We lucked out with this bright, clean studio apartment on the 1st floor of a well-secured building with an elevator. The apt has an open galley kitchen with a new stove, large fridge, microwave, blender & coffee machine; space to hang clothes with a small bureau; an iron & ironing board; a fan as well as air conditioning (didn’t need the a/c at night); a tv; and most importantly, a very comfortable large bed with several great pillows. The kitchen is equipped for cooking and Giorgio provides 2 towels each which is much appreciated. The shower is great with lots of hot water. Down the hall is the internet room and fitness centre. Internet access from the apartment is dependable and excellent. The pool is on the roof as well as a wonderful little cafe. We love it.
Great location: grocery store and bakery within 5 minutes walk. Turn right out of the building and walk on the same side of the street just beyond the square at the 2nd corner. Lots of restaurants and street pubs around here.
Transportation: 10 minutes walk to Carioca metro station and also to the beginning of the cobblestoned walk up to Santa Teresa. We took a bus from Copacabana that stopped right at the corner. Buses are prolific in Rio. So easy to get around, especially from this area.
Giorgio responded to our email questions immediately and gave us good tips for the area. Special thanks, Giorgio, for 2 big bottles of water in the fridge when we arrived and the flowers!