We are very happy to have had Monique, Edith and Rodrigo as our hosts in their lovely apartment at the BarraBella. We came during the World Cup from the US and our hosts were very informative and helpful with many questions both before and during our stay. Monique assisted with finding a driver and providing written guides and advice for visiting the city. The apartment is big enough for five adults and has a full kitchen and a beautiful balcony with a side view of the ocean. Barra Tijuca is a beautiful area with good bus service to Zona Sul (Copa, Ipanema, the metro). We were pleased to have a calm retreat from the crowds and hectic activities of the World Cup. Barra Tijuca has great access to the semi rural and pristine wild beaches of Macumba, Prainha and Guaratiba, which we visited by renting a car from the nearby Radisson Hotel. We are grateful to have had wonderful hosts and a beautiful, reasonably priced home in Rio.