Best stay that you can have in Rio! The house is esthetically amazing, has all that is required, is very clean, and the rooms are super comfortable (big beds, ventilator, air conditioner). Big up to the porch and its hammock where you can enjoy a nice view on the hill of Santa Teresa. The location is perfect for anyone who wants to discover Rio or even for longer term visitors: located in a safe street between the bucolic, green and traditional neighborhood of Santa Teresa, the incomparable nightlife of Lapa and all facilities and access to public transport. Having been several times in Rio, I would say that it is the best neighborhood to stay to enjoy yourself but also to have access to go anywhere in the city.
But the best part of it is Antonio. I have been used to travel a lot in Brazil for personal and professional reasons and Antonio is by far the best host I have met. From the start, he was putting all efforts to make sure that I would enjoy my stay. Antonio is the kind of host that will anticipate anything that could make you feel better. I needed a table and a chair to work, the next hour there was a table and a chair in the room; I got an allergy from a plant while doing exercise outside, Antonio got me some artisanal healing cream; I needed a Brazilian sim card, Antonio opened a drawer and gave me one… Having to work a lot since I am doing research, Antonio offered the perfect combination between offering me freedom and tranquility needed for my work and being an truly amazing person to share with and have a good moment when needed. Also, for anyone who wants to discover the real Rio, Antonio has many helpful advices, knows the place and the people in the neighborhood like the back of his hand, and you will enjoy learning to dance forró and then putting it into practice by following him in the best forró places of Lapa.
In brief, whether you want to discover Rio de Janeiro or stay for a longer period and find a place that you can call home, I strongly recommend staying at Antonio’s place. Having initially booked for one week, I finally stayed more than a month and was sad for having to leave what had by then become my house, and to leave Antonio who had become a true friend. I will definitely be back!