Even with a language gap (I speak no Portuguese and Cheila & family speak no English), I felt right at home! I stayed over Carnival, which I ended up booking pretty last minute. It ended up working nicely. The apartment is in a good location and Cheila is a wonderful host (she was always around to show me how to use any appliances, made sure I was always comfortable, and even did my laundry for me). Not sure if I would stay here again (would probably try to stay in Copacabana or Ipanema - just to be closer to the beach). But overall, during Carnival it was a great place to stay!