Vitor was always very prompt in his responses via email well before our trip had begun! He always was rather enthusiastic about us coming, very welcoming. He made it very easy to communicate once we landed, between him and my fiancée Izadora, we were added to the group chat on "WhatsApp"! Upon our arrival, Vítor was awaiting us at the door (very helpful since it was already night fall). From that moment, he broke it all down from which key opens what door, where we could park our rental car, and to where we could wash off sand from the beach before entering the building. All easy and in sequence. Once we got to the apartment, we were greeted by Carlos, the other guests, and their senior puppy (very cute)! We felt right at home! After brief intros, we were shown to our room (just as it appeared in the photos, if not better)! I personally was very touched by the 2017 champagne flutes with a miniature bottle of champagne for two that sat along with the rest of our little toiletries and snacks!
The purpose of our stay was to experience New Years in Rio so it was a great gesture of hospitality!
He gave us the run down on the rest of the place, told us to be at home.
We were given wonderful recommendations on places we could visit that may appeal, whether it be for food or sights. It seemed like Vítor and Carlos had an answer to our every question!
Again, our primary objective was New Years, and as we scrambled to figure out what to do prior to visiting the beach, we were invited to spend the hours leading up to midnight, to hang out with our hosts and another great couple staying also, sipping cocktails and champagne and eating delicious fingerfoods prepared by Carlos! With about 45 minutes left of the night, we all strolled down the street to appear at one end of the Copacabana beach strip. It felt like an episode of "Friends". We were all together for the fireworks, photos were taken and toasts were made! Eventually our group split into 3 groups and separated. It just felt like a very homey experience as well as something completely new!
The location is everything! We were staying for 2 weeks; so when not driving, it was very helpful to be in the heart of so much. Taxis and buses cruising always, metro station 2 blocks away, a parking garage a few businesses down, Ipanema Beach Just 3 blocks in one direction, Copacabana Beach about a 15 minute walk in another direction. Grocery stores, clothing stores, abundance of food and bars, you name it! You simply cannot go wrong here even if you tried.