This is a wonderful apartment, which is in, I can only assume, the safest part of rio. Leblon is quiet and tranquil. It is quite a party at night, but all of the streets are lively at night. Marcos speaks some English, which was enough for me. He seemed like a cool guy and likes to be complacent with others, meaning he doesn't give people a hard time. The room is located at the top of three flights of stairs, which is a little bit of a walk after a long day. There's no elevator. The front is watched during the day by a guard. There is a gate and a locked door in front of the building, which makes access by street harder, but means 'no break ins!' The tv was great and there are two power converters, which fit four US plugs. There's an ok toilet, fairly good AC and the wifi is good. One thing to remember, that goes for all rio, do not drink the tap. It is not healthy, though the kitchen faucet has a brita (which we did not drink). There is a super market just down the street, which is super convenient. The apartment is three blocks from the beach, one from a small shopping mall. The apartment is next to the subway, which takes you to the olympic park and is closer to the park then say impanema or downtown rio. Being in this apartment was fantastic. You can see a couple of the mountains from the guest room, as well as the christ statue from the street. Taxis are all over, which are super cheap, most of the restraunts had food that was either deccent or great. Watch your head for falling fruit in the streets and watch for suspicous activity, such as small fires and possible fights. And once again, the neighborhood is safe and full of middle class citizens and military soldiers, stationed at many corners, at least for the Olympics. It may not be a four star apartment, but it's convenient, cheap and safe. Don't waste your money on hotels, go to Marcos. You will save 1000's.