View Full Version : Rio de Janeiro - Gringo Management Apartments
Agreed - excellent photos, hot girls, wild times. Bad Boy - What's the story behind the photos? (i.e., how did you pre-arrange so many girls at the one time?)
I recognize a couple of the garotas in the six member team that got banged. I am guessing it was Karla Models and/or Escortshow agencies.
I have organized my fair share of parties at the VIPS location. Its not up to par with GM's facilities, but it does the job for festas :)
Seriously, everyone on this planet at some point or another has to have a party at VIPS. If your on a tight budget, then it might be a bit more difficult to organize. Then again, what are credit cards for, lol?
Let the telenovela proceed............
Bad Boy Billy
12-22-08, 21:01
Usually i skip reading this thread as I regard it as a BS-thread.Guys please nobody at any stage think this is a bullshit thread.
It is serious - and it should be treated so.
We all come to Rio for one reason - to fuck *****s.
We all try to make that experience as enjoyable as possible.
The last thing any of us need is some low-life lieing thieving prick like GM taking our pants off with apartments - this thread is a warning to ALL intending Rio visitors - rent from GM at your peril.
That must have been one fantastic party.It was THE BEST day of my life.
3 guys - 12 girls in 2 x 2 hour shifts - and I fucked all 12 of them.
Bad Boy Billy
12-22-08, 21:02
Agreed - excellent photos, hot girls, wild times. Bad Boy - What's the story behind the photos? (i.e., how did you pre-arrange so many girls at the one time?)No story my friend - you just gotta collect a few momentos of your travels through life so you can show the grandkids right?
Bad Boy Billy
12-22-08, 21:09
I recognize a couple of the garotas in the six member team that got banged. I am guessing it was Karla Models and/or Escortshow agencies.Correcta-mundo. All girls came from Karlas - I just called up Karla and somehow got her to understand what we wanted - 6 girls at 1pm - another 6 at 4pm - went off perfectly.
Seriously, everyone on this planet at some point or another has to have a party at VIPS. If your on a tight budget, then it might be a bit more difficult to organize. Agree 100% - you only live once - you gotta do this.
Not exactly sure what it cost now - 12 x R100 plus R120 taxi each shift I think - plus about R800 for the room I think - plus beer plus food plus out taxis etc.
BUT
I will be back in April - I will be arranging another one - I will probably be looking for an extra member or 2 depending on whether my mate comes to Rio with me or not.
Bad Boy Billy
12-22-08, 21:15
Your photos are just the best!You guys like photos huh?
Tell me if you like these?
I rent apartments and assist in other business matters in Rio.
Assist in other business matters?
I genuinely laughed out loud when I read that. The dude needs to put "Comedian" on his resume.
You guys like photos huh?
Tell me if you like these?Please tell me where I can find this!
I rent apartments and assist in other business matters in Rio.
Assist in other business matters?
I genuinely laughed out loud when I read that. The dude needs to put "Comedian" on his resume.
I think it's a bit rich to claim to assist in business matters when you don't live there, as I understand GM doesn't. The only people I know who'd I'd ask to assist in business matters are people who were either born there or who have lived there a long time and have enough connections to bring real clout. Otherwise it's just a case of taking your place even lower down the food chain (and sometimes this is the only option for some people admittedly!)
GM, maybe it's time to quite while you are ahead (or as ahead as you're likely to get) on this thread? You have some happy customers and some very irate ones. The picture seems to be mirrored on other sites such as Trip Adviser. If you can learn anything from it, so be it, and maybe you will take steps to ensure all your customers are happy ones in future! No point in drinking a beer when someone's just p*ssed in it, as they say ;) You're up against some seasoned visitors on ISG and the complaints don't seem likely to just evaporate.
As you see, I'd personally rather save big bucks for other things (I totally gasped and choked when I looked at your prices), but at least one of your customers in not shy about spending lots of dosh. Unfortunately, people who are in the habit of spending money generally often expect top notch as a matter of course. People who can provide that sort of top notch will generally have zero complaints against them (unless by people who are patently stupid).
Before I had enough friends and contacts in Rio I would have considered you for a one-night rent, as most agents can't be bothered with that. But at the prices you charge I expect a cleaner track record in feedback, else why take the chance? Nothing personal, just observations.
ps if anyone is looking for a place in Aparthotel (the place where GM's vaunted star apartment is located) at short notice, there's a dealer on the second floor of shops in the building - he's a tricky chap, you have to haggle and negotiate, but he's fun to do business with and will at least sit and chat over a cup of coffee. Have twice had problems with the gas there though. There's plenty of folk charging GM's prices and getting away with it, but my point is that if you go to the Ritz you shouldn't have to send the food back.
