I had a great stay at El Misti Hostel Ipanema. The location is absolutely perfect—just a short walk to the beach, with plenty of places nearby to rent chairs, grab food, have drinks, or shop.
The hostel itself has security at all times, which made me feel safe during my stay. It also has a very social atmosphere, so it’s super easy to meet new people. One thing that really stood out was how clean everything was. The cleaners come in twice a day to tidy the rooms and bathrooms, so the space is always fresh and well maintained. The reception staff were also incredibly friendly and helpful.
The only downside is that it can get quite loud late at night since the street outside stays busy, and the windows are a bit thin—so definitely bring earplugs. It’s also a bit more expensive than some other hostels, but honestly, the comfort, cleanliness, and convenience make it worth the price.
Overall, highly recommended!