Ricardo's place is a real gem! Yes, you have to climb the Escadaria Selarón all the way up to get there (it is 200 meters away from the top end of the stairs) but the view is more than worth it. The place is clean and has a homely feel. Do not be daunted by the way the neighbourhood looks like - some of the buildings around are not in a perfect shape but that's just the way it is in this part of Rio. We stayed 5 nights, went out most of the evenings and nothing unpleasant happened. Lapa's Arco open-air-party-heart of Rio is just a couple of minutes walk away. So is the Chacara do Céu Museum with its perfect 360 panorama. There is a small shop just across the street from Ricardo's place - cold dark Petrus beer after climbing the stairs is the right thing to do. Ricardo and his wife live next door and are really great hosts. As most of the Brazilians, they are happy to help you and give advice. Their Verandao is airy (almost no walls) and the kitchen is fully equipped. It is also safe to leave all your valuable belongings, which is pretty important when walking through Rio. Yes, you can hear Lapa's nightlife very well on weekend's but after a day full of sighseeing you should be easily able to sleep. Planespotters will be happy about the proximity of Santos Dumont airport - Ricardo's place allows good take-off and landing views. We were a group of 4 people and each of us would definitely reccomend staying in Atelier Verandao Lounge! Have fun.