I have lived and worked in various countries through Asia and Europe all my life. I don't mean I have just visited countries for a few days, I mean really worked in many different countries for several months and in some cases years. I have seen it all, pretty much every scam and come across some handy contacts that I would trust a good deal of my money with.
I can see scammers a mile off. Just by the way they talk and follow through things that they are supposed to. I can also identify good contacts quickly, ones to pursue and test a little further.
Now this brings me to the point I want to make. I have been in Rio for probably 9 months per year out of the last 4 or so years. In that time I have looked to do business here. I have tested the waters a little and the same result has come back every time. Zero worthwhile contacts. Everybody has tried to scam a little to a lot. Adding to this the Brazilian economy is not setup to business efficiently. It is setup so the people with a little bit of power can scam a little to a lot to get things through. The risk reward for doing business in Rio is not worth it in my opinion.
My final point. Anybody, whether it be locals or expats that say they assist in business matters is basically saying "I am going to scam you for a much as I can get out of your dumb gringo ass". Harsh maybe? Maybe but definitely true.
As you see, I'd personally rather save big bucks for other things (I totally gasped and choked when I looked at your prices), but at least one of your customers in not shy about spending lots of dosh.
You made me curious to check out GM's prices.
* Studio on Rua Djalma Ulrich 49 #1002: New Year US$ 1300.
That's about R$ 3000. That price is just outrageous.
I've stayed in studios in that building (not GM's). These studios do have a nice view and you can almost spit down at the shoe-shiners outside Help, but the studios are very small even to be studios.
My price for the New Year pacote this Year is R$ 700 (the lady raised the price) and one box of chocolate. Not on Djalma Ulrich, but close by. The apto is much bigger and with a view that makes you cry tears of happiness.
Everybody has tried to scam a little to a lot. Harsh maybe? Maybe but definitely true.
The day you make it financially beneficial for a brasilian to screw you over is the day you get screwed over.
The point I was making is that if you are getting screwed by a non-resident, who in turn is getting screwed by a Brasilian, you are getting screwed twice. I'd rather play hokey with the originator. My landlady is not from Brasil but has lived there most of her life now. Same for a businessman friend who has a string of top retail outlets and is taken for Brasilian. They will both try to screw me given the opportunity, but it's a game, and they know I know, and we either argue and stomp off or come to a firm handshake. Many visitors to Brasil come from a nanny state and then mewl when they get jacked. I think it's maybe cos they haven't covered their ar*e in the first place and are more clear about their image than how to express exactly what it is they want to achieve (and in terms that make sense to the other guy rather than some arbitrary 'back home' standard). At the end of the day I thoroughly like the Brasilian mentality, but I respect your view if you don't. Brasilians have a different way of doing things. Personally I prefer it to the American way. But I try not to denigrate Americans. While it's good to tell people to beware, I don't like it when this board starts denigrating Brasilians. GM's not Brasilian but he's screwing you (from many reports) a lot more than many Brasilians do!
The main thing in any deal is to remember it has to be worth the other person's while. Match what you're genuinely offering to what he's genuinely wanting/needs.
Classic book on dealing with Brasilians - recommended: A Death in Brazil by Peter Robb.
JohnnyBraz
12-24-08, 03:44
I have lived and worked in various countries through Asia and Europe all my life. I don't mean I have just visited countries for a few days, I mean really worked in many different countries for several months and in some cases years. I have seen it all, pretty much every scam and come across some handy contacts that I would trust a good deal of my money with.
I can see scammers a mile off. Just by the way they talk and follow through things that they are supposed to. I can also identify good contacts quickly, ones to pursue and test a little further.
Now this brings me to the point I want to make. I have been in Rio for probably 9 months per year out of the last 4 or so years. In that time I have looked to do business here. I have tested the waters a little and the same result has come back every time. Zero worthwhile contacts. Everybody has tried to scam a little to a lot. Adding to this the Brazilian economy is not setup to business efficiently. It is setup so the people with a little bit of power can scam a little to a lot to get things through. The risk reward for doing business in Rio is not worth it in my opinion.
My final point. Anybody, whether it be locals or expats that say they assist in business matters is basically saying "I am going to scam you for a much as I can get out of your dumb gringo ass". Harsh maybe? Maybe but definitely true.Good point. I very rarley go to the beach in front off othon palace, due to all they want to do is rip off gringo's. Brazilians pay 2reals for a beer, 3 for a chair. Tourists pay how ever much they can extort from them. It is a matter off princible. Brazilians have very little buisness skills, as they would raither rip someone off for 20r then make 100r.
Correcta-mundo. All girls came from Karlas - I just called up Karla and somehow got her to understand what we wanted - 6 girls at 1pm - another 6 at 4pm - went off perfectly.
Agree 100% - you only live once - you gotta do this.
Not exactly sure what it cost now - 12 x R100 plus R120 taxi each shift I think - plus about R800 for the room I think - plus beer plus food plus out taxis etc.
