Building: the building is amazing. Free breakfast? Wow. On the top floor of a high rise with views of the favelas and the Christ Redeemer? Pool and Sauna! Excellent reception and concierge in an amazing location that gets taxis and is close to the beach. It was great and clean.

Host; Mercedes was amazing. She gave us a tour of the apartment when we landed, but prior to that, she helped us arrange taxis for a complicated itinerary. When my girlfriend got sick, I let Mercedes know that we would check out early, and Mercedes, of her own volition, picked up water and snacks at 6:00 in the morning. Never had as sweet a host.