"Pros: The hostess Leda and her daughter Emilly were super friendly and accommodating, always greeting us with a smile and "Bon dia!" We communicated through WhatsApp mostly (leaning heavily on Google translate), and were often asked if we needed anything. Leda gave us many recommendations and tips for navigating the city. There were 2 friendly cats that would come over and say hello every so often, and as cat lovers, we loved these interactions. A major highlight was the balcony, overlooking abundant green and a stunning rock formation. We often ate meals and hung out on the balcony chairs, taking in the sights and sounds of São Conrado. We were also welcomed to use the living room between the bedroom and balcony, equipped with a comfy sofa and the option to leave the balcony sliding doors open for a gentle breeze. The bathroom, a few steep steps down from the living room, was clean and gorgeous! Though shared, we never had an issue with conflicting bathroom use times. The bedroom came with ample storage space (a standing closet with drawers), bedside table, lamp, 2 mirrors, and 2 shelving units. We absolutely adored staying a short walk from the São Conrado beach! A more local, less touristy beach, we found it to be much less crowded and way cleaner than the Ipanema Beach. There's also a nearby bus stop, and several little grocery stores that while pricey, were definitely convenient and tasty (especially the bakery section!). We hope to come back and stay at Casa Zona Sul whenever we find ourselves back in Rio de Janeiro -- thank you Leda and Emilly! Cons: The bedroom was a bit dark and hot, as it didn't have a window. We were able to control the overhead fan and turn on a mounted AC unit, but still had some stuffy nights. The extending living room and balcony helped open up the space and offer plenty of outdoor access. Right below the balcony, it seemed there was a party every night, which would sometimes feel overwhelming, but we also sometimes enjoyed the liveliness of the music. As the bedroom didn't overlook the street, we never could hear the street sounds with the door shut." ~Mary