If you are looking for a very comfortable, safe, and quiet place to stay while in Rio, this is it. I hesitate to rave only because I don’t want this lovely place to be taken next time I come to Rio. Silvia was the perfect host, meeting me and showing me around the apt. I was already very familiar with the area as I had rented down the street for several years but this apt is so much more comfortable and quiet which in Rio is such a rarity. The apt. sits at the end of the street which is very well illuminated at night and there are always plenty of people about so that you can feel secure.
The apartment itself is a 3rd floor walk up so if you have mobility issues this might not be for you but I found it no problem at all. The space is charming with huge windows looking out to the hill behind the building covered in vegetation and full of singing birds. Quite lovely and not what you would normally ever as a view. The bedrooms are amply sized and there are 2 large bathrooms, one with a tub. The kitchen is perfect to cook a small meal in on those nights that it’s pouring rain or you’re just tired and want to stay in. A washing machine is also in the apt and a life saver if you are staying for a length of time. No dryer but hanging the clothes up they will dry overnight. If you want to go out you are close by to many restaurants, cafes and eateries and for grocery shopping you need only walk a few blocks. Now the real reason everyone comes to Rio is for the beach and it is a mere 5 blocks away maybe a 10 min walk. Super quick and easy.
Because Rio is usually quite warm, air conditioning is really important to me and this apt had excellent a/c. Very comfortable and with the overhead fans you didn’t even need to run it on high.
There is a subway station a few blocks away also and the Praça Osório which has a wonderful market on Tuesday for all kinds of fruits, veggies etc. Sunday there is the “hippie fair” which has become just a touristy open air market selling mostly stuff like T shirts, jewelry and “art” .
There is a doorman there until 6pm and Sr. Marcelo is very kind and helpful and any problems he is there to lend a hand.
I will without a doubt return to this lovely refuge from the hustle and bustle of Rio on my next visit and highly recommend it an Silvia as a host.