Vacation Rentals by Owner

Very disappointing - Misrepresented and not as advertised

Guest: ian (canada)
Date of Stay: 10/17/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

A total disappointment. The apartment is located on the 6th floor of a large and tired looking tower block. The corridor leading to the apartment from the stairs and elevator was dark and dirty. With the exception of the Loft Beroom, the view from all the other windows in the apartment was of a 'Favela'. The nearest building of the ‘Favela’ was only a few metres away. The advertising blerb includes the words, stylish, modern, fully equipped, fully renovated, gem and fully remodelled. In reality nothing could be further from the truth. The apartment wasn’t clean, had no style what-so-ever, was not modern, need to be remodelled and totally renovated and was not at all well equipped. The kitchen was old and dirty. It was poorly equipped and too small to actually prepare a meal. In the dining area, there wasn’t even a table where more than 4 people could sit together for a meal. The washing machine was broken and could not be used at all during our 7 day stay. When we complained about this the 'cleaner' visited to check it was actually broken but no repair was undertaken. One bathroom had a shower where water poured out soaking the bathroom floor and part of the bedroom floor on each and every occasion it was used. This was obviously not a new problem because the wooden trim of the bathroom door was mouldy and rotten. Another bathroom (the third bathroom in the photographs) only had a toilet and shower. The sink and vanity were actually located outside this bathroom in a hallway used to access two of the bedrooms. " The Argentine architect Ignacio Poli " should have thought this problem through when (or if) the apartment was remodelled. The beds were cheap and uncomfortable without head-boards. The bed linens were old, grubby and of a very poor quality. The pillows were also of a very poor quality and were badly stained and smelled. The advertising on VRBO also states I "One FREE cleaning service for weekly stays". Apart from the visit to check the washing machine was broken, we did not see a cleaner all week. We were visiting Rio to attend a wedding. Thirty friends and family from Canada, USA and Europe were also in Rio for the same purpose and were also staying in apartments dotted around Ipanema. As a consequence I visited about 10 apartments during our 7 day stay. Without exception this was the worst in every respect. Unlike the guest who also submitted a similar review in April of this year, I contacted the owner of the property wi

Owner response:This review is the result of a failed attempt to extort money from us. We have run an honest business since 2005, happily hosting dozens of repeat guests in an apartment that not only is exactly as it is portrayed in the pictures, but also considered to be one of the best values among all rentals in Ipanema Post 8. These guests arrived to the apartment with no money at all to pay for the rental. There were 9 people total renting a 3 bedroom apartment at an average per night cost less than one would find in a shared room at any of Rio’s countless youth hostels. Reluctant to pay after spending a full night and day in the apartment, we politely asked them to leave and offered a full 100% refund, which included the night that they had already stayed. This is a policy we offer to all guests who are not satisfied with the apartment upon check in as we want happy guests and we want guests to be happy. Surprisingly, the group refused the offer of a free one night stay for nine guests and a 100% refund of all payments made. Instead, the group decided to pay the remaining balance and continue in the apartment. The question we have is... If the group truly felt the apartment was not meeting their expectations, why did they not relocate and find alternative arrangements with their full refund? Unfortunately many apartment owners are now being targeted by similar travelers who attempt to obtain discounts in exchange for good reviews. Even worse, others are directly threatened with bad reviews if they do not accept lower prices than originally negotiated. We are a respectable business, and do not and will not tolerate individuals that directly or indirectly attempt to extort us. Our “No-Questions-Asked-100%-Refund-Policy’ speaks for itself and is worth far more than any review could offer.

Recommended for:

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Guest: pep (argentina)
Date of Stay: 08/17/11 Review Submitted: 08/22/11

the appartment is perfect.....3 bathrooms....cool....but the view is not appropiate to be on a holliday.... you see a "favela"...with chickens walking all over.....and you can hardly see the sky.... you can hear the brazilians having religious celebrations all day!!!!!!! nice apartm but you should know that before you choose...

