If you want to have a more realistic Rio de Janeiro experience I highly suggest you stay at Patricia’s air bnb. The view of Rio de Janeiro’s landscape, sugar loaf mountain and Christ the redeemer are second to none. Patricia’s place is beautiful and her family is right downstairs if you need anything. She also has various wines and snacks (for a fee) that you can drink/eat at your leisure. Download the what’s App before you come to make communication with her easier while there. Patricia’s street is essentially in the Santa Teresa neighborhood which I (and Patricia) highly recommend you make a day and night to explore its restaurants, bars and scenic views on the Tram. Some travelers will prefer stay directly next to the beaches in a hotel but if you don’t mind a 20 minute ride to the beaches I suggest you stay here. Always hire Uber Black Drivers as they’ll be less likely to cancel your trip. Lastly make sure you tip your Uber drivers well to incentivize them to take trips to and from the Air Bnb and Patricia’s neighborhood.