I’ve been at Renato’s for almost a week. It was amazing. The flat is cozy and well located, very close to the beach in the Lido district, a neighborhood that reflects the way of life of Copacabana. In other words, you’re going to feel like living in the area, not like a tourist. The area is also safe for Rio de Janeiro standards. Walking around, even at night, is not an issue. The building itself is a gem. Cute and cozy architecture of the 1970s, a time when Brazil seemed to have created a middle class which is represented by the Copacabana way of life. Condo is comfy and well lit. You can open the window and have the sea breeze getting into it. Air con works well, although is not strong enough for the size of the space. For me, it wasn’t a problem though.
You will have supermarkets, pubs, restaurants and a launderette close. Buses and the metro connect you to downtown and to Barra area, passing through the city’s South Zone. So, you can move around fast and easy. If you don’t want to use an Uber, you can take the VLT at Santos Dumont airport or at Novo Rio bus terminal and get off at Cinelândia station where you can take the tube to Cardeal Arcoverde (Jardim Oceânico direction) which is a few minutes walk to the flat. Be aware that you must have cash or use your credit card to buy the ticket at both stations.
Renato is a gentleman and is always concerned if you’re OK or need something. I thank him for being fast and smooth in communicating. Highly recommend the place. Rio is my hometown but I can say that never felt at home like this.