If you are staying in Rio de Janeiro, you need to stay here. Jose, the host, was accommodating to my needs of early arrival and late departures. The apartment was close to the beach and in a great area. The condition of the apartment was clean and nice with plenty of light. There was no noise from the streets since the apartment building is protected by another building. The doorman was always courteous. Jose stopped by a few times to make sure everything was ok and always asked if I needed anything. When I return to Rio, I will definitely book this apartment again. I spent 2 weeks looking at apartment on AirBnB and you will not find anything better in value (and so close to the beach). Also, the grocery store next door had the best fresh baked bread in the morning. I felt very comfortable like I was in my own home.