Hostel in Salvador da Bahia in the NE of Brazil

• 

  Description

  If you're an energetic person willing to help backpackers from all over the world to know the first capital of Brazil, Join our team :) We're a small (kind of) party hostel looking for happy friendly people willing to help. Here you just work 3 days a week, meaning you have many days a week to travel and visit other beach island/cities and the National Park!
  
  Hi, I'm Francisco, a crazy, young Brazilian who left his job to follow a dream of opening his own hostel. This dream moved me to a beautiful city called Salvador, in the Northeast of Brazil.
  
  With the help of family and friends I was able to open my hostel on June 1st 2014, but as we're quite small, it's expensive to have a full team of paid staff. So I'm looking for friendly, energetic people who are interested in staying in Salvador to help me take care of the reception and basic cleaning and maintenance.
  
  Our hostel is a small 32 bed hostel located in the heart of the Historic Center (Pelourinho). We have a vibrant young vibe, with friends and customers every night, music playing, etc.

• 

  Type of help

  General Maintenance
  Help in the house
  Helping with Tourists

• 

  Help

  The Volunteer Program is reception work. Per week you work three 8-hour shifts and help out with the barbecue on Monday. The shifts can be Morning (6h-14h); Afternoon (14h-22h) and will be scheduled per week. It's necessary to stay at least 5 weeks.
  
  The reception is responsible for the check-in and check-out of guests, for giving information about the city and events that are going on and for managing bookings. Furthermore during the shift you answer emails, make sure laundry is being done and have light cleaning duties, revising toilets and putting out trash.
  
  Every Monday we organise a barbecue. As a volunteer you are required to help out but are compensated by joining in the barbecue for free :)

• 

  Languages spoken

  English, Portuguese & Spanish (appealing)

• 

  Accommodation

  The volunteers stay in a 6 bed dorm that can also sometimes include paying guests from the hostel. The beds include a large drawer and side compartment and both can be locked with the key we provide you.

• 

  What else ...

  Salvador is one of the most touristic cities in Brazil, it was the country's first capital so it's Historical Center is full of beautiful Renaissance building and churches. This area is also a UNESCO Heritage Site.
  
  The Volunteer Program is organised for only 24h a week, so the volunteers can enjoy their stay in Salvador, having many free days a week or work somewhere else in order to make some extra money.
  We often have night events!
  
  ***Application Advice***
  When applying, try to add information such:
  - Studies background
  - Work background
  - Travelling experience
  - Why traveling to Salvador

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

• 

  Volunteering hours expected

  24h per week plus helping a bit with the barbecue. Minimum stay 5 weeks.

Photos

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Our Hostel Album

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Terrace 2

Bathroom

The Guest bed

Compartment by the side of the Guest bed

The kitchen

Breakfast table

Our fresh terrace

(Excellent)

for Sally

[18/06/2017]

Sally brought an incredible amount of energy with her to the hostel. She was the initiator for most of the night outings with guests and also organised a few dinners/barbecues here in the hostel. Very responsible, organised and a person who only looked for solutions! We miss our FitDance buddy here already!

We hope you continue to dance funk… read more wherever you are in the world. Please come back soon!

Um abraço e beijos!

Sarah & Francisco
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

for martyna

[18/06/2017]

Maré worked with us for just over a month doing reception work (check-in and check-out); making drinks; light cleaning; restocking and giving information to our guests. She was always willing to help out and do more than what was necessary. Thank you so much for all your help, Maré, we miss you and are always welcome back!

Beijinhos da Sarah e do… read more Francisco
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

[13/06/2017]

I couldn't find better for a first volunteering experience! My 6 weeks in this Hostel wnt way too fast and I really felt like leaving my home when i finally had to go. Francissco and Sarah are so friendly and open-minded peopleand they had so many great ideas to make the Hostel such a good place to stay!Free caipirinhas, free rice and pasta, two… read more personal safes and some curtains on each beds are some of those.

I will definitely recommend this place to everyone travelling in Salvador and trying to visit them as much as I can while I am in Brazil! ;)

Muito obrigado por tudo! Ate já!

Jonas
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

for Samuel

[13/05/2017]

Sam stayed with us for 5 weeks at the hostel doing reception work; checking in guests; restocking; making drinks; and doing light cleaning. He was always very polite to guests and would help them as much as he possibly could. Extremely easy going and takes what you say on board and even had a guest leaving a review about how nice he was in the… read more check in.
If you're lucky, he might belt out a tune with a broad Scottish accent being more prominent than any decent harmony but it will leave you smiling more than anyone singing properly.

We already miss you, ya git, good luck on your next adventure!!!

