Is JO&JOE Rio de Janeiro Worth It? Complete Guide and Real Experience in Cosme Velho
If you’re looking for a different kind of hotel in Rio de Janeiro, surrounded by nature, with a swimming pool, a young vibe and a strategic location near Christ the Redeemer, you’ve probably stumbled 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’ll find out:
- What it’s really like to stay there
- If Cosme Velho is a good area
- How much does it cost
- What the rooms are like
- How breakfast works
- If it’s safe
- Strengths and weaknesses
- For those who are and those who aren’t
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 + lifestyle hostel in the middle of the Atlantic Forest
🏊 Differential: 3 swimming pools + events + social atmosphere
🍳 Breakfast: Open to the public (7am to 10am)
🚗 Parking: Limited
💰 Average prices:
Dorms: R$120 to R$180
Private: R$450 to R$750
🌐 Official website:
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 in the historic Largo do Boticário, in the Cosme Velho neighborhood, at the foot of Corcovado Hill.
This location is strategic for three reasons:
- Near Christ the Redeemer
- It’s a quiet, residential area
- Relatively easy access to the South Zone and the Center
If you’re still comparing neighborhoods to stay in, I recommend reading up first:
👉 https://viagenselugaress.com/onde-ficar-no-rio-de-janeiro
Cosme Velho is ideal for those who want nature and tranquillity.
It is not ideal for those who want to leave the hotel and be on the sandy beach.
The Real Experience: What We Felt at the Three Hostels
There’s a big difference between visiting and returning.
The first time, we went out of curiosity.
The second time, for the experience.
The third time, because we knew exactly what to expect.
And every time it felt the same: you felt like you’d left the city.
You enter Largo do Boticário…
And the noise of Rio disappears.
It’s rare to find this level of silence in a city hotel.
If you’re looking for a real break, this is the main strength.
Architecture and Atmosphere
JO&JOE occupies six restored historic neocolonial buildings.
The atmosphere mixes:
- International hostel
- Boutique hotel
- Cultural center
- Pool club
There is graffiti, urban art, artistic interventions in the rooms and a strong creative footprint.
This is not a traditional hotel.
It’s a lifestyle experience.
Types of Accommodation
1️⃣ Private Rooms
Suitable for:
- Couples
- Families
- Who wants more silence
Capacity: 2 to 4 guests
Private bathroom
Air conditioning
Free Wi-Fi
Our experience was always private.
The bed is comfortable, the room is functional and the view of the greenery completely changes the feeling of the stay.
2️⃣ Bedrooms
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 “Out of the ordinary”
Larger rooms, different design, ideal for groups.
Capacity: 2 to 6 guests
Private bathroom
Swimming pools: The big difference
Rio is a city of sunshine.
And JO&JOE understands that.
There are three swimming pools distributed throughout the complex.
There is:
- Heated swimming pool
- Main pool for events
- Relaxation area with sun loungers
- Networks
- Nearby bar
In high season there are pool parties.
But the space also allows for relaxation during the day.
If you want a hotel with a strong leisure structure in Rio, this is among the best.
Gastronomy: Two Restaurants and Three Bars
The hotel is positioning itself as a gastronomic playground.
You’ll find it:
🥩 Meat on a sword
🍖 Barbecue
🥗 Detox juices
🍹 Caipirinhas
🍛 Homemade dishes
🍔 Snacks
The concept is social.
Large tables, interaction, relaxed atmosphere.
Breakfast open to the public
Time: 7am to 10am
Yes, anyone can go.
The buffet usually has:
- Fruits
- Bread
- Eggs
- Cakes
- Coffee
- Juices
It’s worth a visit even if you’re not staying here.
Events and Programming
JO&JOE welcomes:
- Samba & Feijoada
- DJ set
- Happy hour
- Corporate events
- Workshops
- Co-working
It’s a living hotel.
If you prefer absolute silence at all times, this may not be ideal.
Safety: Is it safe to stay in Cosme Velho?
Cosme Velho is a quiet residential neighborhood.
But Rio demands attention in any region.
Recommendations:
✔ Use Uber at night
✔ Avoid empty streets late
✔ Don’t show off objects
Read the full guide:
👉 https://viagenselugaress.com/seguranca-no-rio-de-janeiro/
The hotel has 24-hour staff and individual lockers.
Parking: The Main Negative Point
Parking spaces are limited. The street is not convenient for parking.
Best option: transportation by app.
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 swimming pool
Who Is It Not Ideal For?
✖ Who wants to walk on the sand
✖ Who wants a traditional hotel
✖ Who needs guaranteed parking
✖ Who is looking for five-star luxury
Comparison with South Zone
Copacabana and Ipanema offer:
- Beach on the doorstep
- Intense trade
- Urban nightlife
JO&JOE offers:
- Nature
- Swimming pool
- Alternative climate
- More silence
They are different proposals.
How much does it cost to stay?
Bedrooms: R$120 to R$180
Private: R$450 to R$750
High season and Carnival raise prices.
To compare with other hotels:
👉 https://viagenselugaress.com/onde-ficar-no-rio-de-janeiro
Common mistakes
❌ Go by car
❌ Book at short notice
❌ Don’t take insect repellent
❌ Wait for a hotel right on the beach
Is it worth it?
After three stays, our answer is clear:
Yes.
It’s one of the most different hotels in Rio de Janeiro.
It’s not just a place to sleep.
It’s a green haven in the city.
Conclusion
If you want to get out of 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 knowing what to expect.
It’s not a traditional luxury hotel.
It’s an experience.
And for us, it was wonderful all three times.
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