Wow wow wow! I have to say my expectations weren't super high having travelled through many parts of Latin America and staying in dozens of lodging. But Paulo Ney's apartment is everything you could ask for and more! Most importantly, it is in the perfect location if you are there to visit the beaches (and who goes to Rio and doesn't want to hit the sand and surf?!). Within 1-2 minutes you can walk from the apartment building to feeling the sand between your toes. And you can have your choice between Copacabana and Ipanema because the apartment is located between the two! I hit the beach daily and was thankful I didn't have to walk far after lazing in the sun all day.
The apartment unit itself is a modern mix of European and American amenities. It looks simple but stylish in its design and whatever we needed we found somewhere in the apartment!
When I'm on vacation I want to be able to sleep in on a big, comfy bed and I was able to get the best sleep ever on the thick coil mattresses. With the clean sheets, fluffy pillows, and blackout blinds I slept through the night every night which I can't even do when home, without a care in the world.
The kitchen is well stocked with everything you need to prepare for a party. I was most impressed with the dishwasher, garbage disposal, Nespresso machine, and filtered water faucet. According to friends, the first two are extremely hard to come by in a typical Rio apartment and we sure used them often while cooking and entertaining!
Although it is winter in Rio, it still felt like summer to me so I was very grateful for the air conditioning in each of the rooms. It was nice to get out of the sun, shower in the beautifully tiled bathrooms, and relax with the a/c blasting cool air.
If I ever am in Rio again, I won't bother looking at any other apartments. In fact, I would even go so far as to book my vacation based on the availability of Paulo Ney's apartment! Stay there, you won't regret!