The negatives
NO MICROWAVE!! It's my fault for assuming he had one; but who doesn't nowadays. I couldn't reheat anything.
Mosquitos!!
Since the ceiling fan wasn't working, I used the air conditioner. Carlos had a plug in bug repellent but not sure how much it worked.
INTERNET
This was for me the biggest negative. I had to cancel to appointment because the Internet was too weak fora Zoom meeting. It showed connected and secured yet it went at a snail pace. It seemed like maybe other people in the building were using his Internet. Didn't make much sense to bother Carlos for this as it was working but at a 1g speed.
Overall, I gave my experience a 5 because Carlos was VERY hospitable. Communication was great as well. The location is not Ipanema which for me was great. The beach on this side of Rio has less people bothering you, it's more sportive, and there are areas where you can basque in the sun and feel safe. There were plenty of police there. You'll enjoy your stay here.