Vacation Rentals by Owner

David & Jackie Rogers

Guest: Leslie
Date of Stay: 04/02/12 Review Submitted: 04/10/12

What a great paty house! The staff is one of a kind and we think of them as family extended!! Michael, any time you want to experience appalachio on Cincinnati, gime me a shout. Michael, your consideration and humanity towards us is second to none! Thank you.

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David and Jackie Rogers

Guest: Leslie
Date of Stay: 04/02/12 Review Submitted: 04/10/12

What a great paty house! The staff is one of a kind and we think of them as family extended!! Michael, any time you want to experience appalachio on Cincinnati, gime me a shout. Michael, your consideration and humanity towards us is second to none! Thank you.

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Leslie; Dr. Paul Maynard and Baby Juliette

Guest: Leslie
Date of Stay: 04/02/12 Review Submitted: 04/10/12

We had a wonderful stay, the staff was so friendly and couteous, the villa is spectacular! We would love to take Pedro home with us - what a great chef abilities he has :) Thank you Mike!

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MY 5 FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE VILLA

Guest: CARLOS V.
Date of Stay: 03/12/12 Review Submitted: 03/23/12

1. waking up and having my starbucks coffee in front of the pool listening to the parrots as the sun rises 2. great waffles and more starbucks 3. falling asleep floating on a raft in the pool 4. another late afternoon Starbucks while watching the news in the library 5. watching all the hummingbirds feeding on the pool deck at sunset The whole smiling staff and this beautiful house get my vote anyday. Pedro's caipirinhas are the best in Brazil

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you wont't believe how good it is

Guest: Jonathan S.
Date of Stay: 03/02/12 Review Submitted: 03/27/12

Elegant, Gothic and Modern. A true gem based in the heart of Rio. When you walk in your greeted by sheer opulence. you feel right at home and have a lot of privacy. The rooms were fantastic. Clean with beautiful linen. The roof garden and pool on the top was divine. Visually you couldn't ask for more. Be sure to book this villa with the chef and staff. Don't worry there not randoms from an agency, they are integral to the running of the place and you can see that the place and its up keep are special to them. Not only that, but they take care of you and are genuinely nice people. A true gem. I will definitely be going back.

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Rio " as if we were natives"

Guest: Elizabeth H.
Date of Stay: 02/20/12 Review Submitted: 03/04/12

Arriving at the Villa after a long cruise gave us the feeling of being in a wonderful home when Rio was its busiest with Carnival, we had the best of all worlds. The staff treated us royally acting like they couldn't do enough for us. Jon was our guide and we really feel we know Rio now and he safely got us to and from Carnival. The pictures of the Villa show just had perfect every detail is in the home. We had every modern convenience with cable TV, wireless internet, wonderful books on Rio plus guide books and on and on. The villa is in a neighborhood where you can go antiquing, walk to the beach, an ideal location. What a perfect end to our trip! We would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a unique experience in Rio.

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The Villa and staff were excellent

Guest: Mari D.
Date of Stay: 01/05/12 Review Submitted: 01/09/12

The villa and staff were excellent, breakfasts were delicious and so very decoratively done. The staff at the house is very accomodating and took great care of us. We had a total of eleven people, nine adults and two youngsters, one is four and the other 20 months. They both enjoyed the house and made good use of the swimming pool. We used the staff for dinner and it was delicious. We have relatives in Rio so we were not in need of the touring van and only used it for the ride to the airport the driver was very accomodating and helpful. You asked for any difficulties, the only one that we found was with the door to the loft bedroom, it was very difficult to get open easily. I am not sure if it can be remedied but that was the one hiccup that we had. All in all we enjoyed Rio and your lovely villa and would be happy to recommend it to any of our friends. The area was secure and we felt very safe. Shopping for groceries was close and there is a 24 hour Pao de Asuca about three blocks from the villa. I even used the Vogue Beauty Shop and they were very nice there. Thank you again for affording us the opportunity to stay in your villa and enjoy the sights and sounds of Rio. Mary

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Our GRRRRRREAT Rio Vacation

Guest: steve p.
Date of Stay: 12/26/11 Review Submitted: 01/13/12

There were 9 of us in our group. We were picked up promptly at the airport and driven to the property. The house is located on a narrow street and is very unassuming looking from the outside. The inside is beautiful and very clean. However, we all come from middle class families and were not at all intimidated by the decor. We were about a 5-7 minute walk from the beach and in a very nice neighborhood. Anything you need: restaurants, bars, Monday Night football groceries, liquor, bakeries, clothes, getting your hair done is absolutely right there at your fingertips. The greatest part of the vacation was the service at the house. We had virtually every meal - breakfast every day - dinner every day - sometimes lunch although we were usually out - cooked to our specifications for 9 healthy adult eaters. We paid for the food, and the total for 7 days for 9 people was under 1,000 Americal dollars. The salmon, the chicken, the macaroni, the carrots, the deserts were literally to die for. It was the best week of eating we ever had!!! We ate healthy and cheaply and never had to worry much about restaurant food. Our rooms were cleaned and the beds made for us every day. We were not allowed to use the washer and dryer (what a shame!) as our dirty clothes were washed and dried for us daily as well. All we had to do was to bring the clothes to the laundry room. We were there for New Year's Eve...Do not miss going on the beach with the other 2 million people and celebrating with the natives. It is safe and something you will NEVER forget. I have nothing negative to say about anything on this vacation. Sincerely, Steve Paster

Owner response:Because this delightful family is from New Orleans and I lived in the French Quarter during grad school there - I got very involved with the menu planning (and with some of the eating). But I want to clarify some of the rave reviews about the food in the villa. Basically - groups there on the Christmas package and the Carnival package get breakfast with the rental. This is not the case the other 50 weeks of the year But meals in the villa are a very good buy as prices have gone up so much in Rio. We recommend our favorite restaurants for a few nights out of a weeks stay that give the flavor of the real Rio de Janeiro. But for families who love to sit down as a group and enjoy the villa - eating in is a great experience. We have a enthusiastic cook who is there Mon to Fri and for a modest fee + the cost of groceries will surely please people who love home cooking. There is also a breakfast cook who does great waffles, pancakes, eggs to complement the bakery goods from our local favorite shop. The same holds true for breakast - a modest fee for the cook + you buy the groceries. It makes it economical for the family or the large group and allows you to stay in and really enjoy the great dining room. We aim to please and work hard to develop menus that your group will like. You are also welcome to ask us for great spots and local markets to shop at so you can cook for yourself and we do the cleanup. All weddings and corporate meeting meals are doen by our house staff usually assisted by a sous chef or two.

