Vacation Rentals by Owner

Excellent location and safe, Clean well presented apartment.

Guest: DarrenD (UK)
Date of Stay: 01/21/12 Review Submitted: 02/01/12

The apartment is in a superb location minutes walk to Ipanema beach and not far from Copacabana. The Metro is also very close and safe. The apartment was clean and modern. It had a well stocked kitchen. The internet worked the enitire week we were there. To be picky, it would have been nice if there were some cushions on the sofa, plus the TV is too high on the wall, but who comes to Rio to watch TV! Very good value for money considering its location and comfort.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Ipanema apartment

Guest: Rio-lover (Norway)
Date of Stay: 11/10/11 Review Submitted: 11/24/11

The location of the place is excellent, very close to beach, shops, good restaurants and the subway. The bed is comfortable and the apartment has good equipment. The noise from naboring apartments, however, can at times be very irritating, and earplugs are recommended. The cleaning is also very poor. But in total I enjoyed my stay.

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

Comfortable, well located suite

Guest: Paul M. (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/24/11 Review Submitted: 12/12/11

We stayed for 5 days. Suite is clean and comfortable, but it is an overstatement to describe it as 'luxury'. It is in a great location however and quiet, due to the alley view. We enjoyed our stay.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great apartment in perfect location

Guest: William (Mountain View, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/16/11

I stayed in this apartment from Sept. 1 to Sept. 4. If you are considering staying here do not hesitate, it is a great place to stay in Rio. It is walking distance to both Ipanema and Copacobana. It is completely safe and I was walking around by myself at all hours of the day and night. I didn't know what to expect from Rio but when I arrived at the apartment I saw people all over the streets. Families walking with young children and people walking their dogs. It is a perfectly safe area just like you would see in any nice city. There are several grocery stores, restaurants, shops, bars and banks within a very close walking distance. The room is great and even has a safe for your valuables. The internet worked perfectly and I had no problems at all. I plan to visit Rio many times in the future and this is the perfect place for me to stay.

Owner response:William - Thanks for a great review - please come back soon - Mark

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

In the heart of Ipanema

Guest: Tom (Portland, OR USA)
Date of Stay: 05/09/11 Review Submitted: 05/24/11

As other travelers have indicated, this condo is in the heart of Ipanema, just 1-2 blocks from the General Osorio Metro stop which came in very handy for exploring Zona Sul. The property accurately reflected the information provided in the listing and the photos provided. We felt very safe on this major thoroughfare, with people always out on the street. Stunning Ipanema beach is also a 5-10 min. walk away, as are several banks, groceries, drugstores, bars, and restaurants. Easy to come and go, drop stuff off, and head back out again to explore "A Cidade Maravilhosa". The A/C, refrigerator, washer & dryer and hot showers were the most essential amenities for us besides location. Mark's driver Luis and the front doormen were very friendly and helpful getting us checked in, hailing down a cab to the airport, and general information about the neighborhood. I knocked the rating down a star because although the listing states the high-speed internet does go down from time to time, it was working only 1 of the 6 days we stayed, which was a hassle. Also, the unit wasn't as clean as we had hoped upon arrival. Most of the dishes that were put away were not clean, and there were some stains on the kitchen counter and dust bunnies in the hallway. Someone should check on the unit after the cleaning crew is finished, before the next guests check in. However, the price for the area can't be beat, and we would probably stay there again.

Owner response:I do understand tthat my cleaners were not on the ball for this cleaning --- I have fired them and hired a new person that i know will do a much better job...... Thanks for the time to let me know and thank you for your business. I hope I get a opptunity for you tp come again. Mark

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

Perfect for me!

