I recently stayed at Valerie's penthouse. It was a wonderful experience. Valerie and her husband were hospitable. They gave me valuable information about living in Rio. They were available by phone or email in case I had any questions. The apartment was clean and in excellent condition. The decor made it feel warm and cozy. The kitchen was fully equipped. The space was more than adequate for my group of three. The terrace was a fun hangout place to lounge on evenings. On my arrival, Valerie had water bottles and fresh fruits. She also provided clothes hangers and electric plug converters. All these were very useful during my stay. One of the best things about this apartment is its location. Its a 2 to 3 min walk to Copacabana beach, also walking distance to Arproador and Ipanema. In addition to the beach, there are restaurants and juice bars in the area. There is also a supermarket across the street and a bank (with ATM to exchange money), on the same block.
Not only this was a great apartment in an awesome location, it also was a good value for my money. Valerie and her husband were friendly hosts that made my stay an enjoyable one.