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Splendor at the Casa in Rio!

Guest: Crispin S.
Date of Stay: 11/24/11 Review Submitted: 04/02/12

This stay was the highlight of our entire trip! Not only is Rio amazing and beautiful, but the Casa is so central that you can see all of Rio from it as a base. The casa itself is a beautiful grand mansion with regal, plush and comfortable furnishings. I can't say enough about the wonderful staff and amenities that made our stay so special. The food and cooking was as good as any 5 star hotel and yet as a home, the casa is so much more friendly and welcoming. From the beautiful living rooms, library and kitchen to the sumptuously appointed suites, each with en-suite baths that have marble for days, to the rooftop pool and retreat - the whole casa was an endless surprise and delight. Be sure to go up on the roof deck to see the moon and night sky with a glass of Champagne on your first night! We will go back just as soon as we can and recommend it to anyone looking for something unique and in great taste.

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The best customer service from Michael Iott

Guest: Jennifer B. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 10/18/11 Review Submitted: 10/28/11

Many owners stay away from the renters - and nobody gets to know each other. Michael Iott is so much different. From the planning phase all the way to my sister's actual birthday celebration he was a part of it. In fact his extreme warmth and generosity blew the five of us away when he offered, and made her favorite cake - German Chocolate and then dinner. Can you imagine whole Brazilian redfish, filet mignon, rice in lobster broth, roasted white and green asparagus, and sauteed green beans? Indeed! The villa is in a very accessible location - steps away from the buses, one block from the subway, and three blocks from the beach. The staff was extremely pleasant, coming in at 8a each morning to clean and prepare breakfast. That schedule was problematic because slow starts to our mornings could not happen when the plants are being watered and with the staff wandering around. Rua Sequiera Campos at the corner, had the supermarkets, the drug stores, other shopping, and the coveted red ATM denoting a bank that allowed international transactions. This street also took us directly to the beach, three blocks going past interesting restaurants, the butcher, a hardware store, and other community staples. Each restaurant recommended by Michael and Jonatas, the manager, were exceptional - Arab on Avenida Atlantica, Espirito Santas in Santa Teresa, Rascals in Leblon, and Carretao in Ipanema. Shopping was fun - especially at Ipanema's Hippie Fair and in Leblon's new 5-story mall. We toured Christ the Redeemer and Maracana and treked from Copacabana to Ipanema to Leblon. The biggest caution, and I'm sure you'll hear it from several sources, is to be extremely careful with bags and purses and cameras. Never let your guard down - we did and were mugged on the beach about 7p. The police are not very helpful - neither the "regular" city police or the special tourist police. In spite of that incident we all had a wonderful time, will definitely return to Michael's villa, and will explore other regions of Brazil.

Owner response:I happened to be involved with this booking from the beginning and so was personally saddened to hear about the beach incident. We usually do a cake for all event bookings but in this case wanted to do something more positive to make the trip a success. Since I (the owner) enjoy menu planning and graduated from hotel restaurant school - it was kind of a fun project to put on the dinner. It was my intention to put it on the table while they were out touring and kind of dissapear since I want to make sure guests get total privacy. In this case however - they really were having fun and wanted me to stay. It was a treat for me as well. A couple of points come up here. We enjoy working with guests on making their trip the best possible stay in Rio and are very hands on in helping with planning and preparation. As soon as a guest books - they receive our welcome letter, pointers on packing, where to eat, where to shop, where to tour, and other suggestions. We are accessible 24/7 as is the concierge in RIo. However - we do want to give guests all the privacy they need (and I think less garden watering and fewer maids in the morning for people who want to start their day later). We meet and greet each party to help them with reservations, tours, transportation, menus etc. In this case - all was going so well that they let their guard down and walked on the empty beachfront after the crowd had left - never something that even residents do. There are many kiosks on the sidewalk waterfront and thanks to the new Israeli installed security cameras - the avenue beachfront is safe. The beach is so wide in Copacabana - that where the water meets the sand although appealing for a walk in the moonlight is never safe as it is quite far from the kiosk area. This was the first incident involving guests in just under 5 years. In the gated community of 15 homes were the villa is situated - no residents recall any crime in their memory. The villa is in the exact center of the busiest street in Copacabana where mostly local citizens live and shop and is know for its safety. Statistics show that crime in Rio has been dropping drastically but one must still avoid deserted areas. I am happy that this group is returning this Spring for another stay and one incident did not ruin their trip.

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50th Celebration

Guest: Cecile B.
Date of Stay: 10/17/11 Review Submitted: 02/13/12

Here it is, Ceci: I wanted to celebrate my 50th Birthday in Rio with my family and friends. A friend recommend the Villa. This cozy spot is tucked away on a gated side street. From the moment we arrived until we left the staff was wonderful. We had the pleasure of meeting Mike the owner of the Villa and he was quite simply amazing. He was all that one can hope for in a Host. We had a little run in with some little ruffians (kids really and barely in their teens) trying to mug us on the beach one night. Once Mike heard of it and he was coming to Brazil. He ensured that he came by the Villa to make my 50th Birthday Celebration extra special. Not only did he cook a B-day dinner for us, he also made my favorite cake (German Chocolate) for dessert and gave me a bottle of Don. This man who we just met made us all feel like family. I actually ended up crying. We explored the area with the taxi driver Jon referred us to and he (Fabian) was great. He took us all around and waited for us. We visited Christ the Redeemer, the Maracana Stadium, the city of Santa Teresa which Mike recommended and had dinner there. Everything along with the beach, mall, more restaurants, was wonderful. Close to the end of our stay, Mike took us to the hippie fair which was awesome, similar to an open air market. We enjoyed the local crafts and came away with great items for great prices. I enjoyed the place so much that I'm going back again in a month. If you ever get the opportunity to go to Rio please check out this Villa and stay there if you can. You surely won't regret it. A lot of things were within walking distance, the beach, restaurants, shopping, etc... We actually walked from the villa to Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach, then on to the Leblon Mall. It was a great walk by the beach, seeing the beautiful sand art, local vendors, nice architecture. Also, we can also say that it was great exercise for us as we really enjoyed the local cuisine, LOL. I can go on and on. It was quite simply a wonderful experience.