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Stayed at Christmas time 2010 - Disaster - False Advertising - the apartment is falling apart

Guest: Silvie (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/15/10 Review Submitted: 04/25/11

What a disappointmet. The pictures of the apartment must have been taken quite a few years ago. There is nothing chic about mold on the walls, bathrooms that leak, and a kitchen that is old and dirty - well actually 2 kitchens. The cleaning lady didn't bother to change or wash the pillows - just put new pillow cases on the pillows. We had one bedsheet on all the beds. They have been used alot - pretty low thread count. Windows dirty - lots of mold. I don't know who has been writing the reviews! I would not recommend this place to anyone except poor strapped college students needing a large place to stay. The location is perfect - and the building itself is fine. This is not an apartment that is well taken care of - if you are thinking you are getting something modern and updated - you will be very very disappointed!!!!

Owner response:This review came as a complete surprise to us and we can only say that we are very sorry that this guest had an unfortunate experience. What pains us most is that the guest did not communicate anything to us during their stay - instead they waited a full four months to communicate their dissatisfaction. In fact, we are so shocked by this rather libelous review, we have now implemented a new policy to ensure that nothing similar happens in the future: UPON CHECK IN, IF ANY GUEST IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE UNIT, WE WILL FULLY REFUND ALL PAYMENTS RECEIVED (100%)... NO QUESTIONS ASKED. We work extremely hard to ensure that guests truly enjoy their stay in Rio de Janeiro and we welcome constructive criticism wholeheartedly, as it will only make us better. We want happy guests and we want to have the opportunity to make them happy.

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Excellent value in Ipanema. Enjoyed it.

Guest: Estorilio (Miami, Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/11/09 Review Submitted: 11/14/09

My family and I were very pleased with this property. Everything in it was as described in the add. It was comfortable, well located, safe, and peaceful. The two free cell phones and safe box in each room were very useful. The AC units work very well. The reservation, check-in and check-out were very professional and friendly. I plan to return and recommend it.

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

Guest: Zane1 (London, England)
Date of Stay: 06/13/09 Review Submitted: 06/13/09

This apartment was ideally situated with great access to restaurants, the beach, and shopping...Neil's staff was fantastic and anything we needed he or his staff made sure we got it...even costumes for Carnival on short notice!!! What an experience that was....thanks again Neil for sourcing them.... Rita's cooking was amazing and she took care of us as if we were her own (plenty of food)....I am looking forward to returning for Carnival 2009.... See you next year Neil and thanks for hosting us in 2008...Zane, London

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Guest: Lamar Frazier (Houston, Texas USA)
Date of Stay: 06/09/09 Review Submitted: 06/09/09

There isn't any other place to stay while in Rio! Aside from the accomodations, Neil is a fantastic host that goes way out of his way to insure his guest are well taken care of - and we were! Two friends and I rented the entire flat for Carnival 2009. The accomodations were more than adequate and very well kept up by Neil's very capable staff. We were attended to by Rita, an excellent cook with great interpersonal skills. Rita took care of us as if we were her own - laundry cleaning, cooking, etc. It was First Class! The location can't be beat everything you could possibly need or want is within walking distance - gym, restaurant, shopping, beach, bars and clubs! Needless to say we are returning for Carnival 2010 and everyone theeafter! See you in February Neil!

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Guest: Chitra Chandran (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/30/09 Review Submitted: 05/30/09

A group of 6 of us stayed in this apartment in March - it was perfect! Neil went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable the whole time. It's in a great location in Ipanema, close to everything that's going on but still quiet. This apartment made our whole experience in Rio that much better. Definitely recommend staying here.

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Guest: Lance8 (Stillwater, OK)
Date of Stay: 05/28/09 Review Submitted: 05/28/09

A group of 6 of us went to Rio in February. Neil went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable and enjoyed our time in Rio. The apartment is in a good location in Ipanema and the accommodations were everything that we expected. I would highly recommend this apartment to anyone traveling to Rio.

