível maravilhoso perfeito. Quero morar nesse lugar. Recomendo pra todos! As acomodações são impecáveis, excelente localização, e os anfitriões são amáveis como uma família.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Alle wunderbar!!! Die Atmosphäre ist sehr cool!!! Die Leute sind sehr höflich!!! Ich kann nur empfehle!!!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Juliana cordeiro dos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

DESIREE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
RECOMENDO SUPER!!
O lugar é incrível, aconchegante e com detalhes bem pensados pra você se sentir em casa. O atendimento da equipe toda é maravilhoso. Fomos bem recebidos desde o check-in e tivemos dúvidas e solicitações atendidas com excelência. É uma experiência única para quem gosta de lugares mais alternativos e menos tradicionais. Adorei tudo!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Fernanda

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lugar tudo de bom. Café da manhã delicioso.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
O hostel é muito organizado e tem uma linda vista. Sou brasileira, não falo inglês e as informações sobre regras que fica na recepção não estão em português. Durante a noite o ar condicionado do meu quarto ficou desligado, o que fez o quarto ficar extremamente abafado. Os funcionários são muito educados e simpáticos. A limpeza é impecável. É um pouco cansativo subir até o hostel a pé, mas existe a opção de subir de moto. No geral gostei da estadia.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019