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50th B-Day Celebration

Guest: Cecile B.
Date of Stay: 10/17/11 Review Submitted: 02/11/12

I wanted to celebrate my 50th in Rio with family and friends and a friend recommend the Villa. This cozy spot is tucked away on a gated side street. From the moment we arrived (Oct 2011) until we left the staff has been wonderful. We explored the area with the taxi driver Jon referred us to and he (Fabian) was great. He took us all around and waited for us. we vistied Chrst the Redeemer, the Maracana Stadium, the city of Santa Teresa which Mike recommended and had dinner there, along with the beach, mall, more restaurants, it was wonderful. We had the pleasue of meeting Mike the owner and he was amazing. We had a little run in with kids trying to mug us on the beach one night and Mike heard of it and he came and made my 50th extra special. Not only did he cook a B-day dinner for us, he also made my favorite cake (German Chocolate) for dessert and gave me a bottle of Don. This man whom we just met made us all feel like part of his family. I actually ended up crying. Mike took us to the hippie fair which was awesome, similar to an open air market. We enjoyed the local crafts and came away with great items for great prices. I enjoyed the place so much that I'm going back again in a March. If you ever get the opportunity to go to Rio please check out this spot. A lot of things were in walking distance, the beach, resturants, shopping. We walked from the villa to Copacbana Beach, Ipanema beach, to Leblon Mall. A great walk, seeing the beautiful sand art, local vendors, nice architecture . I can go on and on. It was a wonderful experience.

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Our stay at the Copa Palacio

Guest: Junia K.
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/23/11

We had a group of 10 people that went to Rio for 4 nights. We stayed at the Copa Palacio. The owner was very welcoming and friendly, and the staff were great too. The owner even bought a birthday cake for my mother-in-law, which was very nice of him. The villa is very beautiful, clean and well maintained. It has 3 very nice private suites on the second floor. On the third floor, there is 2 small bedroom with bunk beds that is great for teenagers or single guys/girls(more college age, i think) to stay. Also on the 3rd floor there is a separate spacious bedroom with a tv room and bathroom that can accommodate a couple with privacy or a family (parents and 2-3 children). The location is great! 3-4 blocks from copacabana with many restaurants and grocery story close by. The metro station was right there and bus stops were close by. The morning breakfast was wonderful!! The full kitchen made a big difference, so we could buy our own groceries for snacks etc.. I would recommend this villa for your family and friends! Sincerely, Junia

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Homestyle accomadations and more.

Guest: Jonathan G.
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/22/11

WOW!!! Beautiful and cozy place to stay in Rio. Safe, well maintained and great staff. Even met Mike while we were there. Awesome spread of breakfast each morning. Well located. Subway entrance within one block. Padaria, pizza buffet and other restaurants within 2 blocks. Most everything you need is within walking distance- beach, grocery, restaurants, pharmacy. Excellent choice for your stay in Rio de Janeiro. Would definitely stay here again. Our party of 10 throughly enjoyed our stay here.

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The Copacabana Villa that won our hearts

Guest: laura sewell
Date of Stay: 07/18/11 Review Submitted: 01/28/12

We ended up staying at the villa after the Chilean volcanic ash storm canceled all flights to and from Argentina. We had planned a trip to BA / Mendoza around the Marathon in Rio, but decided to "make the best of it" in Rio! There were quite a few of us, but the concierge at our Ipanema hotel knew the perfect spot. He had been to a wedding in the villa the day before the Marathon, and suggested our group look into renting there. He walked us over on his lunch hour to meet the owner, who was on his way back to NYC. The villa is a quirky and totally charming mansion, one of a kind no matter how you look at it. It's virtually impossible to sum up the experience because it is so unlike any other hotel or rental house anyone in our group has ever seen. The place feels like it is from another century, but it's just a few years old, with all the modern conveniences - including a rooftop pool! Every room is magnificently detailed with furniture, art, lighting - yet it is so hip and homey, and the staff is as warm as the house. Most of the bedrooms are suites with beautiful baths, linens, sitting areas. The oriental rugs, marble, stone, woodwork and furniture would make you think a family has lived here for generations. The wood-paneled library and native wood floors are the most beautiful I have ever seen. The kitchen is so 2012 Williams Sonoma and does not lack a thing -- if you feel like cooking. If you don't, the super ladies make the greatest breakfast, complete with homemade waffles and fresh fruit salad, and the houseman runs a great BBQ. They are young, vibrant and fill the great house with joy. Since our extra time there was unplanned, the owner went out of his way to sit down with us and share his favorite things to do there. We left having fallen in love with the city, the staff, and this incredible house. I doubt we would have seen 3/4 of the sights if not for his knowledge of the real Rio. To sum it up - Copacabana won our hearts. Our Cesar Park 5 star digs could not compare to this secret little gem. I have never seen a subway station so clean and beautiful as the one across the street. We were a 5 minute walk from the beach, with a great antiquing area right around the corner. We loved the local Polish restaurant, the seafood antipasto bar, the outdoor farmers market a block away, and the real life feel of Copa as opposed to the Miami beach blah of Ipanema. Ask the staff to help you plan your trip and you will not regret it

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Perfect Villa for our Rio Wedding

Guest: Norm G. (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 05/26/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

We rented the Villa from May 26 to June 5, 2011, for our wedding. We had 50 guests from the United States coming to Rio and we rented several properties. This property is an exceptional property and provides the best comfort in my opinion. In comparison, our Honeymoon night was spent in one of the penthouse suites at the Copacabana Palace ($R 7,200 per night), and the only difference between the Copacabana Palace and the Villa is the service is far superior at the Villa. I contacted the owner via email and was able to meet with him in person at his office in New York. This was the first great experience with this property. The owner is a very gregarious, cheerful, and genuine person. He explained the property; showed us pictures & floorplans, and offered to help with any other needs. The Villa is tucked away on a private dead-end street. The street is gated off and is essentially free of any traffic. The Villa is the standout property on this little street and is elegantly lit by a single gas-fired lamp. The Villa is about three blocks from Post 3 on Copacabana Beach (5 minute walk), across the street from the Metro Stop, and on the major busline. Complimentary WiFi throughout the property and a provided laptop helped us to plan events and stay in touch. The entry uses a coded lock system so we never had to worry about losing a key or being locked out. The kitchen is a fully-loaded spacious room with all the high-end appliances a chef could desire. (Viking range, subzero fridge) We held a rehearsal dinner Feijoada for 70 people with ease. We wanted to serve beer for the dinner and a staff member arranged for a complete draft system to be delivered. (Keg, Refrigerator, taps, cups, and coasters) We had 15 people (including 2 kids) comfortably stay at the Villa. We converted the library into another bedroom to help out with space. Each day we were greeted by a full breakfast spread made up of fruit, breads, pastries, eggs, yogurt, juice, coffee, tea, chocolate milk, etc. The staff varied the breakfast and treated us to first-class meals each day. (the stuffed French toast is amazing!) Each day at least three staff members arrived early in the morning to quietly make breakfast, clean, water the plants, do laundry, etc. The staff provided excellent customer service. If we had any questions or needs, there was a staff person available to take care of it. I was extremely impressed by the service and care taken with this property.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A BLAST IN BRAZIL

