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China
HBB has been my favorite volunteer experience so far. The space Andressa created is warm, inclusive, and women- and queer-friendly. The volunteer team was kind and supportive, creating a lovely atmosphere. I mainly worked behind the bar and learned to make caipirinhas, which was a highlight. Located in Pinheiros near Batman Alley, the bar attracts many locals, giving me meaningful connections. I highly recommend it to travelers seeking a deeper, more local experience of São Paulo.
8 months ago
Belgium
I spent 2 fun weeks in HBB bartending, the host is very flexible & understanding which was very comfortable. I made friends with the other volunteers & felt very welcomed even though there sometimes was a language barrier. We understood each other & made it work! Thank you HBB dream team 🫶🏻
8 months ago
Korea, South
It was my second time to apply volunteer work in HBB hostel, literally it was feeling like come back home, Andressa and other volunteers were so kind and energetic, like before I can meet many local travelers and talk together. the work is perfect in both practicing English and Portuguese. anytime when I come back São Paulo I will stay in HBB hostel as a volunteer or a guest. always Thank you Andressa!
over 1 year ago
Korea, South
It was my first Worldpackers hostel volunteer work, the host Andressa was very kind, n hostel was so cozy, There was many kind of ppl n it was perfect place to hang out n talk with them. The hostel location is perfect, more than other area, Vila Madalena is safe n every night so energetic. if I went back to São Paulo I will go to HBB hostel again. Obrigado Andressa!
over 1 year ago
Thanks, Jay. We're happy to have you back with us, and we hope to come back to our little home many more times. I really want to see you speak fluent Portuguese one day, and to have many fun conversations together, since speaking with you in English is already very enjoyable.
Croatia
I had good volunteering experience at HBB Hostel. My role at the front bar was enjoyable, with clear tasks and perfect working hours. Mostly i enjoyed doing caipirihas! Andressa, the hostel manager, was flexible and supportive throughout my stay. The neighborhood is vibrant, with plenty of bars and attractions, and I always felt safe. Overall, I recommend HBB Hostel for anyone looking to volunteer and immerse themselves in the local scene of Sao Paulo!
over 1 year ago
Ountch. Thank you very much, Peter. It was a pleasure to welcome you here, as you demonstrated you were highly capable of carrying out the volunteer work, even in the face of language difficulties. You surprised us and left us feeling quite calm and confident that the bar was under your command. We hope for more people like you around here!
France, Metropolitan
The location of the hostel is really great ! The team is so nice, that's a good place :)
about 1 year ago
Germany
If you speak fluent Portuguese and don't get sick, you can have a good time there. Communication was generally poor for a host, I had to find out everything myself (e.g. when and where I was supposed to work, what the meal allowance was like (never got that btw), etc.). I was also never told what happens in the event of illness... that this doesn't happen to anyone else: either you pay for the nights you're sick or you have to leave. In a final interview, I found the host to be unprofessional.
over 1 year ago
We really enjoy hosting foreign volunteers here, and we never let language be a barrier; we’re here to share and learn from each other. This has never been a problem. Unfortunately, you don’t understand the spirit of volunteering, nor do you have responsibility for the work exchange. Maybe you just wanted accommodation, and that’s fine—you can be a guest and pay for it. This way there’s no commitment to schedules, nor does it disrupt the hostel’s routine that counts on you for the shifts.
Tunisia
From day one, you are part of a family that became a family when they arrived. Great, fun ambient. The neighborhood is fun easy to reach the metro and bus stations. I strongly recommend the hostel and would be happy to return one day :)
over 2 years ago
Turkey
For first time was very nice place for staying and volunteering but after next days i got robbed several times for small amount of money (hiding my wallet but always in some time i wasn't in room and other volunteers took my money even we got proof but management didn't act right and i needed to leave earlier )
over 2 years ago
This is the first time this kind of situation has occurred to us, and Furkan only informed us when he said it had happened for the fourth time. Unfortunately, this is the truth against all the other members of the team who had access to the room. And we could never accuse anyone of theft, since there is no evidence. This is serious and could lead to legal action. So the best decision was made: to end things with everyone who didn't have dates scheduled. But this was not enough for Furkan, and we regret not meeting his expectations or what he would have liked us to do, as it was not within our possibilities. He decided to leave before the scheduled date; we understand his decision, and we hoped that he would understand ours!
Russia
The experience of volunteering at HBB was incredible! The hostel space is cozy and comfortable, the tasks and schedule are orginized and clear,the people in the hostel are wonderful! The staff, Andressa, German and volunteers create a family atmosphere, help each other, are always open and friendly. I met friends here with whom I want to keep in touch for a long time to come. Vila Madalena area is full of bars, quite safe. During the month of working here at the reception I improved my Portuguese a lot and used a lot of English. I am grateful to everyone who welcomed me into the place ☺️ 🙏🏻
over 3 years ago
Annaaaaa, the short time with us makes us miss you. Your presence is very pleasant and easy to be around. Your time with us was very important and it added value. We keep your improvement suggestion here at the hostel, and we hope to come back to visit you someday. All the best Annaaa!