BUT
I will be back in April - I will be arranging another one - I will probably be looking for an extra member or 2 depending on whether my mate comes to Rio with me or not.Billy,
Do you have an address for Karla Models. Or did you arrange by phone? Did you select the ladies by their book. Or did they send over their available ladies? Looks like you had a great time. I was thinking of using them for a smaller fiesta at VIPs.
Thanks for all your great posts!
My final point. Anybody, whether it be locals or expats that say they assist in business matters is basically saying "I am going to scam you for a much as I can get out of your dumb gringo ass". Harsh maybe? Maybe but definitely true.
ANYBODY trying to assist might be a bit harsh. I work with www.riorelocation.com and our business is helping many who want to relocate here. Mostly the Oil and Gas people from Europe, but also anyone else. Of course we have to charge for our time, but the rentals and sales make the most of the money. The other services we do not make much, or anything. If someone does want to relocate here, as we all know, there is a LOT of paperwork and delays. We have americans, europeans and brazilians working in the company. I would guess most folks on this forum are not into relocation, so this is not nescessarily a solicitation, just making a counter-point about being screwed by everyone that lives here.
ANYBODY trying to assist might be a bit harsh. I work with www.riorelocation.com and our business is helping many who want to relocate here. Mostly the Oil and Gas people from Europe, but also anyone else. Of course we have to charge for our time, but the rentals and sales make the most of the money. The other services we do not make much, or anything. If someone does want to relocate here, as we all know, there is a LOT of paperwork and delays. We have americans, europeans and brazilians working in the company. I would guess most folks on this forum are not into relocation, so this is not nescessarily a solicitation, just making a counter-point about being screwed by everyone that lives here.
I don't know "off road" personally, but I have read every post of his in the last few years and he does seem like an honest, intelligent decent guy. Hence, I would not like to lump him in with my generalisation of your average business guy in Rio. Kenn from ez-rentals also does a good job. Unfortunately the good guys are few and far between in Rio.
Believe it or not, there are only four GM critics on this long thread - but they are whining and repetitive. Two of the four critics spend a lot of time here, and one of them has never used GM's service. The other one is a well-known poster who I recently told to stop PMing me. I got tired of his many obsessive-compulsive PMs (you know who you are).
These two guys, who have met each other, also spend a lot of time on another Brazil thread whining about the currency-exchange rates. That says a lot about them. Chill, guys. Life is short, especially for retirees who need to monitor currency exchange-rates every day. The rest of us live on and enjoy real life.
I rented from GM, and like hundreds of others, I enjoyed great service and a great ocean-front apartment at great value.
JohnnyBraz
01-06-09, 09:02
Believe it or not, there are only four GM critics on this long thread - but they are whining and repetitive. Two of the four critics spend a lot of time here, and one of them has never used GM's service. The other one is a well-known poster who I recently told to stop PMing me. I got tired of his many obsessive-compulsive PMs (you know who you are).
These two guys, who have met each other, also spend a lot of time on another Brazil thread whining about the currency-exchange rates. That says a lot about them. Chill, guys. Life is short, especially for retirees who need to monitor currency exchange-rates every day. The rest of us live on and enjoy real life.
I rented from GM, and like hundreds of others, I enjoyed great service and a great ocean-front apartment at great value.You seem to think gm is the best man to ever walk the earth, he is just a rip off man. He has an apartment on his website for 150 us dollars a night, well I rent that same apartment direct with the owner for 80 us dollars a night, he charges nearly double. So is that what you call your "great value". I take it you have very little, (if none) buisness skills in life.
Agencies with zero complaints.
www.amerioca.net
(Ken and Don get nothing but great reviews from their renters)
www.rioapartments.com
(Did not feel a lot of warm fuzzies, but they did everything they said they would do)
www.thewonderfulcity.com
(ask for Fred -- he speaks English well and is as straight as they come)
www.ez-riorentals.com
(Kenn has been in Rio renting apartments for many years with very few complaints)
Complaint 10
December 2008 #213
Funkignitor
Senior Member
Reports: 121
I rented from gringomanagement before and it was a roach infested shithole. I would never rent again from this utterly corrupt individual. You know the lowest form of life comes from wall street. Wall street has posistioned itself against america and gringomanagement has posistioned himself against mongers with low rate service.
Complaint 9
December 2008 #199
Exec Talent
Senior Member
Reports: 752
Facts
David,
In response to your wild fantasy on the Rio de Janeiro - Hotels and Apartments thread, all I have to say is typical. You simply are a liar.
They way you do business is to get over on anyone you can. It caught up to you when this thread was started. The problem is a lot of people just accept that that is the way it is because it is in Rio. They do not know that not everyone operates the way you do.