Guest: Eulalia (norms mom) (Gig Harbor, Washington)
Date of Stay: 05/26/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

I dont travel well but my son Norman was marrying a great girl. Their wedding was at the chapel of Christ Corvado - only a handful of weddings are performed there. The villa was centrally located to everything - beach, shops, other attractions. Our place to stay was fantastic - comfortable, safe, and secure. The staff was the best I ever met. The breakfast was outstanding. I was concerned about what the food would be like - who could pass up fresh fruits and juices, coffee, pastries, and waffles with real maple syrup - OUTSTANDING FRENCH TOAST !!!! Loved it all !! Thank you Dr. Mike for making our experience memorable. If you are ever in Seattle - come see us.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Luxury without Pretension

Guest: Nicole (Seattle Washington)
Date of Stay: 05/26/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

The villa is located in Copacabana neighborhood of Rio near the beach. Our room was comfortable and included a full bath. The staff were friendly and the service was EXCEPTIONAL. The breakfast is excellent, especially the delicious french toast. We always felt comfortable and welcome in the villa - so luxurious without being pretensious.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

RIO villa in Copacabana

Guest: Ruth (New Canaan CT USA)
Date of Stay: 05/17/11 Review Submitted: 05/25/11

This lovely villa is perfect for 3 couples and some kids or singles also. It is beautifully appointed; staff is delightful; safe; located 1/2 block from Metro which is great; walk to beach. Breakfast is a wonderful beginning to day, and the French Toast is the best food we ate in RIO--that good! We hosted a party one night for 40 and it was perfect for the caterers use, and for the guests. Highly recommended

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

A Slice of Heaven!

Guest: Rick Sanchez (Spring Bluff, Georgia, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

Our stay at Dr. Michael's was one of extreme beauty, a slice of heaven indeed, with a wonderfully enjoyable walk to the beach. Dr. Michael was extremely easy, and delightful to work with, and was sure to stay in touch to make sure we were as comfortable as possible the entire trip. The staff at this oasis were also very pleasant, catering to our every need. There's no need to eat out when the food is this amazing! Every room in the house is perfectly decorated and organized and made us all feel like we were in a movie compared to our home back in Georgia. Thanks for everything Doctor!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

This is why I love HomeAway!

Guest: Ben G. (Stoney Stanton)
Date of Stay: 05/10/11 Review Submitted: 05/31/11

The house We walked around that first night and my wife said exactly what I was thinking ¨its clear that the owners love this place and use this as a second HOME! because the fixtures, fixings and furniture really creates a warm and beautiful homely environment. So many rental properties are just used to make ¨a fast buck¨ but that couldn't be further than the truth here. My 5 year old was so happy, she loved her room, the pool, the maids! pretty much everything about the place. The people After a 23 hour long journey form England we arrived late in the evening after being collected from the airport and was greeted by Jon a very nice chap that then gave us a tour and all the information we would need for are stay and he was only a phone call away if we needed him. We woke up late morning to find the table spread for me my wife, daughter and I, the chef ready to cook what ever we desired. The maid cleaning, even though the place was already pristine and this continued throughout our week stay. We kept in contact with Mike (the owner) a great guy, very friendly and always there to help, gave many suggestions and constantly made sure we had everything and were happy. Location Request a collection from the Airport because although only 30mins away the Brazilian taxi driver's are shocking when it comes to street names and locations! The famous Copacabana beach is a few minutes' walk away and is fantastic! There are many restaurants as you would expect, just check the menu first as some of these are very expensive! better yet, get Mike to give you his recommendations. We loved the seafood at 'Mario's on the main strip. While walking around late at night with my family, we always felt very safe and comfortable in Copacabana. Overall I noticed this property was available for a week so I made a cheeky offer on the Monday evening and arrived there late Tuesday. I wouldn't expect to get the same deal if I booked it in advance because this property is constantly in demand but if it is available last minute, speak with Mike to see what he can do! you never know you could surprise your loved ones with a wonderful trip to Rio' as I did! Here's my homemade movie of the house! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT3Ki0Wo3Ow&feature=channel_video_title

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

EXPECTED ALOT. EXCEEDED EXPECTATION.

Guest: Mike and family (Placerville, California USA)
Date of Stay: 04/22/11 Review Submitted: 05/04/11

My family and I returned to Rio after 50 years. We had lived in Leblon as military dependents. My father was in the Navy. Returning to Rio after so many years was a dream realized. I met with many old friends and visited my home and local hangouts. Each time we had someone come over to the villa their reactions were calculable. No one could believe that such a home was located in the middle of Copacabana. A rare gem. We did entertain our friends there on evening and the staff prepared a feast. Speaking of the staff, wow. Could not ask for any better. Part of the family experience and always there. No requests went unanswered. Just beautiful people. This is not your typical rental. This is Mike's home. He shares it and all of his energy with those who are fortunate enough to come. Every time we would go out, coming back was like being in our own home. We did have an opportunity to meet Mike the day we left and as expected he was quite a character. Jovial and always helpful. The bottom line is that I do travel extensively and have never felt so comfortable away from home. I would steal his staff if I could. My family and myself look forward to the day we can return and again enjoy Mike's exquisite home. Michael Stafford Rio April 23/30 2011

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Experience in Copacabana

Guest: PK (Savannah)
Date of Stay: 04/10/11 Review Submitted: 04/15/11

The house was amazing and the service even better. A quick walk from the gated house gets you to the beach, with plenty of great restaraunts on the way. Carratoa (an authentic brazilian steak house 2 mins away was wonderful) Jonatas, Denis and our driver Matos were excellent hosts for their beautifl city. Nothing can describe sitting in the rooftop pool with the gas lamps lit on a beautiful brazilian night. I would do this again in a heartbeat and recommend it for groups, business, or families. Thank you Michael!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Beautiful Home, Magical Experience

Guest: Brasil Fan (United States)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11 Review Submitted: 04/16/11

This beautiful home, with its fine appointments and magestic living spaces, combined with the detailed attention of it´s owner and extremely capable staff, turned what could have been a very ordinary Rio lodging experience into one that will never be forgotten. We required special treatment and services during our stay, including a reception for up to 75 people. Both owner and staff executed this function impeccably! Throughout our one-week stay, the staff accomodated our continuously changing schedules to perfection, with full breakfasts every morning and a clean home to come back to after every day spent in this breathtaking city. We highly recommend this wonderful vila and hope it can become an integral part of your magical experience in Rio.

