Many budget travelers are surprised when they start planning their trip to Rio de Janeiro because many of the hostels and hotels aren’t quite as cheap as what they expect to find in South America. Since rent is so high, hotel prices can often rival those of London or Zurich, and if you look at the price of local food and goods you’ll find that the high prices aren’t only targeting tourists – Brazilians have to pay them too. This doesn’t mean hotels in Rio de Janeiro are out-of-reach for budget travelers, it only means that you should be smart about the research and planning you do before your trip.
Here is a list of 12 hotels in Rio de Janeiro that generally charge less than $100 per night, with great reviews from previous guests. Keep in mind prices may vary depending on the time of year, and whether you go during one of the many festivals.
Top 10 Budget Stays in Rio de Janeiro
1) Augusto’s Paysandu Hotel
Augusto’s Paysandu Hotel is close to Flamengo park and Sugarloaf mountain and boasts a highly rated in-house restaurant.
2) Gamboa Rio Hotel
The Gamboa Rio Hotel is near the Sambodrome and Museu da Chacara do Ceu, but both Rio’s famous beaches and the Santa Teresa neighborhood are easily accessible by metro.
3) Arosa Rio Hotel
The Arosa Rio Hotel is in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, near the Samba Museum and Corcovado. Guests love the rooms and the friendly staff here.
4) Villa Laurinda
Located in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, guests adore Villa Laurinda for its beautiful grounds, charming terrace, great food and perfect location.
5) Ibis Rio De Janeiro Centro
Ibis Rio de Janeiro Centro hotel is perfect for a traveler who has business meetings to attend to during their trip due to the central location in downtown Rio.
6) Fluminense Hotel
Walking distance from the arches of Lapa (Arcos da Lapa), the Fluminense Hotel is especially good for travelers looking to explore Rio’s vibrant nightlife, witness a live samba show or take photos of the famous Selaron’s staircase. Guests also rave about the delicious food and great service.
7) Sant’Martre
Another great stay in Santa Teresa, Sant’Martre hotel boasts great service, a beautiful outdoor pool, nice views of the city, and wonderful breakfasts.
8) Charming Catete’s 1Bedroom Apartment
For travelers looking for a little more independence, this 1-bedroom apartment can hold up to four travelers and the owner is a certified tour guide specializing in Brazilian art, history and culture. Previous guests have given rave reviews about the location, accessibility of public transportation, safety and helpfulness of the host.
9) El Misti Hostel Leme
El Misti Hostel Leme, near Copacabana beach, is a favorite among young travelers looking for a trendy, social experience in Rio. Although prices are slightly higher than what you’d expect for a hostel, they offer free transfer service upon arrival, free guided tours of the city, a full Brazilian breakfast and a low-cost dinner option, meaning you’ll save money on other expenses.
10) A Private Room with Balcony in Santa Teresa
This private room with balcony in an Airbnb apartment in Santa Teresa, is perfect for couples or solo travelers. Guests give it perfect ratings for cleanliness and location, while raving about the breakfast and friendly hosts.
Photos: Shutterstock & Sheila Machado via photopin cc
Christina Gmyr is a writer for Hipmunk and is currently working on the #HipmunkCityLove project.
