My Brazilian fiancée and I spent just a night here to celebrate our upcoming civil partnership and the only disappointment was that it was too short a time. We will definitely be back.
As others have said, the views of Rio are simply stunning (both in the day and at night). Sugarloaf Mountain is ahead and left and Christ the Redeemer is sharp right; almost like he is looking down on the apartment. I could have spent so many more hours relaxing on the sofa bed on the balcony, watching the hustle and bustle of Rio below. As an amateur photographer, it was a real treat.
The apartment itself is exactly as described. It is unique, carefully designed by Patricia and husband, and has the feel of a boutique hotel to it. Lovely four poster bed, great shower, comfy seating, functional kitchen, and slick decor and design throughout. Patricia herself was lovely and made the whole experience really easy. As there was nobody else booked in for the day of our departure, she also told us we could check out a little later if we wanted. It is these little details which really makes a stay here memorable.
There is a favela very close by, which my fiancée in particular was a little nervous about. However, we managed to get Uber’s to and from the apartment with ease and they drop you right outside so I personally never felt unsafe. Santa Teresa is a great, creative community and, as Patricia told us herself, she has never had any issues after living there for 10 years. So I wouldn’t let that put you off.
All in all, this is a really special find. Definitely worth a visit — and it’s definitely worth ordering a nice breakfast combo (as we did) and enjoying it with that stunning view. I can guarantee you won’t have another care in the world. We will be back and hopefully for longer next time!