Louri and Renato were absolutely brilliant hosts and the house is beautiful. The room was exactly as expected - amazing furnishings, incredibly comfy bed and a wonderful balcony to sunbathe on. Puma and Duma are the cutest little dogs, although I rarely saw them. Louri and Renato showed me around the neighbourhood, helped me investigate renting a bike, finding language lessons, provided me with a metro card and adapter (which I had stupidly left at home), and even helped me to buy old magazines on mercardo livre (the brazilian ebay) for my phd research - nothing was too much trouble, and they were always around to help with any questions I had. I hope to come back next time I have to research in Rio. It is an amazing price for such a luxurious apartment in a great part of the city.