Guest: Bwana (Midwest, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/26/11 Review Submitted: 05/17/11

Mark, your apartment was everything I was hoping for and more. It fit my needs perfectly. Location, location, location! A few blocks to my favorite beach, one block to the metro station, three blocks to my favorite restaurant, a block to the Sunday "Hippie Fair," grocery stores all around, many good bars and restaurants within 2-3 blocks...the location simply can't be beat. The neighborhood is lively and consequently quite safe. Quiet: Despite being located on a busy street in Ipanema, the apartment is off the street and very quiet. I slept like a baby. Comfortable: The place has all the comforts of home. A good shower with plenty of hot water (not always common in Rio), an excellent kitchen for cooking and entertaining, cable TV, internet, and comfortable furniture. I'll be back, frequently!

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

Absolutely Wonderful place to stay in Ipanema!

Guest: Bill (Ohio, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/17/11 Review Submitted: 01/24/11

My wife and I spent our 20th anniversary here. I must say this rental and the area it is located in, far surpassed our expectations. We are rather “large” people from Ohio, but found the apartment had plenty of space (the pictures don’t do it justice, it is quite spacious). Very nice decor, with great art and new appliances, including washer & dryer, fridge, grill, oven, microwave, etc. Also, the AC works great! Great area as well: Very safe, family-oriented neighborhood and 2 min walk to Ipanema beach. People are very friendly and a very laid-back atmosphere. Grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, shopping and ATM’s are literally, right across the street. 24 hour doorman. Never once felt unsafe. I’ve traveled throughout much of the world, and this was the most relaxing vacation I’ve ever had. Also Cris, the driver from the airport, was really nice and knowledgeable and gave us great tips on our stay. I definitely recommend you utilized his services. Also, great communication with owner- Mark- a USA resident. In sum, if you are going to Rio, book this rental. Absolutely perfect!

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

Apartment was ideal, top appliances

Guest: jules (california)
Date of Stay: 08/02/10 Review Submitted: 08/18/10

Mark, extremely fortunate to come across your rental..spoiled westerner. Apartment was ideal, top appliances came in handy on a 10 day visit. The unit was roomy never felted cramped also has a romantic appeal at night. Location of the apartment was excellent close to everything banks, market, beach just a short walk and the Feira Hippie De Ipanema on Sunday''s and open street market during the week right up the block...and the safe in the room was another great touch! Taxi's abundant, bus and Metro right out the front door. Mark, I look forward to my next stay! ANYONE READING THIS REVIEW BOOK IT! J Reed

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

Guest: Bruce Howie (Georgia)
Date of Stay: 04/06/09 Review Submitted: 04/06/09

Mark, My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our 12 day stay at your condo last month. We found the condo to be just as you described it in your write-up and we certainly would recommend it to anyone. The location was great and it will only get better when the subway station opens next year just a half block away. We had Carlos pick us up and take us back to the airport and that worked great. We also used him on two separate occasions for showing us the sights of Rio and he helped us tremendously to better enjoy the city. All in all it was a fantastic vacation for us. Thanks, Bruce Howie

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Guest: Brooke H. (Bloomington, IN USA)
Date of Stay: 06/18/08 Review Submitted: 06/18/08

Mark, I had a great time staying in the condo. The airport pickup was a great service and the condo is very beautifully decorated. I found it really comfortable and it is in an EXCELLENT location. Please feel free to use me as a reference for your place. Someday, when I return to Rio, I may call on you again. Thanks! Brooke

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Guest: Heidi9 (Farmington Hills, MI)
Date of Stay: 09/14/07 Review Submitted: 09/14/07

Hi - Just wanted to say we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Rio. Mark's apartment was an excellent place to stay, great amenities, quiet, and close to everything. Also, Cris was the best tour guide Rio has to offer! Very informative and helpful. Don't miss a chance to hang glide!

