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Hotel · Rio de Janeiro · Rio de Janeiro

Pura Vida Hostel - Rio de Janeiro

A historic 2-star hostel in Copacabana with a lively bar, sunny terrace, and easy access to Rio's most famous beaches.

  • 8.9 guest rating from 2,904 reviews
  • Rooms from £11 per night
  • 24-hour reception and security
8.9 Great 2904 reviews Booking.com 8.9 · 2904 reviews

About

Pura Vida Hostel - Rio de Janeiro

Pura Vida Hostel occupies a historic building in Copacabana, a short stroll from the beach and the neighborhood's shops and bars. The property balances a relaxed day-time vibe with a lively evening scene, with a sun terrace, garden furniture, and a shared kitchen for guests who prefer to cook.

Rooms range from private doubles and triples with private bathrooms to mixed dormitories. The hostel organizes tours, and the 24-hour reception and luggage storage make late arrivals and early departures easy. Guests can also use the business center, take part in happy hour, or join the nightly entertainment.

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Lively social scene around the bar — Guests consistently praise the bar for its atmosphere, happy hour prices, and nightly events like karaoke and boat parties. The communal areas make it easy to meet fellow travelers.
  • Excellent staff and service — Staff are repeatedly highlighted for being friendly, helpful, and multilingual, with particular mentions for organizing tours and making guests feel at home.
  • Unbeatable location near Copacabana and Ipanema — The hostel sits in Copacabana with Ipanema a 10-minute walk away. Beach access, metro, and local nightlife are all within easy reach.
  • Value for money — With beds from £11, a fair-priced bar, and reasonable tour fees, guests feel they get a lot for what they pay, reflected in an 8.9 Value score.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Facilities score below expectations — The Facilities category sits at 6.2, the lowest of all rated aspects, suggesting that some amenities may feel dated or limited compared to other areas of the stay.
  • Comfort is rated modestly — Comfort scores 7.3, lower than the overall 8.9, which may point to dormitory-style bedding or public areas not being as plush as some travelers hope.
  • Some rooms lack air conditioning — While several dorms and private rooms include AC, not all do—shared-bathroom dormitories listed do not mention it, which can matter in Rio's heat.
  • No parking and no pets — There is no on-site parking, which is typical for a Copacabana hostel, and pets are not allowed. Guests with vehicles or four-legged companions should plan accordingly.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Private Bathroom Triple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons

4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Balcony

Private Bathroom Double Room

  • 1 Double bed
  • Shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Balcony
  • Air conditioning

8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Air conditioning

Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Basic

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Food & Drink

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • BBQ facilities
  • Shared kitchen
  • Happy hour

Activities

  • Beach access
  • Diving
  • Hiking
  • Darts
  • Karaoke
  • Live entertainment
  • Night club
  • Board games

Services

  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Currency exchange
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Outdoor

  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Patio
  • Garden furniture
  • Beach umbrellas

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.9
Great 2904 reviews

Guest-rated 8.9/10 from 2,904 reviews

Booking.com · 8.9 · 2904 reviews
8.9Verified guest

“I keep coming back because the staff helped me recover my lost ID. Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry, bar, and even a business center were all there. Hiking, diving, and beach access too. With 24-hour reception and security, it was perfect for my trip.”

8.9Verified guest

“The staff were friendly and helpful, and the bar had fun activities and events.”

8.9Verified guest

“I had an amazing time. The bar had a great social scene, staff were super friendly, and the location was perfect—close to the beach and easy to book tours via WhatsApp. It exceeded my expectations for a weekend in Rio.”

8.9Verified guest

“The location was ideal, just a short walk from Copacabana and Ipanema. Rooms were spacious with a balcony overlooking the gardens, and the kitchen was well equipped. Staff were always happy to help.”

8.9Verified guest

“I stayed six days as a solo traveler and loved it. The hostel is in a vibrant area near Copacabana Beach. I felt safe despite being near a favela, thanks to a constant police presence. My room had a balcony, AC, and clean linens. Jesus organized great tours and parties, and breakfast was good with multilingual staff.”

8.9Verified guest

“Spacious property with chill areas, lively location, and free activities. The bar was fairly priced and the private room was comfortable with a good bathroom. Breakfast on the terrace was a highlight.”

04 — Location

Getting around Rio de Janeiro

The property sits in Rio de Janeiro.

Copacabana Beach: A short 5-minute walk, Copacabana Beach is the classic Rio stretch for sunbathing, beach football, and kiosks.

Ipanema Beach: Reachable in about 10 minutes on foot, Ipanema offers a slightly more upscale beach scene and the famous Arpoador rock.

Parque Natural Municipal da Catacumba: A 25-minute walk away, this park offers hiking trails and panoramic views over the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.

Rua Saint Roman, 20, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 28950-000, Brazil

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-23:30
Check-out
By 12:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
68 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in runs from 14:00 to 23:30, and check-out is until 12:00.

Is breakfast included?

The hostel offers breakfast, which guests mention is good and served on the terrace. The cost is not specified in the input.

Are pets allowed?

No, the property does not allow pets.

Does the hostel have air conditioning in the rooms?

Air conditioning is available in some rooms, including the Private Bathroom Double Room and certain dorms. However, not all dormitories list AC, so it's best to check specific room details.

Is there parking at the hostel?

The input does not list parking facilities, so guests arriving by car should plan for nearby public parking options.

Can I store my luggage before check-in or after check-out?

Yes, luggage storage is available at the 24-hour reception.

The bottom line

Pura Vida Hostel delivers a prime Copacabana location with a social heart. For travelers who value meeting people, convenient beach access, and helpful staff over luxury, it's a strong choice—just keep expectations measured for facilities and comfort.

8.9The best pick for sociable budget travelers in Rio.

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