What can I say that hasn't already been said, Marcelo and his studio are both amazing!!! I was just in Rio from May 26th, 2012-June 2 2012 and stayed at Marcelo's studio for 6 nights. Before I get to the studio I need to acknowledge how great and kind of a person Marcelo is. When i arrived he has the fridge stocked with juice/milk/beer meats/cheese, yogurt. He had crackers and and sweets for me to munch on throughout the week. His doorman greeted me upon arrival took me down the hall on first floor and there was Marcelo waiting for me. My flight had been delayed 3 hours in Sao Paolo and he didn't know that i would be this late but he instantly greeted me with a smile and began to show my the studio. I could understand everything he said i think his English is pretty good but he is modest about it so he left me 2 phone numbers of his friends who speak fluent English if i ever needed anything. He was always avail by email as well. I traveled alone and he took time out of his schedule to take me bike riding through the streets of Rio so i could see Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ Redeemer and not have to pay for a guide. I can't say enough of how nice Marcelo is and caring for his guests.

There is a washer in the bathroom, a great modern shoer and very clean. The bed was queen or full but comfortable nonetheless. The tv had around 50 channels and most you could switch to english. The closet was big provided with hangers and room to store my bags. There was fast wi-fi in the studio. A phone to make free local calls. He procided me with maps and tourist attractions to check out. The kitchen was a bit small but had every thing you would want. I ate out every meal but brought back leftovers and used the microwave the next day. Plates/glasses/napkins/silverware...he has everything to put you at ease while vacationing in paradise.

His condo is 1 munute from post 8 in Ipanema Beach, trust me i counted on my way there. It's about a 5-10 minute walk to Copacabana Beach. Very safe area, all the celebrities stay at the hotels down the street from the condo. There is so much food and shopping in a 5 minute walk from the studio.

All in all, if i ever come back to Rio, Marcelo will be the first person i get a hold of because he really made sure i was taken care of and i feel like i can call him my friend now.

Also, a bonus was you can bring back guests to the studio unlike a lot of the hotels where it is not alowed.