I'm a traveller from switzerland whos been travelling through brazil for 2 month now. So far this was one of the best places to stay and definitely the best value for money.
The breakfast was better then some i had in very expensive hotels. What i love so much about brazil is that you'll always meet people who'll try to show you the best of their amazing country by helping and advising you without thinking of their own profits. Joel is one of them and i'm glad i ve met him. The two friendly playful dogs ad to the pleasant family atmosphere. I never heard one of them bark, and i can't imagine how you could be annoyed of them unless youre a doghater.
The sex shop across the street could come in handy. The neighbourhood apeared to be very safe. When i arrived round midnight after a 30 hours busride, hungry as hell joel sent me down the street to that restaurant at the corner where i was promptly invited for a beer by some locals who where having a birthdayparty. I really don't know what more you could expect from a perfect place to stay in a rural city. This was my first place to stay when I arrived in Cuiaba.
After four connecting flights and Portuguese I learned on the plane, I was very relieved to arrive at the hostel. Joel had even sent a car for me to the airport when I emailed him that day inquiring about staying there. Joel gave me a room at an excellent price and helped me tremendously with getting around the city, etc.
Joel is also an excellent naturalist and told me all about the types of birds in the lush garden in back. I was a bit concerned about the street, but it felt very safe. The hostel is a nice oasis in the city. The courtyard was a great place to meet fellow travelers and the breakfast in the morning further solidified the family feel.
