This is the world's most perfect Airbnb. A few things to note:
1) Hosts: Patricia and her husband Michael are fantastic. They let me check in early and showed me around the house. They live in the downstairs area while the entire upstairs floor is yours to explore and lounge. She gave me her WhatsApp number and as I was traveling alone, she gave me a ton of recommendations and even invited me to their social project happening in Little Africa. The level of hospitality was unmatched - I feel as though Patricia and I will stay friends for a time to come.
2) Location: The house is located in the beautiful windy hills of Santa Teresa. Your view of Sugarloaf and the Redeemer are absolutely stunning. I could sit on that balcony all day and have coffee - but the inside decor was too beautiful to ignore.
3) Decor: Patricia and her husband put so much thought and love into the design of their house. Everything is purposeful and beautiful - the swinging wooden doors, the structure of the bed, the art in the kitchen, and the bathroom design (there's a rainfall showerhead). I couldn't stop taking photos of this place. It really is a work of art.
I don't have anything negative to say about this Airbnb. I got Ubers to and from the house pretty easily, because you can't really walk the hilly neighborhood as there's not much else other than residential houses within a 10-minute walk. But a short 8-minute Uber ride will take you to super cute restaurants and bars in Santa Teresa (I recommend Explorer Bar and Aprazivel). I liked seeing a different side of Rio in this neighborhood!
I'll certainly stay here again. 100 percent recommend!