Beijos da Sarah e do Francisco
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

[21/04/2017]

Looking back on my time in Brazil, some of my favourite memories were formed in Salvador, at this Hostel - the lovely little berries; with Sarah and Francisco, the other volunteers, the neighbours, holiday-makers and the locals. It was lovely to have residents of Salvador greet me in a familiar manner as they realised I wasn't just a tourist… read more staying for a week. What a city!! Drumming and art. Those two adjectives describe it to me. It is possible to go to the beach, walk around some shops AND complete a shift at the hostel, all in one day. And with 4 days off a week, it is possible to tour around Bahia (a HUGE 'Wow'). In Salvador, we all went out as a group, I was part of a family, a team. You will never feel lonely or homesick. And the two hosts? Sarah and Francisco - great sense of humour, very kind and interested in people. Always taking the time to care. And now they are married!! I bet that was some party. Miss ye both,XX
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

for Amanda

[04/01/2017]

Amanda stayed with us for a little over a month and left with as much energy as she arrived with! She brought along with her a very quirky Irish/British humour which never ceased to make us laugh.
She was always willing to help the guests especially if they had any medical issues where she was able to recommend advice driven by her knowledge in… read more herbal medicine. She was also willing to try something new and experiment with different drinks as well (I won't forget the mini-Guinness shots we made on your first shift!).

The best of luck, Amanda!!

Beijo from Sarah, Francisco & the Team
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

for Elliott

[06/04/2017]

Elliot volunteered with us for just over one month during Carnaval. He was a very keen worker who tried his best in everything he did. Always made the guests feel very welcome with his music or his endless interest in what they had to say. A very genuine human being with a happy disposition who we miss here!

Good luck with your next… read more adventures!

Beijos,
Sarah & Francisco
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

for Lenny

[14/03/2017]

Lenny stayed with us for 5 weeks, then left... then even came back again during Carnaval for another 2 weeks or so. He was an energetic, dancing little Mexican thing who completely immersed himself in the Bahian culture whilst being able to get all the work done that we needed him to do! During our churrasco nights in the hostel, Lenny definitely… read more created the vibe by playing the right music at the right time and of course... the night always lead to some sort of dancing.
We miss you, Lenny, good luck in your next adventure and you will make any Workawaying host happy, thank you for all your hard work!

Beijos da Sarah e do Francisco, volte logo!!!
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

[14/03/2017]

How could I even start? This has been one of the best experiences of my life! Been in this amazing city, getting to know its people and culture was amazing. And the hostel was the best I could have imagine: Great breakfast, Great accommodations, Great vibe, Great people, Great Everything!

Açaí is the best and it will always have a special… read more place in my heart!

Thank you guys so much! I wish only the best for you!

Ohh and I'll be back to dance some more axé. Me aguarde!
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

[19/01/2017]

This Hostel was my first Workaway experience - and I could not have wished for a better start. First off, the hostel is situated in a beautiful area of town. Pelourinho is full of coloured colonial houses, majestic churches and wild Samba parties. But still, with all this cultural richness next door, I still spent a great amount of time in the… read more hostel. The people are amazing, the parties are wild and the terrace offers a picturesque view over the Historic Center. The staff is lovely: Jessica, Joni and Sandra make you feel at home and always have an open ear if problems occur. The volunteers keep the place alive. And although I did not have the chance to meet Francisco, I fell in love with his crazy dog, Acai.
To put it short: If you go to Salvador, stay at Acai Hostel. You will not regret it.
Lots of love!
Max
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[12/11/2016]

Best voluntering experience I've ever had, we are well installed and the enviroment is fun and great! Work hours doesnt seem like work hours, even though we have responsibilites to take care of. Francisco the owner knows how to make it a real hostel for guests, no matter the differences coming along with them. I would be glad to come back and… read more recommend it to anyone visiting Salvador. A true brazilian experience !
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

[24/10/2016]

My time in Açaí was perfect, I couldn't have asked for more. It was such an amazing place, the people, the samba nights, the drums, the caipirinhas and I could go on for pages. I would tell anyone who’s thinking on volunteering here that you shouldn't hesitate. Because of how the shifts are planned it's easy to go and explore Bahia on your free… read more days (the national park of chapada diamantina is a must). The other workawayers were just awesome and now I’m proud to call them my friends. Francisco is such a cool boss and person! I'm so grateful of everything I lived there and I will definitely come back. Saudades! Obrigado e até mais amigos!
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

for Gianfranco

[17/10/2016]

It was great to have Gianfranco here helping at the hostel in Salvador! Other than being very responsible at his shift, Gian had a lot of initiative to do extra stuff and a lot of energy to entertain the guests bringing them out. Hope to see you again Gian!!! Abraço de Salvador!
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

Nora

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[19/10/2016]

