This was my first apartment rent through AirBnB and it couldn't have been better. Philip is a wonderful host, he answered all my emails promptly and patiently and provided me with a lot of helpful information about the city. On the day of my departure he even allowed me to check out at 3pm as there were no other guests coming. The apartment is a real treasure and a viable alternative to Rio's notoriously expensive hotels. It is conveniently located in a safe area between the two major streets of Copacabana and has everything one needs (including the beaches) within walking distance. The apartment is quiet, clean and tastefully furnished. A cleaning lady takes care of it in Philip's absence and even though she only spoke Portuguese I had no problems checking in or out. If I come to Rio de Janeiro again, Philip's apartment will definitively be my first and preferred choice for accommodation.