Owner response:Speaking for both the staff and myself - we appreciate deeply your choosing the villa and especially the vote of confidence you placed by having us do our first big dinner function. Although I graduated from hotel/restaurant school some 40 years ago - I have never worked in the field and went immediately to dental school. Develping a menu and coordinating this reception was sheer fun. I would have loved to have been there to see the staff work their magic but the photos I have seen showed me the "WOW" of your party. We have 5 weddings coming up this year and 2 more diplomatic functions and because of your giving them the chance - I think there is nothing that the villa staff can not do. Rafael, the chef from BlueHill in NYC, after he visitd the kitchen that night was truly amazed. Thanks from Michael, Jonatas, Denise, Anna, Selma, and Marcello as well as all of the drivers and ancillary bartenders and waiters.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Outstanding Magical

Guest: Senior Brad (Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/02/11 Review Submitted: 03/18/11

Location very central Copa Cabana Staff - excellent adn very accomodating, friendly, helpful, service oriented, just excellent. Good breakfast, big and beautifull everyday. Denise did a dinner party for us that was fabulous

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Villa far exceeds its many recommendations

Guest: Edith T. (Bronx, New York)
Date of Stay: 02/16/11 Review Submitted: 03/09/12

Our cruise travel agent booked our group of 6 into the villa for four nights during carnival before we departed on our round the tip of South America cruise. The villa, the Rio de Janeiro tours, and the magic of Carnival surpassed our cruise. The villa is probably the most spectacular private home we have ever visited and the neighborhood, location, staff, incredible attention and our marvelous villa tour guide could not have pampered us more. Holland America could learn a few things from the villa management. We had doubts about security issues in Rio but could not have possibly felt more safer or in better hands. After we left the villa and boarded the Veendam – we compared our Rio experiences with other passengers who had elected for a pre cruise Rio stay. It seems as if the carnival parade seats Jonatas located for us were better than they had and were a bargain in comparison. Thanks to all of the staff for a great experience. It is your smiling faces we will remember most of our three weeks in South America.

Recommended for:

We wish we could have stayed longer...

Guest: Beth (Denver, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 02/02/11 Review Submitted: 02/21/11

Our group really enjoyed their stay at your “Rio Luxury Villa”. Your staff were wonderful and work with and helped make our time in Rio just perfect. The Villa’s interior was amazing and very unique. It was a lovely, cool, and quiet haven….We wish we could have stayed longer. Thank you for helping to make our first trip to Rio so memorable and special. God Bless. Sincerely, Beth and friends.

Recommended for:

Great place to stay

Guest: schoward39 (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/14/11 Review Submitted: 02/03/11

I really enjoyed my stay. The house help made an amazing breakfast each morning and was very helpful when I needed anything.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Beautiful House

Guest: Holly (US)
Date of Stay: 01/04/11 Review Submitted: 02/03/11

Beautiful home with friendly staff. Great location six blocks from beach, located on a private, gated alley. Staff prepares delicious coffee and breakfast in the mornings. Master bedroom is beautiful, sunny and air conditioned though women should be aware that there's a lack of closet and dresser space. There are two teeny closets and a small night stand, so a different bedroom might be preferable with someone bringing many clothes. Bedroom is great otherwise. So glad we decided to stay here!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing Home Away From Home But Better!

Guest: The AHlers Center (San Diego, California)
Date of Stay: 01/04/11 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

I rented the villa on behalf of a group of MBA and International MBA students form the University of San Diego (USD) who were in Rio de Janeiro for 3 weeks for USD coursework. I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of accommodations, the service provided by the amazing staff, the customer service provided by the owner from thousands of miles away, and much more! The villa itself has a very unique layout. The kitchen is amazing and has all the spices you could need for cooking! Denise and her staff do an incredible job providing breakfast each morning and cleaning the house every day so it feels fresh and new. Great space for groups or multiple families on vacation! Such a great space! I can't wait to book for USD again and hopefully one day for personal use! The experience one has there is just unbeatable. If you are familiar with the standards of other accommodations in Rio, this place just blows everything else away. The villa itself is tall and somewhat compact when compared to a mansion in California, but other than being compact, it has everything you need and more! What a gem!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Excellent Accommodations

Guest: KCH (California)
Date of Stay: 01/04/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/11

The Villa exceeded any of my expectations prior to arriving in Rio. The accommodations and maid staff were incredible and extremely helpful. The house itself was in superb condition, making it easy choice to hang out in the house if desired. The location of the house made it very accessible to the local beaches or other attractions in the area. It was only a short walk to beach of Copacabana or a few dollar cab ride to Ipanema or Leblon.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car

The best trip ever!!!!

