Got the Lemon Spirit!

I found "my home away from home" in Rio at the Lemon Spirit hostel. I've only stayed at a hostel once before, in Big Bear California. I wouldn't say I got the full hostel experience in Big Bear since I was snowboarding all day long, passed out early then got up early again the next day to spend the entire days on the slopes again. Also the hostel was empty because it was the end of the season. I had the run of the place with another snowboarder from Sweden. The Lemon Spirit hostel in Rio was a lot different and I loved it even more!



Lemon Spirit is a three story building located in one of Rio's nicest areas of town called Leblon. Leblon is a relatively upscale neighborhood for Rio. I always felt safe in this neighborhood, even walking around at night by myself. Of course you always have to stay alert and be smart even if the area has a pretty low crime rate. The hostel is 2 blocks from Leblon beach and a 10-15 min walk to Impanema beach. I enjoyed starting each day with a dip in the ocean after the complimentary breakfast which consist of bread, meat, cheese, butter, jams, fruit (papaya or melon), coffee, tea and juice.

Lemon Spirit has private rooms, female dorms and mixed dorms. Average price is about 45-195 Reals a night.(about $26-$110 US Dollars) The rooms are clean and they have lockers for your valuables. The bathrooms are also clean and the showers are hot. They have fee wifi and computers in the lobby, a bar and a full kitchen. Lemon Spirit has just about everything a regular "hotel" can offer only at an affordable price! They also have airport and bus station transfer pick up and drop off services for a small fee!




Lemon Spirit is located near the main st of Av. Ataufo de Paiva. The area is within walking distance of good shopping, food, bars and public transportation. My favorite juice bar is on the corner. They makes the best juices and filé mignon sandwiches! The Acai is good here too! The best place to exchange your money is at the Leblon Shopping Center just up the street.

The staff at Lemon Spirit are super helpful, friendly and a lot of fun to talk to. They are fluent in many languages including English. Any off the wall question I had or help I needed , they were happy to assist. The bar makes the best caipirinha (a traditional Brazilain mixed drink) I had in Rio and you get a free drink ticket for one when you check in! I had to sit on my ticket for a few days until after the Rio Open, but it was well worth the wait! The staff makes you feel welcomed and I loved the relaxed atmosphere.







I met some of the most amazing people and had fascinating conversations while I stayed at Lemon Spirit. The hostel is suitable for guests of all ages (sorry no children). Every night when I returned from jiu jitsu class I was greeted by a different group of new friends on the patio. It seemed as thought there was something going on every night and adventures to be experienced. I made some valuable friendships and created life long memories. Thank you to the staff and guest of Lemon Spirit! I truly enjoyed my stay and I highly recommend Lemon Spirit to any traveler going to Rio!

Lemon Spirit



Rua Cupertino Durão, 56 (Corner with Avenida General San martin)
Leblon - Rio de Janeiro.RJ - ZIP: 22441-030 - Brazil
Tel. +55 21 2294-1853