Staying at Jennifer's apartment was the best decision I could have made on my first trip to Rio. The trip started off a bit rocky as I missed the transfer she sent to the airport for me, my bag did not make the flight with me and since I arrived early, the prior guests had not checked out yet. Jennifer was confident that my bag would come, which it did, and invited me into her home to meet her family, rest and have breakfast with them. It was the next best thing to staying with family or friends. The place is beautiful, the neighborhood is easy to navigate and if you like walking, the hills and stairs will keep you in shape. Highly recommended.