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Stay Here!

Guest: Eileen S. (Los Angeles, California)
Date of Stay: 11/22/08 Review Submitted: 12/04/08

This apartment was absolutely perfect and made our trip to Rio! The apartment itself is beautiful and in a perfect location. Very close to the beach and the lagoon. The customer service was amazing and highly personal. I can't recommend it enough. Top notch all around!! I will stay here again the next time I visit. No question.

Owner response:It was great having you guys!!!!!

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/31/08

Five of us stayed here and we loved it! Niel took great pains to make sure our trip went smoothly and we'd definitely stay there again. Also, it was a really good location in Ipanema!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: cristian_HAC117200 (Barcelona (spain))
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/15/07

We have stayed in the apartment for a short holiday and I highly recommend it!!!! The apartment is fully equipped (even with sound system in all rooms and baths!!) Perfectly located, very sure (security 24h)beautifully furnished and the attention you will have from Neil is just perfect. If I return to Rio (that I surely will!!!!) I will without doubt stay in the same apartment. Do not look further ..... that's the plce to stay!!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Justin_HAC109179 (St. Paul, MN, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/07/07

Several friends and I decided to spend a week in Rio last April. We wanted to stay in the trendy (and safe) Ipanema beach area, and wanted a more genuine Rio experience than a hotel could offer. We were fortunate enough to find this contemporary apartment listed on the web and quickly made a reservation. We found the apartment to be very clean and modern, located in a vibrant and safe neighborhood, and the owner (Neil) was very helpful and friendly. He even took time to show us around the neighborhood and give us some pointers. I travel all over the world for work and fun, and can honestly say this one of my favorite accommodations to date. Highly recommended!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Scott Himelstein (Northridge, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/06/07

I have been to Rio more than ten times and stayed at different apartments. After staying at this apartment, I will not stay anywhere else. It is located in a safe and great part of Ipanema(restaurants, banks, stores, etc.) and the beach is just a 3 minute walk away. Most apartments they charge you a lot of money but you feel like you are staying in your Grandma's house since nothing has been updated. Everything in the apartment is state of the art. You will be hard pressed to find something better in this location, with all of the amenities, and the awesome customer serive of Neil who treats everyone like his own family. This is the best place to stay in Rio!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Scwmail (Zurich)
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/02/07

Folks, this place is amazing! A jewel in the heart of Ipanema...this apartment is fully modern, stylishly decorated and perfect for groups of friends or families wanting a relaxing place to stay within walking distance to all of the beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon) in Rio. Plus, there are lots of restaurants and excellent local nightlife in the Ipanema neighbourhood, which makes living in this neighbourhood even more exciting!

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Best place to stay in Rio!!!

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/07/07

I have been to Rio more than ten times and stayed at different apartments. After staying at this apartment, I will not stay anywhere else. It is located in a safe and great part of Ipanema(restaurants, banks, stores, etc.) and the beach is just a 3 minute walk away. Most apartments they charge you a lot of money but you feel like you are staying in your Grandma's house since nothing has been updated. Everything in the apartment is state of the art. You will be hard pressed to find something better in this location, with all of the amenities, and the awesome customer serive of Neil who treats everyone like his own family. This is the best place to stay in Rio!!

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This place is AMAZING!

Guest: Scwmail (Zurich)
Date of Stay: 02/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/19/07

Folks, this place is amazing! A jewel in the heart of Ipanema...this apartment is fully modern, stylishly decorated and perfect for groups of friends or families wanting a relaxing place to stay within walking distance to all of the beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon) in Rio. Plus, there are lots of restaurants and excellent local nightlife in the Ipanema neighbourhood, which makes living in this neighbourhood even more exciting!

Owner response:Can't wait to see you back here!

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