Guest: Sil (Sao Paulo)
Date of Stay: 12/22/10 Review Submitted: 01/25/11

We live in Sao Paulo and this was our 5th house rental for a holiday in RIo. The villa was beyond any experience we have ever had. I think it is the sweetest, friendliest, and most beautiful spot in all of Rio de Janeiro. THanks for the Christmas presents. We are telling all our friends in Sao Paulo and are sending you a copy of the photo Jonatas took of us in front of the tree in our bathing suits.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Hidden Gem in Rio

Guest: Lisa from Toronto (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/12/10 Review Submitted: 10/29/10

I have nothing but good things to say about this fabulous property. The location was fantastic as it was very close to the beach and provided easy access to other locations in Rio. It is tucked away down a private lane which is very quiet and provides a magical escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The house itself is nothing short of spectacular. It is beautifully appointed and it is clear that attention has been paid to every detail. The house is warm and comfortable and provided plenty of space for our group of 9. The rooftop pool was a wonderful place to unwind after a day of touring. The staff was also fantastic. The house manager, Jonathan, was very helpful and Denise prepared fantastic breakfasts for us and was very accommodating to our ever-changing schedules. (She also makes a mean caipirinha). I would not hesitate to stay there again and will certainly recommend this property to anyone I know who is traveling to Rio.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Luxury Stay

Guest: florentino (canada)
Date of Stay: 07/08/10 Review Submitted: 07/20/10

The villa was as described. the airport transfer was punctual and comfortable. The villa was as a brand new, well maintained,comfortable, situated in a safe and quiet street. The staff was excelllent, the breakfast was far and above anything that we expected. We were three couples with our teenage children and we all agreed that if we are ever back in Rio this will definitely be on number one on our list of places to stay. For our group the price was worth it.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Perfect Long Weekend

Guest: Brandon P. (Los Angeles/New York)
Date of Stay: 12/10/09 Review Submitted: 12/14/09

Came to Rio for the first time with a large group of friends and had an incredible time. The house is beautiful, bright, open and airy; there are 12 of us and we each slept comfortably and had plenty of space to sprawl out. It's centrally located but off the beaten path enough to feel secluded from the hustle & bustle of Copacabana. The staff is incomparable - eager to help however they can and maintain a vested interest in the enjoyment of their guests. We highly recommend the villa.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Stay - Thanksgiving 2010

Guest: Lee (Boston)
Date of Stay: 11/24/09 Review Submitted: 02/08/11

Since i am going to be spending much time in Rio as my company is involved with the upcoming World Cup - my wife and I decided to bring our family down for the holiday. I know Rio well and usually stay in Ipanema hotels and I am an old hand at renting thru Homeaway having used them for years in renting European and UK properties. This is the first time I have reviewed a listing.  I am hooked on this villa and given the prices of hotel suites will use the villa when available for my upcoming business trips as I feel so at home there. I  like this little street and even though I favor eating/shopping in Ipanema and Leblon I prefer to stay at this little quirky villa.   In short - the place is perfect.  Everything works and is first class. and the housekeepers smile and morning breakfast are great way to start a day.  Communication with the owner from the first inquiry and all follow up ensured a great Thanksgiving.  Every morning was a full table with  the most incredible breakfast - from biscuits, waffles, the best French toast, juices, fruit.    It is a hard balance perhaps to have a house staffed yet never underfoot - they get it just right.  My wife and kids fell in love with the place and the young people who run it and want to go back. Everything works perfectly and the beds, baths, kitchen are all A+.  The pool is small but what a place to hang out especially at night when they light the gas lamps.  The top floors are just short of overgrown with all kinds of flowering trees, orchids, a trellis roof of honeysuckle which reminded us of New England.  Every room in the house has orchids.  One night with  a full moon they opened the atrium to the sky and it was incredible.  Even though it is in the middle of a big city - the top floors are totally quiet at night. With our booking we received mucho information such as what to bring, his favorite restaurant list, where to shop.    Staff arranged airport pick-up, one tour day with their driver, and cooked a Thanksgiving dinner for us. The house is full of books, movies, and everything one could want.  Our laundry was returned the same day. The antiques mall of perhaps 100 stores was one block away as was the incredible new Rio subway line.  We were in Ipanema in 3 minutes.  Beats Rio traffic. There is absolutely nothing that this kitchen does not have. Last night was a surprise bottle of champagne from the owner.  Pretty hard to trump this experience.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Luxery Villa

Guest: Kenny (North East, MD USA)
Date of Stay: 11/13/09 Review Submitted: 08/12/10

To begin with the owner of this beautiful villa gave my wife and I call the night before our departure. He gave weather and local information to assist us in getting to the villa. Once there at the villa we found all the comforts of home with staff that was eager to make this a positive experience. I was traveling with my wife, and eight other friends that totally enjoyed this location which was about 2.5-3 blocks to the beach. It was fairly easy getting to the city by taxi or subway. A bit better if you speak the language. I spent a total of seven day in Rio and I felt that my time was to short. I missed the Samba practices and the Imperial Theater. In closing I must mention the staff was great, and I look forward to returning when time allows this option.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Best Place You Will Ever Stay in Rio!

Guest: Mahoosier (New York)
Date of Stay: 11/05/09 Review Submitted: 12/15/09

I honestly don't know where to begin in describing the level of comfort, care, and service we received while staying at the villa. From beginning to end, it was one of the most incredible trips and stays I'd ever experienced. The house is beyond luxurious and the attentiveness of the entire staff is beyond compare. I've stayed in 5 star hotels that didn't measure up to this experience, namely because it doesn't feel like a hotel, it feels like home, and when you're on vacation, there truly is nothing better than that. I was filming in Rio and at the end of a long, hot day we would be exhausted. But coming back here was so relaxing and rejuvenating that I couldn't imagine ever staying anywhere else when I am in the city. Do yourself a favor and stay here when you visit Rio. It will be one of the best choices you ever make and vacations you will ever have. Boa sorte - Morgan

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Nurse from Jersey (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 06/02/09 Review Submitted: 06/02/09

The villa was booked by our travel agent who arranged a South American cruise for us. He recommended it over a beachfront hotel because he felt it would be safer and more convenient for us than a hotel given we are two senior couples with two widowed friends. He had visited the property when he was on vacation in RIo. It was an excellent choice by him. We had the most wonderful three days in RIo de Janeiro which was the best part of our vacation including the 18 night cruise. Jonathan met us at the airport the morning we arrived and took us and our luggage to the house. The lovely cook had a lunch prepared for us as the owner had figured we might be tired after almost 12 hours on planes. The first day Jon had reserved a table poolside at the Copacabana Palace for a late light dinner. The next day was a tour of Christ the Redeemer mountain, and two old palaces in Rio. We had lunch at a beautiful old bakery downtown from around 1900 which was spectacular. The final day we spent around the pool before leaving for the port SO much has been said about the house that it is impossible to add anything. What is very difficult is to adequately describe the most wonderful staff I have ever met. Jonathan and Edi are wonderful gentlemen with great smiles and could not have been more gracious. Denise and Maria pampered us to death. Coffee in our bedroom, helping us with our laundry and rearranging some things that needed to be ironed and repacked. I had read so much about RIo and have wanted to visit there my whole life even though so many people are worried about crime in the city. I am so glad I did but we all feel that even though the cruise was spectacular - those days in Rio de Janeiro and the new friends who hosted us are unforgettable.

