You know your coolest uncle? Or older brother? The one with amazing apartment by the beach, that he beautifully decorates with eclectic artwork and exotically carved furniture? And you smile when you see that he covers his furniture just like Aunt Ellie does, which is perfect, for a beach home. There's even a fantastic kitchen renovation, with soft close cabinets, a dishwasher, and a washer/dryer -- some of the most impossible to find appliances in Rio. It's not advertised, but there's even a tiny pocket of a third bathroom, perfect for rinsing off after you come in the back service entrance from the beach!
That's Christophe's place.
I originally rented Christophe's home months ago for Carnival, thinking I'd have a big crowd of family members. Then it was just my parents and I. Then my parents' Brazilian visas were delayed, so it was just me -- in a new city, in a 3 bedroom, 3 bath, apartment. (They ended up joining 3 days later.)
Despite this, I felt completely and totally safe. Christophe's apartment is on one of the busiest and most exciting streets in Ipanema. I visited at least four grocery stores within a two block radius. I picked up savory breakfast pastries at the confeitaria and ate them on the beach. I took my parents to (what we called) Brazilian dim sum at Cafe Belmonte. I had a late night dinner at Galitos, surrounded by beautiful laughing men in Speedos. I nursed hangovers over monstrously huge bowls of Acai at Amazonian Soul.
The apartment is also in a terrific location. We were within two blocks of the metro station and had easy access to Uber.
Christophe was also a fantastic host - never obtrusive, he was always available to answer my random questions and requests for advice.
I wouldn't hesitate to book again or book Christophe's home to others!