We were in Rio for the 2016 Paralympics and booked with Valeria well in advance. It was easy communicating with Valeria both before and during. We arrived around 10pm. The Concierge was expecting us and greeted us warmly. Valeria and Tyco, a neighbour, were there to greet us.

The apartment was more spacious than we imagined and was, within context, well appointed. Ceiling fans and air-con were good - though a good breeze passed through the apartment. The bedroom is large with plenty of hanging space and the bed comfortable. The bathroom is on the larger side with good walk in shower. The kitchen is small but functional - there is a view of both the Metropolitical Cathedral and Christ the Redeemer from the window. There is a sink for hand washing clothes and a small clothes line outside the window. The living room is spacious and has a view towards the clock tower of Central Station.

Television and internet were provided. When internet failed (due to telco) Valeria connected us to a 'back up' network. We had telephone numbers of both Valeria and Tyco and SMS contact was easy. We purchased a Claro pay-as-you go phone card from the small kiosk directly opposite the entrance to the Metro station. They also managed the necessary top-ups for us.

A pre-paid rechargeable card for the Metro can be bought from vending machine next to Chemist downstairs at MTR. We started with BRL20 to get card (with BRL20 credit). Topping up was easy and journeys were about BRL5 per trip. A separate ticket was required for the Supervia.

Resort areas like Copacabana or Ipanema and the like then the MTR takes you to Gen. Osario where you change to the new Line 4 (was only open to Rio2016 ticket holders then but should be open to all soon).

We had very little Portugese and most of the venders in our neighbourhood had very little English nevertheless communication with smiles, respect, patience and some animation was easy enough. We looked forward to our daily waves and greetings with local shopkeepers et al.

The flat is in an Art Deco building with two lifts in good working order. The building is just opposite historic Campo de Santana park and next door to a major hospital precinct. The area is in the heart of the old central precinct with many buildings from the Belle Epoch and Art Deco periods. This is an older part of Rio City. There are a number of boarded-up and/or derelict buildings in the wider area. It is an easy walk to a brilliant fresh-food market on Saturday mornings. There is a small convenience store nearby and two good local cuisine restaurants on either side of the building. Larger supermarkets are a couple of blocks away. This is an unconventional area for tourists to stay in, however, we absolutely enjoyed being here and seeing a very authentic side of Rio life. As to safety, the usual warnings for smart travellers apply!