Rafael's apartment is definitely what-you-see (on the pictures)-is-what-you-get. The terrace overlooks a small garden planted with huge trees on which monkeys play in the morning, which makes breakfast a very pleasant moment. It's also great at night to sip a drink on the terrace where you litterally can't hear any noise from the street. The apartment has probably the best location one can dream of in Rio. It is in Arpoador, a residential neighbourhood connecting Copacabana and Ipanema. From the building's entrance, you just have to cross the street to be on the beach. Being right in the center of the action and not hearing any traffic noise once you step in the apartment makes it a real gem in Rio.

We had a little minor issue though. Upon arrival, the apartment was simply dirty. Most dishes weren't clean, there was dust everywhere, pubic hair in the bathroom, and the bed sheets were somehow suspicious - not to mention blood stains on one pillow after taking off its slip. Clearly, the maid hadn't done her job. However I immediately emailed Rafael (who was out of the country) and he instantly replied, apologized and proposed to send over someone on the same day. I guess it was really a coordination problem with his maid and the apartment is usually pretty clean. I hesitated making that public but I believe it always pushes owners to make extra efforts when such incidents happen.

Great counterpart is that Rafael allowed us to do early and late check-in, which was pretty enjoyable.

So despite this little cleanliness problem that I'm sure will be totally solved in the future, this is a wonderful apartment with a caring owner, so get it!