My wife and I stayed at Ian’s place for a bit over 2 months and couldn’t have asked for a better place as a home base during our stay in Rio.
The apartment is freshly, tastefully remodeled and the finishings and furniture selection are very well done. The kitchen was well equipped for us to cook 3-5 nights per week and all of the appliances, including the much appreciated washer/ dryer, are brand new. The apartment has personal touch and isn’t just another generic AirBNB setup, so it feels cozy and homey.
The neighborhood gives an authentic taste of Brazil and puts you only a few steps away from the beach. Multiple markets, gyms, and really any daily needs are less than a 10 minute walk away, with the Leme taxi stand and Itaú bikes readily available to easily take you elsewhere in the city.
The apartment is halfway up a steep hill, so it is a bit of workout at times when coming back home, but we were thankful for the forced exercise after nights out indulging in the nearby restaurants and bars. The neighborhood feels tight knit, but I’d recommend exercising street smarts at night; which is applicable to all of Rio/ Brazil.
Big thanks to both Ian and his friend David, who met us during check-in and check-out due to Ian being out of town, for the hospitality and friendly, open communication throughout the whole stay.
Overall this was one of our best experiences with AirBNB! Apartmento Lemezinho is a hidden gem in a city full of many!