Avid tanners, cocktail-sipping partiers and high-rolling visitors flock to the area of town situated between Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the sexiest sandboxes in the city. Because Copacabana Beach tends to be overrun by bikinis and Speedos, those looking for a quieter beach should scout for lodging in Ipanema, a feat easily achieved. Ipanema has both plush and affordable lodging threaded through its relatively safe streets. Leblón, another beach area, provides many other safe, clean hotels that are comparably close to shopping, transportation, parks and salt water.

Cleanliness will not be taken for granted here. All those tales people tell you about bed bugs may have a bit of biting truth to them. Be wary of the hostels that look sketchy or be prepared to sleep with a bug swatter in hand.

Although the favelas (poorer neighborhoods that climb up hills within the city) aren’t safe for tourists to wander, a few hostels tucked into the hills are interesting options and others offer homestays with families. Save some of your diminishing cash on a favela tour and stay a night in a hostel on the hill, instead.

Because Brazil’s currency has increased in value in the past few years, don’t expect to get a steal-of-a-deal in the city. Prices are especially high from December to February when Rio’s summer attracts international visitors. During the Carnaval (the four-day Mardi Gras celebration in February) be sure to reserve your sleeping digs in advance, as most hotels and hostels are booked weeks before the festivities begin