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Guest: Gene1 (Russia)
Date of Stay: 03/03/07 Review Submitted: 03/03/07

Thx mark and greetings from Salvador -- an amazing city. We found your flat and our stay in rio most enjoyable and memorable. Chris and Robert are also great people, like many of the Brazilians we've met in the last few weeks. Best regards, gene

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Guest: CLINTON GREEN (PHOENIX, AZ)
Date of Stay: 12/09/05 Review Submitted: 12/09/05

Mark, i wanted to take amomoent and thank you, Chris and Roberto for making my first visit to Rio fantastic. You have done an outstanding job with the condo, everything was just as you described, first class all the way. the location of the condo is ideal for getting anywhere in the city you want to go. Both Chris Roberto made themselves available to assist me with anything I could ask of them. I would like for you to feel free to use me as a reference for the condo. Because you have so great to work in planning this trip I'd be happy to speak to anyone who is considering a visit and are not sure about where to stay in Rio. In my mind their is only one place to and that is at you place in Rio or your new place in Buzios. Thanks agian, Clinton Green 602.350.0104

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Guest: Lawrence1 (-)
Date of Stay: 12/06/05 Review Submitted: 12/06/05

I had not said so earlier, but you have by far the best apartment in Copa-Ipanema area. The amenities are great for the traveler that needs and appreciates true comfort and convenience. And the high-speed internet is icing on the cake! It is great working with you guys. Have fun and I'll see you there soon! Lawrence...

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Guest: ROBERTO BARON (RIO DE JANEIRO)
Date of Stay: 05/07/05 Review Submitted: 05/07/05

DEAR GUYS AND GALS THIS IS ADDRESSED TO THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE LOOKING FORWARD COMING TO THE WONDER CITY OF RIO DE JANEIRO. MY NAME'S ROBERTO BARON. YOUR FUTURE HOST. I'M HERE TO INTRODUCE MYSELF AS MARK'S BEAUTIFUL CONDO ADMINISTRATOR. I WANT YOU TO BE SURE YOU'RE COMING TO STAY IN WHAT THE BEST THERE IS IN ACCOMODATIONS IN A PRIVATE BUILDING IN THE WHOLE CITY. ANYTHING YOU MIGHT THINK OF THERE IS IN OUR APARTMENT. I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE OBVIOUS BIG STUFF, BUT LITTLE THINGS AS GLASSWARE, SILVERWARE, IRON, SHEETS and MORE. ALL QUALITY MADE. BESIDES ALL THE BEAUTIFUL IPANEMA CAN OFFER, YOU'LL HAVE AT VERY LITTLE COST, YOUR EXCLUSIVE TURIST GUIDE. HIS NAME IS CHRIS. HE'S ABBLE TO SHOW YOU ALL RIO AND SORROUNDING CITIES HISTORICAL AND FUN SPOTS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US EITHER FOR INFORMATIONS OR SUGESTIONS. HERE ARE OUR PHONE NUMBERS : ROBERTO - (055)21-7815-6768 CHRIS - (055)21-9798-2086 CRAZY ABOUT MEETING YOU, ROBERTO BARON, your host

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Guest: Norm Mauz (-)
Date of Stay: 04/30/05 Review Submitted: 04/30/05

Hi Mark, What a fantastic job you and your team have done on the condo. The place is fixed up first class and it's convenient to everything. Roberto and Chris were great in making things happen when I wanted to do various activites. You are lucky to have two locals who you can trust and know the city so well. What a bonus for any future visitors. I look forward to staying there again and maybe meeting up with you. Thanks for being straight up with me in all of our arrangements. Norm

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Guest: Randy Carlson (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/13/05 Review Submitted: 01/13/05

Mark Got back to Los Angeles yesterday and wanted to thank you for the use of your condo. I had a great time and the many tips and recommendations you offered paid off tremendously. Roberto was great picking me up at the airport and checking in periodically to make sure things were going ok. Your place is fantastic and I intend to make a return trip in the future likely wanting to rent your place out again. Feel free to use me as a reference or review on your site. I may contact you in the future to get some advise on possibly purchasing a place of my own. Thanks Randy bye the way "Help Disco" is the best!!!

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