Description
It is generally the underprivileged who experience the privileges that come with hillside dwellings here in Rio: fresh air and expansive views of Guanabara Bay. But when British artist and journalist Bob Nadkarni’s wanderings brought him to Rio some 30 years ago he decided to build an art studio and community center in Tavares Bastos. high above the downtown neighborhood of Catete. His dream has evolved over the years into what is now The Maze Inn (opened in December 2005), a very unique place to stay in what is perhaps the safest area in Rio. Yes, Tavares Bastos is considered to be a favela, but unlike most favelas, there is no drug dealing, no violence, no guns, no muggings and, as a matter of fact, no illegal activities to speak of. This is due, at least in part, to the presence of the Rio police SWAT Team headquarters, which are located right next door.

So, wind your way (in taxi, moto-taxi or kombi) over the cobblestone switchbacks past crumbling colonial homes standing watch over the glimmering Guanabara Bay to the end of the road and then walk the 5 minutes down the narrow sidewalk path following the yellow arrows to reach The Maze Inn. Chill out with the diverse range of guests on the couches under the large canvasses of modern paintings (by Bob, the owner) that adorn the walls of the irregularly-shaped living room of the Inn or take a seat on the spacious terrace and marvel at the view of Rio, the Bay, Niterói, Sugar Loaf mountain and the hodgepodge houses of the hillside neighborhood below. If you want a distinctive perspective on Rio and to stay in a comfortable, safe place, the Maze Inn is a good option.

Insider Tips
The first Friday of the month is Jazz at The Maze, a party where the live music will flow between jazz, bossa nova and samba from 9:30pm until….. In the warm weather there’s a bbq on the terrace and soup is available (R$5) during the winter months. Beer, soft drinks and mixed drinks are sold at the bar. Admission is R$10-15 (free for The Maze guests).

Public transportation (kombi and moto-taxi) are available to go up and down the hill between about 5am and 2am but Bob has a partnership with a taxi company who will pick up and drop off at any hour of the day or night.

Ask Bob about a group daytrip to the islands in the Guanabara Bay (approx. R$60/person).

Benefits
Every floor has a fully-equipped kitchen for guests

Staying in a favela will give you a truly unique vision of the city

You’ll be closer to many museums and cultural centers than you would if you stayed in Leblon or Ipanema. The Maze is just up the hill from the hopping nightlife of Lapa and one of the best museums of the city: the Folk Art Musuem (Museu do Folclore Edison Carneiro) on Rua do Catete.

Drawbacks
Coming and going from The Maze requires some effort because you’re about a 10-minute ride up the hill from Catete and not much is available within easy walking distance.

There is only one computer available for guest use but there is an Internet café (R$1/hour) nearby.

Rooms
The inn has 8 rooms, each with a double bed and private bathroom. Current remodeling and expansion will add a new reception area, a rooftop deck and 12 more suites in the near future. No two rooms are the same size or style, though most are fairly small. All have a comfortable double bed and simple private bathroom (soap is provided), a closet, a mini-bar and a fan. Some have a small table or desk. The unique decor includes creative mosaic floors and original artwork on the walls. While not many rooms have a proper view, all rooms do have a window, some smaller than others. The design of the house fits in with the shape of the mountain so you’ll see many angles and much asymmetry. One of bathrooms is in the shape of massive head with a window for the eye.

Food
Rates include a hearty breakfast, served in the living/dining room. Tropical fruits, tea, coffee, eggs are available and generally a special dish, like strawberry crepes, on the weekends.

Children
Bob lives at the inn with his wife and two young children so guests with children are welcome.

Rates
R$80/night for single, R$100/night for a couple.
Rates are higher during New Year’s Eve and Carnival when reservations must be made for 5-day packages.

	Information:
	Location Rua Tavares Bastos 414 – 66, Catete