We stayed at this studio for 4 nights and left with a longing heart to return. The studio is stylishly decorated, as you can see from the photos posted up by the hosts. It has all the necessities which we needed, plus an ipod dock with speakers, which was a plus!! It is situated on a street just off the Copacabana beach, in a nice neighbourhood lined with local eateries, juice shops, mini-markets and internet cafes. Everything is nearby and within walking distance – banks, laundry shops, higher-end restaurants, and of course, the beach!!

For its central location, we must say that the rate asked for by the hosts was very reasonable by Rio’s standard. We have shopped around and compared the prices of both hotels and private flats before deciding on this studio and at the end of our stay, we were happy to conclude that we have made a really good choice! The apartment block was guarded and gated, the neighbours were quiet and discreet and the building was well maintained. We also felt very safe while we were there.

Living in a private apartment amongst the locals was truly an exciting experience for us. We lived like the locals, shopped where they shopped and ate at all the small local eateries instead of restaurants. We tried the one just next door to the apartment (left of the entrance) and had some lovely and cheap local dishes there. The owner also whipped some very mean Caipirinhas for us!!

As for the host, Alex, we only have good things to say about him (like everyone else who has the privilege of meeting him). He greeted us in high spirits at the apartment’s entrance despite our 2-hour delay due to the crazy traffic from the airport. Despite that, he was all smiles and spent time showing us the studio, explaining how each gadget functions and giving us advice on where to eat and what to see. He then drove us along Copacabana beach to show us around and dropped us at an eatery which we have requested for. We had not expected this very kind gesture from him.

The following day, we received an email (for we did not use our mobile in Rio) from him and Anastasia, asking after how we were doing and whether everything was alright. Alex even offered us a ride to Corcovado as he was going there himself for a run. He then waited for us and drove us back to the studio, with a detour around his beautiful city.

This was our first Airbnb experience and we were so glad that it has started off so positively. The studio was absolutely lovely and we hope that all the other hosts whom we will meet in the future are as good and kind as Alex. He is truly a “people” person!!

We will certainly stay here again when in Rio again and have no qualms in recommending this place to others.