Recommended for:

Incredible vacation villa in beautiful Rio

Guest: Beth & 5 more (Denver, CO USA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/09 Review Submitted: 01/16/10

We highly recommend this villa! My husband & I, our 3 teenagers (15, 18 & 19) & my mother-in-law (originally from Brazil) stayed there in June 2009. It was perfect for all our needs – everyone had their own bed & bath, plenty of space to entertain extended family or find our own place to relax. The location is convenient to everything - nice easy walks to the beach, restaurants, markets, etc. Plus Michael (the owner) & the staff will help you arrange anything you need. We saw the pictures of the villa early on & thought it looked beautiful but found out there was so much more to this home. Michael went out of his way to help with suggestions for our planning & to make sure that our entire family would enjoy themselves. There are so many extras to the home & what everyone provides that it’s impossible to list them all (but I will note his lasagna is outstanding!). To be sure that everything exceeded our expectations Michael even checked in during our stay. Besides the incredible décor of the villa, what truly makes this a special place is the staff. They are wonderful & really help you experience more of the culture – they truly make this a unique stay different from any other rental or luxury hotel. Denise, the head housewoman, not only prepares a huge, delicious breakfast (that she kept flexible to accommodate the later mornings for the teenagers) but she will help you with anything else you need – preparing additional meals, laundry, special requests for groceries, etc. And she’s always there with a smile! Jonathan, Edie & Marie are also all the nicest people who want to insure your stay is truly special. They all helped us plan a birthday celebration for my mother-in-law – we had 13 people over & they made the night incredible. Denise’s feijoada was delicious & she took me to a wonderful bakery to pick out a cake like none we’ve had before. Edie even found candles to say ‘82’ on the cake. All these extras were typical of the entire stay. We definitely recommend this villa for families, especially those with teens who will appreciate having separate rooms & space to hang out together. This villa is also perfect for multiple couples traveling together. It is luxurious & comfortable while allowing you to feel more a part of the beautiful Rio culture. 3 teenagers agreeing this was their favorite vacation and us all wanting to go back & stay at this villa, should emphasize the uniqueness of this special locale.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: MKC (NY, NY / USA)
Date of Stay: 04/24/09 Review Submitted: 04/24/09

This wonderful villa is like a dream. It is an eyeful, roomy and cozy at the same time, luxuriously comfortable, and beautifully located. It's an easy walk to Copacabana beach and a quick taxi ride to many, many tourist sites. Those who like to plan their days independently can do so, but those who want advice, recommendations or a tour guide will be well taken care of. The staff is attentive and accommodating but never obtrusive. The only caveat is that there are lots of stairs (including those to reach the beautiful little pool on the third floor). And, of course, there is the problem of balancing how much you want to play tourist and how much you want to just settle in by the pool or get comfortable in the library with a good book (and there are lots of those to choose from). I would recommend a stay here in a heartbeat.

Recommended for:

Guest: Marnie Ponce (New York)
Date of Stay: 04/07/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/09

While in Rio De Janeiro last summer , I had the distinct pleasure of staying at Dr. Iott's home. The house is located near a variety of stores and market areas for shopping. Acess to and from Ipanema & Copacabana beaches, the Hippie market and .....is surprisingly easy. I loved the decor the home is inviting , clean, and spacious. The rooms are lovely, with down feather matresses, a sitting area for reading, and a jacuzzi . The pool is located atop the roof and is perfect for relaxing with a good book or fro just sunning. One of my favorite rooms is the study. The study makes one feel welcomed with its oak furnishings and wall to wall books. As for the staff, I found them to be very friendly and accomodating. I look forward to visiting Rio again and staying at Dr. Iott"s house. Marnie Ponce

Recommended for:

Guest: Cindy
Date of Stay: 04/02/09 Review Submitted: 04/01/09

All of the reviews posted by the owner, were copied from a different website (homeway) and are real testimonials from people that stayed in this beautiful property.

Recommended for:

My trip to Rio

Guest: Nurse from Jersey (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 02/02/09 Review Submitted: 06/02/09

The villa was booked by our travel agent who arranged a South American cruise for us. He recommended it over a beachfront hotel because he felt it would be safer and more convenient for us than a hotel given we are two senior couples with two widowed friends. He had visited the property when he was on vacation in RIo. It was an excellent choice by him. We had the most wonderful three days in RIo de Janeiro which was the best part of our vacation including the 18 night cruise. Jonathan met us at the airport the morning we arrived and took us and our luggage to the house. The lovely cook had a lunch prepared for us as the owner had figured we might be tired after almost 12 hours on planes. The first day Jon had reserved a table poolside at the Copacabana Palace for a late light dinner. The next day was a tour of Christ the Redeemer mountain, and two old palaces in Rio. We had lunch at a beautiful old bakery downtown from around 1900 which was spectacular. The final day we spent around the pool before leaving for the port SO much has been said about the house that it is impossible to add anything. What is very difficult is to adequately describe the most wonderful staff I have ever met. Jonathan and Edi are wonderful gentlemen with great smiles and could not have been more gracious. Denise and Maria pampered us to death. Coffee in our bedroom, helping us with our laundry and rearranging some things that needed to be ironed and repacked. I had read so much about RIo and have wanted to visit there my whole life even though so many people are worried about crime in the city. I am so glad I did but we all feel that even though the cruise was spectacular - those days in Rio de Janeiro and the new friends who hosted us are unforgettable.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Allan in Paris
Date of Stay: 01/31/09 Review Submitted: 01/30/09

