c00lbest

I found great accommodation in Rio de Janeiro!!! its called 405 at the Mendoza. Its a beautiful and hip apartment right in between copacabana and ipanema. And really affordable! www.atthemendoza.com

SylviaCaras

I made a reservation here, paid a deposit, now I can't find the address or phone number, locals don't seem to know where 'The Mendoza' is, and I'm not getting a reply from the email address through which I reserved.

Does anyone here know more? I'm leaving in 3 weeks. If this has been a scam, I need to make a reservation somewhere else!

Sylvia

avrooster

Well, in the first place, the original post should not have been allowed to stand, as it is obviously an ad, by a one-time poster, forbidden by forum rules.
About these ads, my suggestion has always been "consumer beware!!!!!"
The e-mail address mentioned in their website is: [email protected]
As you know, their website does not show the full names, address or phone number of the people involved in this rental business.
So, how can I help you, Sylvia?
The answer, is, I'm afraid, that I can't help you much.
However, I googled the subject and found that "Mendoza" is supposed to be the name of an apartment building and I figure "405" could be the number of the apartment.
This info, as well as the location of the "Mendoza" can be found in:
http://www.holiday-velvet.com/beach/...endoza/id/2676
This place is also featured in:
http://www.vacationsfrbo.com/details...n=forrent#next
VRBO is supposed to be reputable (?) and maybe they can tell you how to contact "Lydia and Daan".
Good luck! Let's hope you don't need it!

SylviaCaras

First, avrooster, your cautions are right-on. I didn't investigate far enough. However, I did this morning have a reply from the owners,

The address of the apartment is:
Rua Bulhoes de Carvalho 238
Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro.

All the email exchanges with them have been cordial and helpful so my anxiety may have been heightened unnecessarily. I'm double checking with someone who lives in Rio, and will look for an 'in case' Plan B accommodation too.

You skill with Google is way better than mine - thanks for the links! and for all the good advice here

Sylvia

avrooster

Don't mention it, Sylvia.
I don't think you'll need that plan B.
Have a great holiday and come to Argentina sometime.

SylviaCaras

Apartment evaluation: modest price, owner friendly by email (turnaround 3 days), 1/4 deposit PayPal pre-pay, balance cash on arrival, $500 security deposit (waived for me). Safe-seeming location convenient to beach, groceries, restaurants. Immaculate. Includes prepaid cell phone (buy more minutes), wireless access and wired computer. No hair dryer. Concierge spoke no English; I know no Portuguese. Noisy - a/c hums, fans crank, computer buzzes, refrigerator hums, busy street, interior courtyard amplifying someone`s sound system even louder because all the windows are open, vehicle engines idling (faces corner with traffic light). Mothball-smelling insecticide in all rooms and no insects. Bedroom ceiling light placed so that glare hits my eyes when I am reading in bed, no switch from bed. It has rained most days I’ve been here.

All that sounds so negative. I was glad to have the space and pleased with my choice.

Sylvia

Dondiega

Sounds like you rented a typical apartment in Copacabana. Most apartments in Copacabana are old but looks like you found one that is clean and kept up.

Since they are old many times the windows are old too and don't insulate the noise outside. Noise is a problem in Copacabana, I have left apartments with the best view because of that and found one with no view at all but very quiet.

You had no bugs which is a good thing too especially in a tropical climate and apartment living.

An important item to bring to Copacabana is ear plugs and eye shades.