Hostel Casal São João

Everything

Nothing

The view from the upper balcony, the opportunity to test your ability to survive in case of an apocalipse and your photographer photoshop skills

I don’t think it should be described as an hostel, I honestly considered finding another place when I arrived. The hosts seem to be grandma and grandson that live in the property. At arrival I was charged a 10 euros cleaning fee which I wouldn’t mind paying if not for the fact that the shared areas don’t seem to have been cleaned for some time. My original plan was to cook a meal but the poor condition and smell of the kitchen quickly changed my mind. Even making the decision of storing my food at the fridge was challenging but I ended up doing it and all went well. The room was about 10 m2 and shared with another guest. I was lucky enough my partner was a nice guy but the space is minimal even for a single person. Unfortunately I had been on a hike before arriving and completely wet otherwise I wouldn’t have the courage to take a shower in the dirtiest bathroom I ever came across in my life. Finally about the price, I had just checked out from another hostel right in the center of Funchal which wasn’t perfect but seemed like a 5 star hotel compared to this place and considerably cheaper.

Friendly host, nice terrace, bus stop is just outside, bed was comfy - I was sharing a room with one other, they provide towels.

I got into Ribeira Brava after 7pm, there were no Bolts/taxis nor buses. I had to walk 50mins up the mountain, the roads were dark and steep. The host then told me I could have called to order a transfer, so if you check-in late make sure you call to arrange one! I didn't know they offered this. The shower needs fixing. The drain clogs up and there is no shower stand.

The place was completely rundown, not even close to the photo, luckily I met interesting people there, but even if the thing was low cost, as it is normal for hostel, nothing special, if I stayed in a tent in the wood would have been almost the same, the humidity was demolishing the place, the garden wasn't taken care off, the shower was full of mold

the price

the hosts made to much noice during the night. I woke up six times because they were screaming to each other.

Staff is friendly

The place needs a renovation