During our 13-day stays in Rio, we used the service of John Thompson from Rio Rental 4 Less

www.riorentals4less.com
email: jht@interlize.com.br
0115521 22568127 (H)
0115521 99718479 (cell)

John Thompson's background: Former Deputy Warrant at a Correction Institution in NY. He has been living in Rio for more than 15 years and he is a friend of the Governo of RdJ.

John got us 3 different apartments, 2 in the same building and the other was a block away. My apartment is located at Djalma Ulrich 49. It's at the intersection of Rua Miguel Lemon (the next street parallels to Atlantico) and Djalma Ulrich. It's technically right behind the Help disco and two blocks south of the Rio Roiss. If you exit Help disco, turn right, then turn right at the next street, walk one block, my apartment is on the left hand side.

My apartment is small but it's probably as big as any standard or deluxe hotel room. It has queen size bed, shower, kitchen, a/c, small safe box, AND an wide open ocean sideview. It's also 24-hr man guarded. I had a TV, but w/o cable. My sidekick's apt has full cable. Who really watches TV in Rio except for a 30min catch of the daily market performance and world news. We pay 40usd per apartment, and they are paid in full for the whole duration on your first day, a very normal business practice in Rio.

I speak very highly of John Thompson and especially "Os", John's right hand man. They will be at your apt in 5min. if you ever need anything. "Os" told us they are renovating 2 more much bigger condo style apts and they will be ready in 3 weeks.

If you decide to use their services, please mention my name...no not my handle. Pick apt #1103 on Djalma Ulrich, this apt is huge and everything is included, or the new condos.

We also tried to email Don b4 we got to Rio, but Don had server problem and never received our inquiries. Don is a genuine nice guy and he's also a friend of John Thompson. All three guys, John, Don, and Bobby are great guys if you ever need their help.

SB
When you pay in full on first day, do you need cash or CC accepted?

Sabebomb,
I just checked out riorentals4less.com and I got bounced immediately to blameitonrio4travel.com. Are Bobby and John Thompson working together?

Athos, we paid in USD cash at the apartment.
SAJ, I don't have an answer for that...unless Bobby is turning his tricks again. Oh boy, slick Bobby...

Currently John Thompson has about 7 apartments he manages from 45$ a day to more expensive like $80.
I got a small apartment on Rua Djalma Ulrich right behind Help on my first weekend. Apartment was clean, wood floor but small bathroom. John provides the towels and misc you may need. I was disappointed in ocean view as side street so tiny view. There was no safe. He did include a cell phone for $45.
On my way back from Sampa, the taxi driver he sent never showed up so I ended at the Debret. I was supposed to get a better apartment with front ocean view without safe. I learnt I did not really need a safe as I am careful whom I bring back to my room.
John has emailed me since and apologized, offering a free night for future trip.
I was a bit bothered by communications before my trip as he called me once at 2:00 AM and once at 5:00 AM SoCal time.
I also had to send him a $100 deposit check.
Everything was in cash.