Nora worked with us for just over a month and was a very reliable and dedicated worker. She was eager to learn Portuguese and as eager to help fellow staff members and most importantly the guests in the hostel. Even when she hurt her foot, she still put in 100% effort to help us here at Açaí Hostel.
Nora was always very personable from the day she… read more arrived to the day she left and is extremely organised!
We miss you here and send our best to you!
Beijinhos,
Francisco, Sarah & the Team
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

[14/09/2016]

I definitely recommend this place.I stayed for 5 weeks and worked 3 days a week 8 hours each. Which means you have a lot of time to explore and go places. I had to be very responsible on my shifts but it was fun everytime. You could always ask for help and they are very nice and flexible with your schedule. I loved the vibe at the hostel and I… read more made friends for a lifetime there.
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

for Isabella

[13/09/2016]

Isa was of great help working for the hostel. Always prepared to take any shift was necessary and very organized. Also had energy to go out with the guests and the staff!
Thank you very much Isa!! Hope to see you soon in the next trips :)
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

[13/06/2016]

Francisco and Sarah thank you for everething! Your hostel is amazing and I cannot imagine a better place to work. Miss you a lot in cold Russia :)
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

for Nina

[11/05/2016]

Nina, it was more than amazing having you work with us, as I already said to you, I barely had to train you, you used your brain which is always a plus ;) You made our lives very easy knowing that you were working because we knew you could handle anything that came your way.
Definitely a great asset for any business!
Most of all you're just an… read more enjoyable person to have around.
We hope that you come back in the near future and that you know you are forever welcome back.
Lots of love from Sarah & Francisco :) :)
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

[01/05/2016]

Working here was a beautiful experience! Francisco and Sarah are wonderfull and you'll meet plenty more interesting people while you're there (other workawayers, people staying in the hostel, locals..)
You work 3 days a week for 8 hours and the rest of the week off, if that's not a great deal?!
My 5 weeks flew by! To be honest, first I wasn't… read more sure if was gonna make it, but before I knew it a month had passed and gosh I wish I was still there. If I'm returning to Brasil, Açai; I'll be back!
Thank you so much for the opportunity, experience, memories, the memories I have lost due to tuesdaynights, the beautiful birthdaycake and so much more!
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

for Asta

[28/02/2016]

Hey Asta!

We all miss your involuntary dancing and endless energy (after your first coffee at breakfast) you produced and passed through to all our guests. I was regularly commented on how lovely you were with our guests and it was evidently effortless for you to give :)

We hope Italy offers you what you hope it will and that you will… read more continue to dance and reproduce those Tuesday nights I'm pretty sure you live and breathe now ;)

Beijos e abraços do Brasil,
From both Francisco and I :)

Sarah :)
Left by host for Workawayer

(Very good)

[15/02/2016]

3 months of my workaway flew away... Thanks to volunteers in hostel and Sarah and Francisco, this experience was more positive. Seems more a family than a hostel. There were different things to resolve, but by talking with Francisco and Sarah, things became better. I liked the communication with many people and no bureaucracy in this hostel.… read more Perfect English skills.. and management. Sarah, well, done :), I like your way of managing things and your wish to do thing better. Thanks also to all the volunteers in that period, that made the atmosphere even more family-like. For me personally the main difficulty was that I was volunteering and working in hostel for 3 months, which is a bit difficult,because at the end you do not have a lot of personal space while working and volunteering in the same place. Probably I would rather choose 2 months instead of 3, if I had to choose again. Otherwise, location is perfect for "Samba nights" every Tuesday and many other events in Pelaurinho (its few minutes from the centre) and what counts most are people who work there - they love what they do and you can feel it.. Thanks again for a possibility to stay here and I will miss you guys and also music, drums and dancing.. hope to continue with the dance also here in Italy... All the best and be safe and best luck for you. Wish you just do all from heart like you did until now :). Contact me if you are in Italy :).
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

for Antonio

[18/01/2016]

I can't be more thankful for Antonio's work. He was quite flawless with the reception tasks and did a lot more outside his shift. Friendly, available all the time and very smart!
Antonio, thank you so much for your help my friend, let's keep in contact and I hope to see you soon!!
All the best wishes,
Francisco Garcia
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

[05/01/2016]

How to start? This was my first Workaway experience and I must say I'm sold. Francisco's hostel is just great, well organised, and you can feel an almost familiar sense of belonging there. The hours allow you to travel, and the work itself is not hard, although it can get hectic when the hostel is full =) Salvador has to be one of the most… read more interesting places I've come across as well. Go for it =)
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[29/10/2015]

Amazing time at the Hostel with Francisco and the crew!! I spent almost 2 months in the hostel, which has such positive vibes. Francisco is flexible, cool, smiley, intelligent and always helpful, the location of the hostel is also comfortable, in the center of the happenings, never asleep :) Since I'm still in Salvador, I keep on visiting my… read more friends , the good memories tie me to this place.
Thanks a lot for the lifetime adventure!
Abraco,
Kata
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[29/09/2015]

