Modern apartment in a convenient location
Review Submitted: December 2, 2008
Date of Stay: September 2008
We stayed at the apartment for a week or so in September 2008. Nicky, the renter, met us on arrival and was very helpful in making sure we were settled in ok. He also gave us loads of advice re. places to eat and drink etc.
The apartment was as decribed: spacious, uncluttered and decorated in a modern style. It was also spotlessly clean and well maintained.
We were a group of five so used the sofa bed. Even so, the apartment still felt spacious. A minor quibble would be the lack of double glazing in the living room area - at night the noise from the main road was pretty loud. This was only problematic because we were using the living area as a bedroom. During the day the noise was no problem. The two main bedrooms, on the other hand, were both comfortable and quiet.
The front entrance is manned during the day by a porter. At all other times, there are several doors needed to unlock to get in. We were pleased with the security of the building - Copacabana's a notoriously dodgy area. (Because there are a lot of tourists!). However, our apartment building always felt very secure.
The apartment's very well situated - on the main road that runs the length of Cobacabana, with lots of shops, restaurants and banks. It's set back one road from the beach: a minute's walk away. The nearest metro stop is 5/10 mins away. So it's a useful location for exploring Rio. It's an added bonus that the airport bus runs along the beach road, stopping at the major hotels.
Having said this, Copacabana has a reputation for petty crime and, as a tourist, be prepared to be hassled 24/7 by beggars when you walk down the street. This problem seemed to be greatest on the road that the apartment is on. It didn't feel particularly safe at night time. However, there's a relatively strong police presence and none of us were victims of crime. It's just a common sense thing - just don't flash your cash around. I'd imagine it's the same for all parts of Rio.
We enjoyed our stay in Rio. We visited the Corcovado - Nicky helped loads with his advice on the best way to get up there. We also went on a favela tour, to a Lapa street party and, of course, we visited Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.
We'd recommed the apartment to friends.
Owner's Response: Wow! Thanks for such a thorough review.As a holiday home owner I try to provide an accurate description & answers to any questions asked, so that my guests have no suprises.Like clare said,this apartment is in the heart of copacabana & wherever there are tourists there are beggars.Also as there were 5 guests from uk on this occassion, I'm sure they would stand out & got quite tired
of people asking for spare change.The apartment is in the front of the building & was chosen because personally I prefer a view of the bustling city streets & sea.It is possible to find in Rio, apartments at the back of the building but you loose feeling part of the city.
I agree with clare totally, the main room has big windows &
is not an ideal bedroom, more of a place to put your head for the night.For forgetful people 7-11pm you need no keys for this apartment as it has a coded door & porter.afterwards 3 security is tight.Thanks again for the review & your custom as I am a uk owner trying to survive out here in the beautiful city of rio de Janeiro.
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Helpful votes: 2/2
