My stay with Isabella was fantastic! I initially booked to stay for 6 days and extended this to 10 – simply because I felt so welcome and at home with Isabella. I can’t even describe in words how great my time was in Rio, thanks to this exceptional host. Communication was easy from the get-go. Isabella provided me with the location of the apartment and different methods of travel (bus routes, taxi etc) and was very prompt in replying. I arrived at around midnight and Isabella was up to greet me and help me get settled into the room. The location - The apartment is very central! Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are about 5 mins walk in either direction. The area is a very quiet and safe and moments away from the hustle and bustle of Rio! I always felt safe walking around the area at all hours of the day, as well as the early hours of the morning. Great local bars and amenities at your doorstep and as soon as you arrive in the apartment and close the front door you can’t hear much of what is happening outside! The room – I stayed in the studio room, spring room (and the double room on my second stay). The studio room is small and cosy, plenty of wardrobe space and a bathroom right outside. It’s on one side of the apartment, so you get a lot of privacy. The spring room is beautiful and bright with a double bed, great ceiling fan and it’s very airy. The double bed room is at a different apartment closer to Copacabana and the Arpoadar and has 2 single beds, great if you’re travelling with a friend! All of the rooms I stayed in were clean and comfortable. I always had a light breakfast of cereal (sometimes fruits) and there are tea/coffee facilities available. The host – Isabella (my Brazilian mum) made me feel so welcome. Isabella asks what you would like for breakfast when you arrive and has no trouble providing this. Isabella provided some great recommendations on places to go when it was raining and the beach was a no-go. Her local knowledge is second to none, and she gave me great tips and wonderful maps/ drawings of how to maneuver around the city! I met Isabella’s friends who were a lot of fun – I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard in my life. Isabella is a big bundle of joy, she is very well educated, fluent in English/French and Spanish and very talented. I had the pleasure of seeing some of her remarkable work! After going to Salvador, and booking to stay with Isabella on my return to Rio for a further 2 days I ended up coming back early and staying for 4 days. I took a great bike ride with Isabella around the lake to the botanical gardens and had brunch at La Bicylette. I was travelling solo and met plenty of friends through Isabella. I simply loved my stay and I’m looking forward to returning very soon! Obrigado Isabella! If you’re reading this, look no further – book your stay and thank me later.