I worked there for 1 month and i can firmly say that it was an awesome and unforgettable experience!!! I loooooved it there, I made lots of new friends from all over the world (both hosts and other volunteers) and had an amazing time with them, not only working but also partying getting to know Salvador and Bahia.
the hostel is great, and the… read more atmosphere within it is even better.It is super cozy and at the same time fun.
Not to forget Francisco. He is indeed a greaaaat 'boss', he has a great positive attitude -always down for party- and is always wiling to help and to make the volunteering experience the most comfortable and fun. oh and Sandra! the women that prepares breakfast in the morning..she is also the cuttest person! somehow it really felt like home at some point.
Hope that the hostel stays as cool, i miss it and recommend it BIG TIME.



Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[01/07/2015]

I don't have enough words do describe my stay here with Frrrrancisco.
Easily one of the highlights of my traveling. Easily :)
The hostel became a home to me and the workers, staff and guests a big family that I miss now that I'm not there!
This is a place where you will meet so many people, travelers, local people and enjoy beautiful Salvador… read more because you have also lots of free time. Francisco the owner is an inspiring person.
I highly recommend this place if you go to Bahia.
Saudades <3
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

Martin

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[02/02/2015]

It was a pleasure to have Martin working at the hostel.
He learned fast and was very reliable to the reception tasks, also could understand the needs of the hostel and suggest improvements to the processes. At the same time was very social with the team and the guests adding good energy to the atmosphere!
Thank you very much Martin for helping… read more me in Salvador!
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[23/01/2015]

Simply put, you’ll have a great time staying here. Francisco is amazing and his enthusiasm and personality makes the place come alive. There always seems to be some sort of party happening during the nights and during the day you won't be bored as Salvador is filled with lots of historical sights and beaches to visit. I’ve had countless great… read more memories from staying here and I’m really glad that I came. Thanks a lot Francisco and please, for the love of god, look after Diarmuid for Carnival!

Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

Miguel & Hugo

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[08/11/2014]

Miguel and Hugo,
Thank you very much for the good work you did, but mostly for always being the nice guys you are. For sure you added a lot to improve the atmosphere of the hostel, always close to the guests and to the staff. I'm sure we've been through a few great adventures here we will tell to our kids ;)
Good luck with the objectives you… read more have during your trip! I'm sure you will succeed a lot!
Grande abraco
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[06/11/2014]

First of all Francisco is an awesome guy which became a very good friend after this incredible experience in the Hostel. His good attitude towards people in general, either volunteers or guests is out of the ordinary which definitely, alongside with the people he chooses to work with, turns this hostel into the best hostel in Salvador by far. He… read more made all the work process very easy and intuitive and the environment is super easy going and relaxed. There are a lot of details that won't pass unnoticed if you are a backpacker and specially when u stay in the hostel for 1 and a half months as we did, which obviously makes u feel at home with all the commodities u need. Working only 3, 8 hours shifts for week allows u to get to know the city really well as well as visit all the best attractions that Bahia has to offer.
The environment between volunteers is very good indeed, thank u all for the great moments we shared together...Sandra, Irene, Carol, Pierre,Sebastian, Emma, Olivia, Joy, Lydia and champe it was a pleasure to work with u guys.
And Francisco thank u for providing us with this beautiful experience, we could have never guessed it would be as fulfilling as it was.
Grande Abraço and post the picture we took with Davide here at workaday for people to have an idea of the cool environment you have in the hostel;P
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

Sahil

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[16/10/2014]

Sahil was great at reception and taking care of the hostel. He was also a magic with words, always entertaining everybody with really interesting topics.
Big hug from Salvador man, hope to see you in the future!
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

Jeremiah

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[16/10/2014]

Jeremy, was great helping in the reception of the Hostel and some extra things that showed up. Really took initiative to solve problems we had at the time or to help if someone else was working. Also surprised me with his dancing skills ;)
I hope you're still enjoying your Trip Jeremy!!! Big hug from us from the hostel and friends from Salvador :)
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[24/08/2014]

This has been the best job I've ever had.
The work shifts go by very quickly, the staff and work environment are great, and you only work three days a week.
Outside of work the location is perfect and there are always events going on within 10 minutes of the hostel.
Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

Julita & Konrad

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[21/08/2014]

Julita!! Thank you very much for the help you and Konrad gave to the hostel. We all miss you guys!!

Hugs and Kisses from Salvador
Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

[16/08/2014]

Amazing hostel with a fantastic host! Thank you for our unforegettable holiday experience. It was pleasure to be there! :)

100% Recommendation!
Left by Workawayer for host