Stay In Rio for less Apt 911

We spent (2 adults and 2 kids) one week at the 911 apartment in Copacabana the 1st week of May. Our check-in was without any problems. We arrived around 11am, so we left our luggage and came back a little later as they were still cleaning from previous guest. We knew our door code, previously given to us by email. We felt safe in the area. The best part of the apartment is its location. You can get to any part in Rio as all buses pass by one block from the apartment, and also come from or go to the airport using the Premier Bus service (cheaper than a taxi). The aparment is correct in all aspects. We did not use the kitchen other than to have a glass of milk, or to prepare a tea. It would be nice to have a small pot to boil water (could not find a small one). There was a coffee maker that we did not use, as we would have breakfast at the nearby place in the corner of Barao de Ipanema. There are a variety of good places to eat nearby.

Internet worked fine all of our stay.

Did not use the AC so I don´t know how that works.

My only remarks would be on the couch, which were fine for my kids, but I don´t find it suitable for adults rest. And also, the closet, I particularly (did not bother my husband though) did not like the smell of the closet...humid odor, so I would just get rid of it, and put some hooks to hang the clothes (I just left my clothes in my luggage instead).

It´s excellent location surpasses that minor flaw. Not luxurious but clean in a safe area and, most importantly, met my expectations as promised. Thank you!

Great location. On the bus lines to Centro (downtown), Ipanema and subway to Centro. Across the street from a grocery Supermarket, banks and pharmacies. 3 short blocks from Copacabana's best Botecos (casual eating and drinking sidewalk cafe's/bistros (try Garaffa Boteco)). Lots of restaurants and various stores/shopping. Easy to get around. No need for a car. 2 blocks from the beach.

Problem dealing with the owner. When I requested a quote he tried to overcharge me. When I pointed out that his website prices were different that he was quoting he said the rent had gone up but he hadn't changed the web site yet. Eventually settling on a price, I ended up paying more that I originally had calculated per his rental listing. His weekly rate was actually higher than a seven-day daily rate.

Second problem. The owner sent me a rental agreement to sign and return to him to sign. I couldn't print it out because it was in gray ink and barely legible. When I told him about it he said he would call someone and get back to me. He never did. Very stressful traveling 5000 miles and not knowing if in fact the apartment was actually reserved for me. Very disappointed in the owner's unbusinesslike manner. Be sure to get agreement signed by both parties.

The apartment was furnished nicely and basically as expected. However too many little problems.

Overall housekeeping/maintenance was under par. i.e. the gas stove control panel was greasy and had food spatter (germs?) on it, some of the cupboards were sticky, the salt and pepper shakers were unusable, dirty wine glasses above the bar had not been washed for some time, no bread and butter knives for buttering bread, unusable bumpy frying pan, water leak in the bathroom, bathroom taps leaked for 2 weeks I was there. There was a dog barking at night across the hall from me and apparently nothing could be done about it. Had to live with that irritant for close to 2 weeks + sometimes cooking smells from the other apartments (onions and garlic about 8AM) almost daily. Very slow internet at most times - contrary to another reviewer's comment.

In conclusion, the location was great and basic amenities promised were just O.K.

Overall the place was apparently not very well maintained. If you care about small cleanliness details particularly in the kitchen, and would like most things to be working and in good repair, I suggest some thoughtful consideration when making your decision.

Just trying to provide an honest opinion

This is an excellent apartment to rent, has everything as advertised. Very clean, comfortable, quiet and cozy with fast internet. The US power adapters and great AC were a big plus. Perfect location, walking distance to the beach, banks, shop, restaurants and drug stores. Very friendly neighbors, concierge and police officer; very safe and secure. Excellent building management; extremely attentive and quick to address any concerns. I will definitely rent this apartment again and recommend it to all my friends and family.

The property was exactly as described, and pictures were completely accurate. Great location, friendly staff in the lobby, and excellent security. The property was clean and well maintained. I would definetly recommend this property to family and friends, and would return myself. Copacabana Beach is a short 5min walk away, lots of restaurants, cafes, bars, and taxis out front to take you anywhere you want to go,at very cheap prices. The best part about this property was the owner - extremely accommodating with us, helpful, friendly and knowlegdeable about Rio during Carnaval - which is when we stayed here. Thank you James, everything was fantastic!!!

Me and my friend stayed at this property from Dec 5 - Dec 16, 2012 and our stay was amazing. It was alot more than we expected, very clean, furniture very nice and comfortable, close to beach and many great restaurants/shops. Everything was perfect. We had no issues with anything and the hotel staff was also very friendly/helpful with all of our inquiries. I would definitely come back and stay at this property when I return to Rio.