Michael was very kind and easy and quick to communicate since the beginning. He also allowed me to check-in early which I greatly appreciated. Michael's place is in a key location as it's in a condo right in front of the metro stop General Osorio (saida D), with many shops around, and few blocks away from Arpoador at Ipanema beach (sunset from there is priceless). Truth to be told, few steps from the entrance there are also the stairs to the small favela located behind the condo. Now, I wanna make clear that not only the place was very safe during the day as well as very late at night but I don't even remember to have seen anyone weird or even homeless people around the condo (which is guarded 24/7). So safe that after a bit I felt confident enough to even flash my phone out at any time in that area (def not recommendable in Rio in general but felt right around there). The police program is working beautifully there as far as I can tell. Only cons, some noise late at night (fireworks, chants, music). Michael's apt is cosy, ideal for 1 or 2 ppl as he described but lacks just nothing. Has a fan and air conditioning as well as a laundry/dryer machine which works just great! He even has a moka and now that I left there some coffee powder and sugar a good italian coffee is guaranteed. The bed and pillows are super comfy and so is the sofa-bed. I'd definitely recommend staying at Michael's place as it has the best quality-price ratio I've found in Rio!