The hostel also had a number of dormitories, and there was quite a sociable feel to the place, with a communal courtyard where people can gather to have a drink or two before they head out for the evening.

The staff are helpful to a point, although I think we may have tested their patience a little. There are a number of organised excursions.

The location is good, although some may find it a little far away from all the action. It's a nice, quiet residential area, with a few other hostels nearby. You can walk to Copacabana beach in about 10-15 minutes, Ipanema is a 15-minute taxi drive away, but the underground station is a mere 5-minute walk and will take you into Centro, which is where most of the carnival action takes place.

The owner of the Copacabana Praia also arranges tours. For example, every Wed. there is a Favela party. They take people into Rocinha (the almost middle class favela) to go to a party with extremely loud music and body guards everywhere. I did't make this trip since it was R$100 (about $30). They often have group tours to see a game at Maracana (soccer, of course) and also run busses to different sites throughout the city. The owner seems into playing host. He has a barbeque party every week, which is good for the social aspect while the food, although typical Brazilian, is only mediocre. The owner knows people, so if you need something done you can get them to arrange it for you. For example, a group trip to the airport or up to the top of Corcovado, or laundering money (just a guess, but it wouldn't surprise me).

The Hostel has high-speed internet access for a price. But you are paying for the conveniece of having it right there where you are staying.

This hostel is very international. When I was there in June this year there where about 5 Australians, 3 Spaniards, 4 Brazilians, 5 Americans, 5 Swedes, 1 Dane, and 1 Argentinian. Those are the people I met.

It's centrally located about half way down Copacabana beach near the back of the deepest part of the city. You'll see it right away on a map of the city. It's located just off Figueirdo Mapalhaes. When coming from the airport by bus (the 'real' busses are the best), if you have trouble pronouncing this street I suggest that you ask to be let off at Rua Santa Clara and walk back one street.

There's a Citibank in the Blockbuster about 3 blocks down at Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana (NS Copacabana). This is probably the best place to get money because sometimes it's hard to find a Banco do Brasil ATM that works with foreign cards.