My expectations for the Rio weren't high as it was so cheap, but I was pleasantly surprised. The rooms are bright and pleasant, with gorgeous hardwood floors. The communal bathroom was always clean and never occupied when I needed to use it. (soap would have been nice, though). I appreciated having a sink and desk in my bedroom.
The staff was kind, friendly and helpful. The place is very quiet despite being right near the restaurants and bars of St. Lawrence Gap and 3 minutes from the beach. There is frequent bus service to Bridgetown and to the other towns along the southeast coast. If I ever go back to Barbados, I hope to stay at the Rio.

Rio guesthouse welcomed me to Barbados with open arms as a 1st time visitor to the picturesque Island. The staff were always willing to give advise on places of interest to go.
"Reggea on the Hill" a recent yearly event was one of the finest live entertainment I jammed to, and St Lawerence Gap filled with an eclectic mixture of place to dine, dance all night or just chill. I've heard that in some of thes places of interest there's every possibility that you could fall in love or rekindle the romance back into a tired relationship.

The rooms in the guesthouse I always looked forward in returning to everything heavenly fresh and clean just like a sanctuary. Rio allowed me to economise without having to feel like a second class holiday maker.

Be prepared for the famous Marconi pie, a refreshing lager called Banks, a place called Ousten were the days catch of fresh fish is cooked on the beach, and the hard core Reggea music of the Reggea Lounge, including the The Lounge Weekend. Oh yes and the beautiful selection of Beachs surrounded by the Caribbean Ocean, all of this within walking distance or an interesting bus ride away from the Rio guesthouse.

Thanks Rio Guesthouse, Barbados tourist board should be proud of the high standard in your service.

Laverne Smith

As I stated I was treated as a 1st class guest at Rio guesthouse

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My extended thanks to the Rio girls who made our one week trip an "at home" experience. If you're looking for somewhere close to ALL the action: the transit, the beach, the nightlife...but still want a small and comfy place to call home this is it! It is off the main road, so the noise level is quite low most nights. Keep in mind- the rooms are very simple- but they are cleaned daily (lifesaving surprize!) and no curfew means you can plan your days (or nights) as you please. The girls who run the house are AMAZING- they'll help you get places on the busses, they even helped us plan parts of our trip by reccommending "must do" things. The kitchen is a communal one, but it is well equipped and it's really not all that busy if you do plan on doing lots of cooking in house. The nicest thing, though, is the atmosphere created by the girls and the other guests of the house. It is easy to find new friends- especially on Friday night when everyone gathers on the balcony for a rum punch get-together! From a family of 4 to singles of any age, I highly reccommend Rio Guest House if you're looking for a no frills, accommodating, friendly, safe and FUN place to stay that really is in the center of the action! Thanks Rio girls- it was the trip of a lifetime. XOXO

Just returned from Barbados and staying at Rio made all the difference. They were pretty booked up, so my friend and I had to share a single room...not a problem at all. Paula fixed up an extra bed wonderfully and our room was much better than I would have expected. The place exceeded our expectations in every way (such a good deal for your money)..it was clean, our room got cleaned everyday (WHoaaa..who expected that!), good size kitchen, more than friendly atmosphere, SUPER location (2 min walk to the beach, easy walking from all the bars and clubs - but not by the noise), and such friendly staff...Natasha and sophie who run the place were more than helpful and made us feel right at home in and out of the guesthouse. We arrived on a friday just in time for rum punch on the balcony..people of all ages stayed here (20-50), and if you have an open mind you can meet some great people to hang out with. Overall, I wouldn't want to stay anywhere else but Rio..Remember, its simple, but clean and safe. I would its more than ideal for anyone who is taking a backpacking approach to Barbados or ppl who are just looking for a place to crash and meet some good people...Thanks Rio for a great stay!
XO