Pros

  • In the heart of Lapa "party town"
  • Location provides east access to many Rio attractions, and is 10 minutes from the metro
  • Old building includes historic character and a quaint courtyard
  • Cozy public areas, including a small bar
  • Bar offers free drinks for a half an hour on the weekends
  • Rooms are simple but clean, with various size and privacy options
  • Breakfast is included in the rates
  • Free Wi-Fi
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Cons

  • Few amenities; no pool, gym, or full restaurant
  • Far from the Rio beach scene
  • Street noise can be heard in the front rooms
  • Some rooms are tiny with no storage space
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Bottom Line

Opened in 2012, this hip, simple hostel -- located in the heart of the lively Lapa district -- has become one of the most popular spots for budget travelers and backpackers. It is located in an old historical building that has character, high ceilings, and a nice courtyard. Room options include those with private or shared baths and they vary in size, but all have air-conditioning. Amenities are few, but the common areas are cozy and the room rate includes Wi-Fi. The hostel only accepts guests 18 and above.

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Oyster Hotel Review

186 Lapa Central Hostel

Scene

Hip, simple hostel with a friendly staff

The Manga gets good feedback for its friendly staff and great location. A 2012 opening updated some areas, but maintained elements like brick walls and the extra high ceilings of this historic property. The decor is playful and fun (if a bit kitschy), with bright pops of color. The public areas have funky details such as artwork, flags, hats, clocks, and lights. The lobby lounge has a bar that serves free Caipirinhas for 30 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays, while the second-level lounge features an LCD-TV and sofas with big throw pillows. Considering the low rates and party-centric neighborhood, this hostel mostly attracts young budget-minded travelers. 

See More Scene

Location

In the heart of vibrant Lapa

The Manga Hostel is located along the famous Lavradrio street in Lapa, Centro. The neighborhood is famous for its lively weekend scene filled with thousands of people enjoying ice-cold beer or Caipirinhas at casual street restaurants and bars. Just about a five to 10-minute walk away is the Rio Scenarium, among the most famous bars in Brazil and the world, offering live samba music. The neighborhood is quite safe on weekend evenings -- with thousands of party-goers -- but during the week the streets get more quiet, and it is always smart to be more cautious and ask the front desk for safety tips.

The hostel is within walking distance of some of the most exciting attractions in Rio de Janeiro. The historical Centro -- which is also the financial district -- has a lot to offer. Just a few minutes away is the Cathedral, that looks a bit odd from the outside, but has a lot of warmth inside. Praza Quince area is the heart of the colonial time Brazil with imperial palaces, statues, old baroque and rococo churches, and charming cobblestone streets. The area offers several bars and restaurants worth exploring.

The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema can be easily reached by the metro in some 20 minutes. The international airport (Galeão) is about 20 minutes away (by taxi) and the domestic airport of Santos Dumont can be reached in 10 minutes. Music bars, cafes, street restaurants, clubs and samba dance halls are all in the vicinity.

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Rooms

Both simple dorm rooms and private rooms (some with balconies) available

The Manga Hostel -- launched in 2012 -- features six private rooms that all have air-conditioning. Some have private bathrooms, while others are shared. A couple of the rooms facing the street have small French balconies. The front rooms offer high ceilings, cabinets, LCD TVs, and bathrooms that have a fresh and clean look. They come with small shower areas. As they are facing the street, they may be a bit noisy. Rooms added in 2014 are quite small. They have no private bathrooms, nor adequate in-room storage space. However, they have LCD TVs and air-conditioning.

The hostel also offers four dorm rooms with four to 23 beds. All have air-conditioning and adequate storage lockers. One eight-bed dorm is for women only, while the others are mixed. The shared bathrooms look modern and are reasonably clean.

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Features

Free Wi-Fi and happy hour caipirinhas -- little else

The Manga Hostel offers simple, comfy public areas. The main lobby features a billiard table, some tables and chairs, and a funky bar that gives out free Caipirinha drinks during happy hour (actually a half-hour) on the weekends. The second level has a TV lounge with a desktop computer for guests' use.

