Here's reasons why I think you can't go wrong with this rental.

1. Felipe - he's extremely responsive to questions - and pretty quick, too. That's a comfort in and of itself.

2. Location - when the description talks about how good this location is, believe it. It's amazing. Across the street from the square where hippie fair and the farmer's market it. Easy access to a ton of great food, the beach. Quick walk to the lake, over to copa and leblon. It's awesome.

3. comfort. I read a few reviews that talk about how some of the furniture needed upgrading. I think it was all very nice. In fact, it's not a hotel, and it doesn't feel like it. that's why we're on AirBnB, right? to stay somewhere that feels like home. I don't have an HGTV living room with new things every year, and that's part of the beauty of Felipe's apartment - it's clean, nice - and feels like home. Being in another country - it was really refreshing to come home to - we talked about it like this during our stay. for example, "let's stop at home for a bit and rest up before dinner."

A few things to keep in mind.

1. The front door staff is VERY friendly, but doesn't speak a lick of English. that's not unusual in Rio anyway. But without knowing in advance a few phrases, I think it would've been less easy. They were, again, very friendly - and helpful.

And Felipe keeps some translation dictionaries in the apartment too.

2. Bikes - yeah, there's bikes - but walking and seeing things felt so much better.

3. I'd definitely come back....