Rio Guesthouse

Thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Rio Guesthouse as a solo traveller in February 2023. It is accurate to photos and descriptions on their website. I found the hosts (who live/ are there a lot of the time) really kind and helpful. It's clean and convenient. It's probably the closest thing you can find to a hostel - with other travellers staying in the building - and is good for travelling on a budget. It also has kitchen facilities and a balcony/ outside area. I appreciated the hosts offering me a double room on arrival (I'd initially booked a twin as doubles were sold out on the website) and their help with other queries about Barbados. It is conveniently located with easy/walking access to St Lawrence Gap and Dover Beach, and is near other big hotels and restaurants etc. I'll be back!

I had a disappointing experience at Rio Guesthouse. During my stay, I had a few bottles of beer that I had placed in the fridge. However, upon checking the fridge later, I found that my beer had been taken without my permission. This was very disappointing as it felt like a violation of my personal belongings. Additionally, I had left a gift for my wife in the room, which we were both excited about. However, when the room was cleaned, the gift was nowhere to be found. It seemed that it had been thrown away or misplaced during the cleaning process. Overall, I was disappointed with my stay at Rio Guesthouse. The theft of my beer and the loss of my wife's gift left a sour taste in my mouth. It's important for hotels and guesthouses to respect their guests' belongings and not to throw away items without checking with the guests first. The room I was given did not have air conditioning, and the temperature inside the room was unbearable. Despite the high temperatures, the management did not provide any alternative solutions or offer any compensation for the discomfort caused by the lack of AC. The lady looks very mean all the time. Go find an Airbnb with AC in the same price level would be better enjoy in Barbados.

Really good value for the location and room. The bedroom had a comfortable bed and a full kitchen which was very useful, and a private bathroom. The A/C was very effective at keeping cold! The hosts were lovely, very helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend for a traveller on a budget

I stayed at this guesthouse on 2 occasions. I love the place, I love its location - it is close to everything! The St. Lawrence Gap is a few steps away, the main roads are close by to get a taxi etc. I would not trade it for the world. The rooms are generally clean, with clean bathrooms and the managers are very courteous. The Dover Beach is a few steps away. Restaurants are close by and the area is always lively and teeming with life.

I spent a week of scuba diving and stayed at Rio Guesthouse. At first there was a little confusion of which room I should be staying. I ended up staying at there other location which is just right next street. So this review should be about the other location and about Paula and Dennis. The room has a kitchen, a living room with TV (which I didn't use), and good size bathroom. The room has AC and there is a clothes line at the back of the property (The space at the back worked really for my gear!). I was very happy about the accommodation. Paula and Dennis, every time I visit the main house, were friendly and hospitable. I normally don't need a lot of things to be comfortable so I probably interacted with them 3-4 times during my stay. Also, for a fee, Dennis can drive you back to the airport which is very convenient. I would stay again with Paula and Dennis if I come back in Barbados.

We were travelling with my friend and stayed here for our entire trip, 10 nights. We stayed in the double twin room which was spaceous enough + bathroom with warm shower (never run out of warm water). The location is calm and St Lawrence Gap bars and restaurants are <5min walk away. The house has a small balkony thats great for evening chill and meet fellow travellers. In case you are surfing, a car is a must and you will have parking space right at the house. No racks for surfboards but we were allowed to leave em inside.

Paula and Denise with their little one Denzel are absolutely adorable. Very welcoming, helpful, polite, gentle and every day we have a nice chat about everything. The rooms are clean and pleasant with 2 minutes walk from the Dover beach, 5 minutes walk from the Dover supermarket and restaurants and pubs, hair dressers and beauty salons nearby. If you wish to go and visit the capital Bridgetown or anywhere you want to go every 5 minutes it's a zedar (white minivan) that takes you there for 3,50 bbd (bajan dollars = 1,75 us dollars). Soo, amazing location, amazing and welcoming people, unique experience at an affordable price.

Be careful with this awful guest house. I made a mistake and overpaid for 18 nights when I actually was saying for 17 nights. A decent establishment would have simply given me back my 55 USD. But not this one ! The manager refused to return my money. And by the time I realised that she was going to keep my money, i twas nearly check out time. I got into heated argument with herwhen she accused me of calling her the « N » word. If you want decent barbadian hospitality go elsewhere. The police were very helpful and were willing to come and help but the delay tacties used caused me to run out of time and I had to check in for my flight. If you want to meet a great angry manipulator and cheat come to RIO GUEST HOUSE.