Paola and Isak agreed we could check in at 8:00am as we had an early flight into Rio and they had no-one staying at the apartment the previous night. However, the weather was awful in Rio on arrival (16 May) and there were accidents causing huge delays; the taxi took over two hours from the airport. Paola's brother was still waiting for us I wouldn't have blamed him if he had left) and he was very helpful - my beginner's Spanish got us through. The apartment is brilliant and the photo is just how it looks. Taxis run along the beach all the time so getting anywhere is easy. Weather was OK (not great) but we still had a great time in Rio. We did all the usual attractions, Christ The Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, Beaches etc. Also really enjoyed the Botanical Gardens and the Escadaria Selarón, which we struggled to find - it's in Rua Joaquim Silva in Lapa - even some locals did not know of it. Also recommend the Porcao Restaurant in Flamengo - all you can eat!