Ok- so it may not be the beach, but this place has a lot of charm and its really well located by the action in Lapa. Staff is greaaat!!!! Especially crazy Felipe- (bring hats) and Alex!! Breakfast is good- and the atmosphere alone is well worth the stay- Great value!!

If you are going to stay here make sure you get air conditioning. My room didn't have it and it was impossible to sleep - the one fan in room did nothing and I was covered in sweat constantly. Does have a good atmosphere and u can bring your own drinks in so has its pluses. Long way from beach... More

Although Lapa is not as close to Ipanema and Copacabana beach this backpackers has all that you need on a quick trip to Rio, good location close to Santos dumont Airport (20 mins walk), Great night ambiance both the hostel and the Lapa area ( if you are a early bird person don't worry at midnight tops the music and... More

Great hostel with amazing staff who all spoke English, were really friendly and so helpful in answering all our questions about rio and what to do/ where to go. There's a small bar serving caipirinhas and beer open from 7 and there's a great atmosphere in the hostel, everyone's really sociable and up for a good time. Theres also a... More

This review is a year late, but I doubt much has changed. Staying at Books hostel was a perfect experience. I met great people, mostly courteous young people looking to have a good time in Rio. Friday nights you'll easily have friends to hang with in Lapa, the breakfast is a good meetup opportunity, the location is fabulous, the artwork... More

We are 4 girls traveling around the world for the first time and Books hostel was our first stop. It really is everything you could ask for and more. Fellipe and his staff go out of their way to help you and ensure you make the most of your stay in Rio. The bar is brilliant and breakfast has everything... More

Pros: Staff are great and you can drink your own drinks. Cons: Location isn't great, unless your going for carnival. Ipanema and Copacabana way better area. Not very clean, showers are rubbish. Some rooms are tiny without aircon whilst others are big with aircon, get a room on the top floor! Overall, not bad, but there are way better hostels... More

Stayed a week in Books Hostel, Felipe was always very friendly and would go out of his way to help you. He lets you bring your own drink into the hostel which is sound, but even still you would always buy a few drinks from the hostel bar anyway. Only downside would be the cleaniness of the hostel, if the... More

I enjoyed my stay at books hostel. Its location in lapa offered many things to do as well as convenient access to buses. Also, it was one of the friendliest hostels I've stayed at. The facilities were clean and the staff very helpful.