We stayed in the apartment when we arrived in Rio and again when we returned from Paraty. Maria is very helpful and gracious. She answered all our questions quickly and throughly. My wife left a set of Bermuda shorts in the apartment when we left to Paraty and they were left at the front desk when we returned. I would highly recommend this quite, safe, and well located apartment. A Metro station right outside the gate of the apartment. We had a great time in Rio, saw all the sites, and never had to rent a car.