The first thing you need to know when renting a vacation
apartment in Rio is that it’s a legal well established
business within the tourist industry in Brazil. Many
Brazilians and even foreigners buy apartments in Rio
exactly for this purpose. Investors commonly buy used
apartments and renovate them to offer the best comfort as
beach rentals. Let’s now discuss the main points you should
be note when selecting an apartment.

Prices: prices in vacation apartments in Rio can vary
significantly. Generally the more luxurious, the more
expensive are the apartment prices. Beachfront apartments
also carry a premium in their prices. Another rule is
obvious, the greater number of rooms, the pricier it gets.
(Although if you travel in a group, with 3, 4 or 5 couples,
the price per person per room is actually lower when
renting an apartment with 4, 5 or even 6 rooms.) Prices
are normally charged by number of nights. That is, if an
apartment costs US$ 100.00 p/day, 10 nights will be US$
1000.00. Discounts can be considered above 30 days
rentals. Prices per day can decrease for longer periods,
since a longer stay will be booked. How much per day?
Usually fair apartments can be found starting at US$ 90,00
a day. Two bedrooms apartments in Ipanema, Lagoa and
Leblon, all beach neighborhoods can vary from US$ 150 to
US$ 300 a night, on average. If the apartments are located
in high floors, if they have private pools and/ or hydro
massage bath tubs, prices can rise significantly.

Locations/ Neighborhoods: Like any other major city in the
world, prices vary by per different neighborhoods and
zones. Most expensive apartments are all found on the
South Zone (called “Zona Sul” in Portuguese), specifically
in the following neighborhoods: Ipanema, Leblon, Lagoa,
Copacabana, Flamengo and Botafogo. Barra da Tijuca, once a
separate beach neighborhood, also offers some very
luxurious flats and residence services, but you need to
have a car to drive around since public transportation is
limited there. Ipanema, Lagoa and Flamengo have been
considered the safest neighborhoods, since prostitution is
heavily combated in those areas. Copacabana has a large
selection of apartments, and can sometimes turn into a good
cost/benefit relation. Need some one liner neighborhood
highlights? Here they are: Ipanema: Fashion shops, trendy
restaurants, and gorgeous beach. Leblon: upscale shopping
mall, excellent restaurants and bookstores. Lagoa: nice
park, tranquil night kiosks around lagoon; Copacabana:
wide apartment selection, public transport, eclectic
environment. Flamengo: family type neighborhood, Flamengo
Park, famous street bars. Barra: beautiful beach, Miami
hype constructions.

Rental Agencies: The most popular way to find a rental
agency is through the web. Rio offers several rental
agencies, some of which have been providing this type of
service for more than 25 years. The great majority of
vacation rentals in Rio are serious in their business,
delivering what they claim. Most of them display a list of
apartments they own or represent, either by neighborhoods
or by number of rooms. They present up to 10 pictures of
the rentals and a small description of the amenities and
apartment surroundings, so you can familiarize with the
region. When you are choosing the apartment, first try to
identify yourself with the neighborhood you are staying in,
as well as your budget. This will save you time and help
in the selection process. Once you know what where you
want to stay and how much you can afford, browse through
the apartments list and see if there is anything you like.

Once you see something you like, send an e-mail to the
company stating which apartment you have in mind, and a
second or third option, case that apartment is taken. (Many
rentals offer an on-line bookings calendar view, which may
save you time as well.). To find a list of rentals
agencies in Rio, type in Google “Vacation Apartment Rio”
and check the results. You will find more than 10 agencies
only in page 1 of your search.

How are Payments made: Most Rental agencies in Rio take
Pay-Pal, money wires, credit cards and cash. A
reservation deposit is necessary to secure your apartment
reservation. Companies have different reservation deposits
policies. These deposits can vary from 30% up to 50% of
the total stay amount. After the agency acknowledges the
initial payment, the balance due is normally paid on
entrance and key delivery of the vacation apartment. Most
companies however do not return reservation deposit for
Carnival and New Years holidays, due to great demand.
Check the cancellation policy in company’s website or via
e-mail.

Amenities: Vacation apartments in Rio also vary a lot in
terms of their included amenities. Most of them offer by
default a complete kitchen, cable TV, Internet access, air
conditioner in the rooms and linens/towels. This would be
the minimum acceptable. One level above, rentals can
provide CD/DVD player, clothing washing machine, coffee
machine, and safe. Luxury apartments in Rio and residence
service flats additionally can offer hot-tubs, private
pools, and even gourmet kitchen utensils.

Do´s and Don’ts: Another fundamental tip when
selecting an apartment is to be attentive in the
reservation process. Once you have decided for the rentals
agency and the apartment in mind make sure you have all
your questions and concerns promptly answered. It is the
agency’s obligation to make sure you feel comfortable with
your choice. Your rentals contacts should be courteous and
receptive. Don’t hesitate in finding another agency if
they are rude, since that attitude may follow through your
stay, and you definitely don’t want that in your vacations.
If you have any friend in Rio de Janeiro, ask him/her to
visit the apartment. This procedure is pretty common.
Another tip would be to try to plan ahead. As soon as you
have your travel dates secured, start your “apartment
hunting”. Be sure to ask for a contract as well, and read
all of the buildings do´s and don’ts.

Observing these tips and hints, you will not regret having
selected an apartment rental instead of a hotel. I truly
believe Rio is a city full of wonders and hosts the
friendliest people on earth. Buy the latest fashion trend
bikinis and flip-flops, but remember that the best vacation
apartments in Rio get filled up very quickly especially
during New Years and Carnival. So make sure you book well
in advance.

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Andre Skowronski is the founder of Belavista-Rio Rentals,
an apartment rentals based in Rio de Janeiro. Andre works
directly with tourists to help them find the vacation
apartment of their dreams. Please visit his site at
http://www.belavista-rio.com