Viviana is a wonderful host who is in constant communication with you. She is flexible with check out times and gives you lots of information about the surrounding area, where atms are, restaurant recommendations and more. Anything you need she will help with immediately and there is a hair dryer provided. The apartment has a doorman and air-conditioning. The monkeys that come when you leave fruit out by the window are so cute and add to the experience of your trip! My group and I were able to walk to the beach in 5 minutes and there was a market for food-including fresh fruit which was amazing- right around the corner. I also stayed in a 5 star hotel in Rio and would say this experience was better as you get a more local feel for the city. The area is nice and I felt comfortable walking around even at night.