Ivan was wonderfully accommodating with the reservation allowing us a super late checkin and arranging an additional day for a late checkout to accommodate our late flights. Ivan's english is a bit halted but he was kind and responsive. Additionally, his apartment is run through the WhereInRio team who are so on point! The studio has a great trendy feel to it - having been gutted and redecorated with that slab concrete minimalist decor which I totally dig. It's true to pictures, clean and well kitted out and has great ambiance. The surround system stereo is fabulous, AC works a treat and we even got to use the washing machine so we could head home without laundry. We really enjoyed our stay and being able to walk down to get sucos, hit the beach, gym at bodytech and dish up at a lovely buffet placed called New Natural - all just a couple blocks away. We chose this space for a romantic rendezvous and it was perfect. Head left from the building to walk the short windy road down (its a nice little hike up as other posts suggest), or head right to see a more lively side of the favela. We had no safety issues and really no concerns - but we're also pretty laid-back travellers. Overall a great apartment - I would definitely recommend it!