JO&JOE Rio de Janeiro Worth It? Complete Guide and Real Experience in Cosme Velho
If you’re looking for a different hotel in Rio de Janeiro, surrounded by nature, with a pool, a youthful vibe, and a strategic location near Christ the Redeemer, you probably came across JO&JOE Rio de Janeiro.
But is it really worth it?
We stayed at JO&JOE three times, at different times of the year, and in this guide you will discover:
- What it’s really like to stay there
- Whether Cosme Velho is a good area
- How much it costs
- What the rooms are like
- How breakfast works
- If it’s safe
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Who it’s for and who it’s not for
This is the most complete guide to JO&JOE Rio.
Quick Summary – JO&JOE Rio de Janeiro
📍 Address: Largo do Boticário, 32 – Cosme Velho – Rio de Janeiro
🌿 Profile: Hotel + hostel lifestyle amidst the Atlantic Forest
🏊 Highlight: 3 pools + events + social atmosphere
🍳 Breakfast: Open to the public (7am–10am)
🚗 Parking: Limited
💰 Average prices:
Dormitories: R$120 to R$180
Privates: R$450 to R$750
🌐 Official site:
https://www.joandjoe.com/rio/pt-br/
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/joandjoe.rio/
⭐ Reviews:
https://tripadvisor.tpo.lv/CZ7fBiDu
Where is JO&JOE Rio de Janeiro?
The hotel is located at the historic Largo do Boticário, in Cosme Velho, at the foot of Morro do Corcovado.
This location is strategic for three reasons:
- It’s near Christ the Redeemer
- It is a residential and quiet area
- It has relatively easy access to the South Zone and the Centro
If you’re still comparing neighborhoods to stay in, I recommend reading before:
👉 https://viagenselugaress.com/onde-ficar-no-rio-de-janeiro
Cosme Velho is ideal for those who want nature and tranquility.
It’s not ideal for those who want to leave the hotel and be on the beach.
The Real Experience: What We Felt During the Three Stays
There is a big difference between visiting and returning.
The first time we went out of curiosity.
The second, for the experience.
The third, because we knew exactly what to expect.
And on all the visits, the feeling was similar: it feels like you’ve left the city.
You enter through Largo do Boticário…
And the noise of the city disappears.
It’s rare to find this level of quiet in a city hotel.
If you’re looking for true rest, this is the main strength.
Architecture and Atmosphere
JO&JOE spans six restored neoclassical historic buildings.
The atmosphere blends:
- International hostel
- Boutique hotel
- Cultural center
- Pool club
There are graffiti, street art, artistic interventions in the rooms, and a strong creative vibe.
This is not a traditional hotel.
It’s a lifestyle experience.
Types of Accommodation
1️⃣ Private Rooms
Suitable for:
- Couples
- Families
- Those who want more quiet
Capacity: 2 to 4 guests
Private bathroom
Air conditioning
Free Wi-Fi
Our experience was always in the private room.
The bed is comfortable, the room is functional, and the view of the greenery completely changes the feel of the stay.
2️⃣ Dormitories
Capacity: 4 to 8 guests
Private bathroom
Individual lockers
Female or mixed option
It’s a premium hostel model.
Ideal for backpackers and solo travelers.
3️⃣ “Uncommon”
Larger rooms, distinctive design, ideal for groups.
Capacity: 2 to 6 guests
Private bathroom
Pools: The Big Difference
Rio is a sunny city.
And JO&JOE gets it.
There are three pools distributed across the complex.
There are:
- Heated pool
- Main pool for events
- Relax area with sun loungers
- Hammocks
- Bar nearby
During peak season there are pool parties.
But the space also allows daytime relaxation.
If you want a hotel with a strong leisure layout in Rio, it’s among the best.
Gastronomy: Two Restaurants and Three Bars
The hotel positions itself as a gastronomic playground.
You will find:
🥩 Meats on a spit
🍖 Barbecue
🥗 Detox juices
🍹 Caipirinhas
🍛 Home-cooked dishes
🍔 Appetizers
The concept is social.
Large tables, interaction, relaxed atmosphere.
Breakfast Open to the Public
Hours: 7am to 10am
Yes, anyone can go.
The buffet usually includes:
- Fruits
- Breads
- Eggs
- Cakes
- Coffee
- Juices
Worth visiting even if you’re not staying there.
Events and Program
JO&JOE hosts:
- Samba & Feijoada
- DJ set
- Happy hour
- Corporate events
- Workshops
- Co-working
It’s a living hotel.
If you prefer absolute silence all the time, maybe it’s not ideal.
Security: Is it Safe to Stay in Cosme Velho?
Cosme Velho is a residential and quiet neighborhood.
But Rio requires attention in any area.
Recommendations:
✔ Use Uber at night
✔ Avoid empty streets late
✔ Do not display valuables
Read the full guide:
👉 https://viagenselugaress.com/seguranca-no-rio-de-janeiro/
There is 24h staff and individual lockers inside the hotel.
Parking: The Main Downside
Spaces are limited. The street is not convenient for parking.
Best option: ridesharing.
See also:
👉 https://viagenselugaress.com/como-se-locomover-no-rio-de-janeiro
Who is JO&JOE Ideal For?
✔ Couples who want nature
✔ Young travelers
✔ Backpackers
✔ Those who want a different hotel
✔ Those who want a pool
Who is it Not Ideal For?
✖ Those who want a beach experience
✖ Those who want a traditional hotel
✖ Those who need guaranteed parking
✖ Those seeking five-star luxury
Comparison with South Zone
Copacabana and Ipanema offer:
- Beach at the doorstep
- Busy shopping area
- Urban nightlife
JO&JOE offers:
- Nature
- Pool
- Alternative vibe
- More quiet
They are different options.
How Much Does Staying Cost?
Dormitories: R$120 to R$180
Private rooms: R$450 to R$750
Peak season and Carnaval raise prices.
To compare with other hotels:
👉 https://viagenselugaress.com/onde-ficar-no-rio-de-janeiro
Common Mistakes
❌ Drive a car
❌ Book last minute
❌ Not bringing repellent
❌ Expect a beach-front hotel
Is it Worth It?
After three stays, our answer is clear:
Yes.
It is one of the most unique hotels in Rio de Janeiro.
It’s not just a place to sleep.
It’s a green refuge inside the city.
Conclusion
If you want to move away from the Copacabana/Ipanema pattern and experience a quieter, more creative Rio surrounded by nature, JO&JOE Rio de Janeiro is an excellent choice.
But go in knowing what to expect.
It isn’t a traditional luxury hotel.
It’s an experience.
And, for us, it was wonderful in all three stays.
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