My wife, I and our 2 teens just spent a week at Gustavo's Leblon apartment. It could not have been better. Gustavo was incredible in how responsive he was to my every email in the days and weeks leading up to our stay. Check-in was seamless, as although Gustavo was traveling, he had left the keys with the buildings security/doorman and provided alternative Rio based emergency contacts.

The apartment is exactly as it appears in the photos. It is clean, spacious, tastefully decorated, super well equipped, has great wifi, apple tv, CNN for english news, beach towels, umbrellas etc. There was nothing else we needed that wasn't there. The kitchen is fully equipped but with the dining scene a block away, I doubt you will use it. Security, while probably unnecessary, was nice to have.

The location is what really stood out. Firstly, we prefer Leblon to Ipanema or Copacabana as it has more of a neighborhood feel, it is a little quieter and perhaps more affluent and safer but in no way sacrifices access to Rio's incredible beach or nightlife. Not only are you barely over 1 short block to the beach, you are around the corner from the Av A Paiva, the main commercial street. Gustavo's recommendations are spot on for dining but there are countless others to choose from.

We were last in Rio 24 years ago and am amazed at how much it has changed. It seems infinitely cleaner and safer. I suspect once the kids are gone we will be back for months, not weeks, and we would happily stay at Gustavo's!