Fantastic Christmas and New Years in Rio! We decided to spend Christmas and New Years Eve in Rio for 08. I am an American living in Paris with my wife and youngest son who is 18. I have a son in London who is 20 and another in the US who is 21. With the family spread so far, Christmas is a very important time of the year to us to spend some quality time together. We searched far and wide until finding this luxury villa on the web. At that point our choice was made as this looked like a perfect place for our holiday. The owner, Michael was great to work with and really sought to ensure we had a special stay. He gave us some great tips to enjoy the area, had the staff purchase food and beverages prior to our arrival and even arranged for the staff to fix a wonderful Brazilian dinner for Christmas eve. Upon our arrival the house and staff exceeded even our lofty expectations. The house is meticulously decorated and looks every bit and more the pictures and video on the website. It is roomy and spacious and was a perfect place for our family to meet and spend quality time together. So much better than any hotel could have been. Denise and Marcia fixed us fantastic breakfasts each morning. Wonderful food with a touch of local fare as well. Christmas Eve dinner was wonderful also. The kitchen, dining room and library are all fantastic common areas where we were able to enjoy each other and experience the great hospitality of the staff. On top of all the food they cleaned the rooms daily and even did the laundry as part of the service. Try and get that from a hotel. The location of the house is great. Only 3 blocks from Copacabana beach. An easy walk and interesting shops and establishments along the way. We were often forewarned about crime in the area, but we took the proper precautions and didn't have any problems. We spent some great time at the beach, and enjoying the nightlife of Copacabana and Ipanema which is a short drive away. New Years Eve on Copacabana beach is absolutely magic! We also took two days from a tour guide name Carlos who was arranged through Michael and the staff. Carlos was great and showed us all the sites of the area while providing historical insight and context. We also got to see a favella which was very interesting. All in all it was a magical trip. My 3 boys said it was the best Christmas and the best trip we have ever taken and we do a lot of traveling. Rio is a special place and this villa is the best way to enjoy the experienc

Recommended for:

Guest: Palos Verdes
Date of Stay: 01/15/09 Review Submitted: 01/14/09

This amazing property is a beautifully appointed, three-story home with a staff that really takes care of you. Our group was in Rio for a wedding and even people who lived there were amazed at our fabulous accommodations. The location is tucked away in a gated alley and once you open the front door, you are in a completely different world. We can't say enough good things about this property -- what you see in the pictures is absolutely accurate. And the location allows you to safely walk several blocks to the beach. The owner of the home stayed in touch with us from beginning to end and they went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect for us. Although we had an infant with us, we would not recommend this place for small children -- too many stone stairways and too many beautiful decorator items. Would highly recommend this property to those who appreciate the finer things.

Recommended for:

Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 01/14/09 Review Submitted: 01/13/09

Tranquility and Eloquence This has to be one the nicest places to stay and relax in. The home has a welcoming feel with each room as relaxing as wonderful as the next decorated with great detail and eloquence. The staff is friendly as well as respectful of each guests privacy. Being a cook back home the kitchen here in this villa would be the envy of anyone who likes to indulge in the culinary arts. The library is warm and relaxing place to read or enjoy a quiet moment. Each room has a distinctive personality that lends a cocoon of civility after a long day of travel or fun at the beach. The location is nicely tucked away on a private mew with a short walk to the beaches, shops and cafes. This is a definite place I will return to and will be recommending to all my friends. I give this villa a 10. Tim - Southampton New York Recommended for: Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway, Age 55+

Recommended for:

Fantastic Christmas and New Years in Rio!

Guest: Allan in Paris (Paris, France)
Date of Stay: 12/21/08 Review Submitted: 01/30/09

We decided to spend Christmas and New Years Eve in Rio for 08. I am an American living in Paris with my wife and youngest son who is 18. I have a son in London who is 20 and another in the US who is 21. With the family spread so far, Christmas is a very important time of the year to us to spend some quality time together. We searched far and wide until finding this luxury villa on the web. At that point our choice was made as this looked like a perfect place for our holiday. The owner, Michael was great to work with and really sought to ensure we had a special stay. He gave us some great tips to enjoy the area, had the staff purchase food and beverages prior to our arrival and even arranged for the staff to fix a wonderful Brazilian dinner for Christmas eve. Upon our arrival the house and staff exceeded even our lofty expectations. The house is meticulously decorated and looks every bit and more the pictures and video on the website. It is roomy and spacious and was a perfect place for our family to meet and spend quality time together. So much better than any hotel could have been. Denise and Marcia fixed us fantastic breakfasts each morning. Wonderful food with a touch of local fare as well. Christmas Eve dinner was wonderful also. The kitchen, dining room and library are all fantastic common areas where we were able to enjoy each other and experience the great hospitality of the staff. On top of all the food they cleaned the rooms daily and even did the laundry as part of the service. Try and get that from a hotel. The location of the house is great. Only 3 blocks from Copacabana beach. An easy walk and interesting shops and establishments along the way. We were often forewarned about crime in the area, but we took the proper precautions and didn't have any problems. We spent some great time at the beach, and enjoying the nightlife of Copacabana and Ipanema which is a short drive away. New Years Eve on Copacabana beach is absolutely magic! We also took two days from a tour guide name Carlos who was arranged through Michael and the staff. Carlos was great and showed us all the sites of the area while providing historical insight and context. We also got to see a favella which was very interesting. All in all it was a magical trip. My 3 boys said it was the best Christmas and the best trip we have ever taken and we do a lot of traveling. Rio is a special place and this villa is the best way to enjoy the experience.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Tranquility and Eloquence

Guest: vdfjaj (Southampton New York)
Date of Stay: 11/20/08 Review Submitted: 01/14/09

This has to be one the nicest places to stay and relax in. The home has a welcoming feel with each room as relaxing as wonderful as the next decorated with great detail and eloquence. The staff is friendly as well as respectful of each guests privacy. Being a cook back home the kitchen here in this villa would be the envy of anyone who likes to indulge in the culinary arts. The library is warm and relaxing place to read or enjoy a quiet moment. Each room has a distinctive personality that lends a cocoon of civility after a long day of travel or fun at the beach. The location is nicely tucked away on a private mew with a short walk to the beaches, shops and cafes. This is a definite place I will return to and will be recommending to all my friends. I give this villa a 10. Tim - Southampton New York

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A home away from home in the heart of Rio

Guest: MKC (NY, NY / USA)
Date of Stay: 10/11/08 Review Submitted: 11/06/08

This wonderful villa is like a dream. It is an eyeful, roomy and cozy at the same time, luxuriously comfortable, and beautifully located. It's an easy walk to Copacabana beach and a quick taxi ride to many, many tourist sites. Those who like to plan their days independently can do so, but those who want advice, recommendations or a tour guide will be well taken care of. The staff is attentive and accommodating but never obtrusive. The only caveat is that there are lots of stairs (including those to reach the beautiful little pool on the third floor). And, of course, there is the problem of balancing how much you want to play tourist and how much you want to just settle in by the pool or get comfortable in the library with a good book (and there are lots of those to choose from). I would recommend a stay here in a heartbeat.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.