The courtyard offers space for smokers and those wishing to grill food. Adjacent is a well-equipped kitchen with two full refrigerators, a stove, and a kitchen countertop with cups, plates, and utensils.

The front desk staff receives good feedback for friendliness. They are linked to the Rio Hostel network and are well aware of parties and outdoor activities (hang gliding, treks, boat parties, etc.) in and around the city. They also sell tickets to city tours, as well football games in the Maracanã stadium. Tickets are also available for samba shows, and before the world famous Rio Samba Carnival, to the rehearsals (which are more like parties) of Rio's elite samba schools.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

186 Lapa Central Hostel

Scene

Hip, simple hostel with a friendly staff

The Manga gets good feedback for its friendly staff and great location. A 2012 opening updated some areas, but maintained elements like brick walls and the extra high ceilings of this historic property. The decor is playful and fun (if a bit kitschy), with bright pops of color. The public areas have funky details such as artwork, flags, hats, clocks, and lights. The lobby lounge has a bar that serves free Caipirinhas for 30 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays, while the second-level lounge features an LCD-TV and sofas with big throw pillows. Considering the low rates and party-centric neighborhood, this hostel mostly attracts young budget-minded travelers. 

See More Scene

Location

In the heart of vibrant Lapa

The Manga Hostel is located along the famous Lavradrio street in Lapa, Centro. The neighborhood is famous for its lively weekend scene filled with thousands of people enjoying ice-cold beer or Caipirinhas at casual street restaurants and bars. Just about a five to 10-minute walk away is the Rio Scenarium, among the most famous bars in Brazil and the world, offering live samba music. The neighborhood is quite safe on weekend evenings -- with thousands of party-goers -- but during the week the streets get more quiet, and it is always smart to be more cautious and ask the front desk for safety tips.

The hostel is within walking distance of some of the most exciting attractions in Rio de Janeiro. The historical Centro -- which is also the financial district -- has a lot to offer. Just a few minutes away is the Cathedral, that looks a bit odd from the outside, but has a lot of warmth inside. Praza Quince area is the heart of the colonial time Brazil with imperial palaces, statues, old baroque and rococo churches, and charming cobblestone streets. The area offers several bars and restaurants worth exploring.

The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema can be easily reached by the metro in some 20 minutes. The international airport (Galeão) is about 20 minutes away (by taxi) and the domestic airport of Santos Dumont can be reached in 10 minutes. Music bars, cafes, street restaurants, clubs and samba dance halls are all in the vicinity.

See More Location

Rooms

Both simple dorm rooms and private rooms (some with balconies) available

The Manga Hostel -- launched in 2012 -- features six private rooms that all have air-conditioning. Some have private bathrooms, while others are shared. A couple of the rooms facing the street have small French balconies. The front rooms offer high ceilings, cabinets, LCD TVs, and bathrooms that have a fresh and clean look. They come with small shower areas. As they are facing the street, they may be a bit noisy. Rooms added in 2014 are quite small. They have no private bathrooms, nor adequate in-room storage space. However, they have LCD TVs and air-conditioning.

The hostel also offers four dorm rooms with four to 23 beds. All have air-conditioning and adequate storage lockers. One eight-bed dorm is for women only, while the others are mixed. The shared bathrooms look modern and are reasonably clean.

See More Rooms

Features

Free Wi-Fi and happy hour caipirinhas -- little else

The Manga Hostel offers simple, comfy public areas. The main lobby features a billiard table, some tables and chairs, and a funky bar that gives out free Caipirinha drinks during happy hour (actually a half-hour) on the weekends. The second level has a TV lounge with a desktop computer for guests' use.

The courtyard offers space for smokers and those wishing to grill food. Adjacent is a well-equipped kitchen with two full refrigerators, a stove, and a kitchen countertop with cups, plates, and utensils.

The front desk staff receives good feedback for friendliness. They are linked to the Rio Hostel network and are well aware of parties and outdoor activities (hang gliding, treks, boat parties, etc.) in and around the city. They also sell tickets to city tours, as well football games in the Maracanã stadium. Tickets are also available for samba shows, and before the world famous Rio Samba Carnival, to the rehearsals (which are more like parties) of Rio's elite samba schools.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Beach

  • Cable

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.