Viviane and Felipe are great hosts: warm, friendly, and communicative. They represent the best of Carioca hospitality. The apartment is clean and functional. We loved relaxing in the hammocks.
But the real star of the apartment is the neighborhood. Urca is my favorite place in Rio: clean, safe, with charming architecture, good bars and restaurants, wonderful views across the bay, beaches (Praia Vermelha is best), and a real community feel. The public buses that make connections to Downtown Rio, Copacabana, and the Metro run frequently. And Ubers are cheap; the drivers can find the address easily and will accept rides in and out of Urca day and night because the neighborhood has such a good reputation.
Viviane and Felipe's apartment is an especially good place to stay on an introductory visit to Rio-- You can get a real Carioca experience without the hassle and stress of the more crowded neighborhoods, with the benefit of two excellent hosts who have great recommendations.