I wanted to give you a fair chance to prove everyone else wrong. I gave you more than a fair chance. I thought people like Bubba Boy maybe were too hard on you. They were not. You are everything they say you are and worse.
When I was made aware of the phone bill, I made arrangements to pay it immediately. I had been in two apartments previously that had Net Phone and there were no additional charges. The owner of the apartment in question apparently had a different plan. Again, when I was made aware of the charges, I paid it immediately, in full and without question. Attacking me with lies is not going to work here. You have told an outright lie about something that is so easily proven to be false.
I find your comment about burning bridges interesting. You rely on that. When I ask people who got burned by you why they continue to deal with you, they seem to think they have little choice. They come to Rio once or twice a year and take what they get.
Other than addressing your lies, I have no interest in having contact with you. That was my choice when I found out how you treat both your customers and your owners.
Complaint 8
01-07-08 at 20:18 #166
Loso69
Senior Member
Reports: 413
Loso in Rio - Gringo Management
Apartment Reservation
A few days before I left on this trip, I tried to make reservations for an apartment with a Jacuzzi. David from Gringo Management confirmed the apartment was available, so I paid a deposit through PayPal. When he received the payment, David said he would send me the confirmation letter later that day. Instead, I got an e-mail saying: “I misread my calendar and the apartment is actually not available”. Bloody idiot!
When I enquired about another apartment, David said he’d get back to me tomorrow. Six days later, when I was already in Port Alegre, I finally got a reply. I didn’t like any of the alternatives David had to offer me. Not to waste my precious time, I finally agreed to switch to an apartment that looked damn ugly to me. But David assured me that the place looked much better than the pictures...
Apartment
Someone from Gringo Management showed me to my apartment and... left straight away. I didn’t like the Internet pictures and I hated the actual apartment. Apart from a sofa and the bed, the place was totally bare. The walls were totally bare. The bedspread looked as if it was older than I am. This was the kind of place you’d be ashamed to bring a girl to!
There was no safe. When I took a shower... there was no hot water. But at least the Internet connection worked, so I could complain about this dump.
Hot Water
Apparently, Nubia & Edna came round quite a few times to investigate the hot water situation. They never found me home. I basically live in the termas, and my apartment is only a place to sleep... preferably not alone.
Since the person who let me into the apartment left straight away, I’d only paid the deposit so far. David was sending me e-mails requesting to get paid in full. Not gonna happen! I wouldn’t pay up until the hot water problem was resolved. Even with hot water, I didn’t want to stay in this apartment for the full 9 days. I was already looking into other options.
David preferred to be paid by credit card. Not gonna happen! When I last rented an apartment from Gringo Management, the apartment was just fine. But after I got home, David tried to charge me extra for missing towels and cleaning a stain on the floor. I actually bought extra towels and left them in the apartment! And neither I nor any of my girls stained the floor. If David had my CC details, he could have put the extra charges on my card. Since I paid in cash, he didn’t have that option. I definitely didn’t want to give him the opportunity to put bogus charges on my card.
On Corpus Christi, the termas were closed, so I spent most of my time in the apartment. The doorman finally explained about the hot water. If I opened the shower at full blast, the water was cold... because the water heater wasn’t powerful enough. If I opened the water just a little, the water was... lukewarm.
Moving
So I had hot water... if only a little. But I still didn’t want to stay in this apartment any longer. Just when I’d decided to move to a hotel, I received an e-mail from David. The apartment with the Jacuzzi I’d originally made reservations for would be available from tomorrow. Great!
The following morning, I paid the balance for the apartment by PayPal and packed my bags. The girl from Gringo Management came by to pick up the keys. I specifically told her that I didn’t want to wait outside with my luggage. She assured me the taxi would be waiting to bring me to my new apartment. When we got downstairs, she rushed off with the keys and... left me stranded with no taxi in sight.
I tried to contact Nubia, but couldn’t get through to her. I soon got fed up with waiting and hailed a cab. I never heard from Gringo Management again...
BTW, neither the apartment I originally made reservations for nor the one I actually stayed in are currently featured on the GM web site.
Loso
Complaint 7
02-03-07 at 00:44 #46
Brazil Lover
Senior Member
Reports: 44
I am surprised to see a thread dedicated to this guy, but I'll chime in with my experience.
I rented from David a few years ago, only to find on arrival that I had been a victim of a bait-and-switch. The apartment was not the one promised, and it did not have a safe as promised. After complaining, I was informed that I was lucky to even have a place during what he considered to be a high season (it was not).
I moved out to a hotel 2 days later.
Perhaps things have changed since then, but I know I will never try him again.
Complaint 6
10-08-06 at 23:55 #22
Gladiator
Senior Member
Reports: 556
I tried gringomanagement once and all I can say is that in the future I will avoid them like the plague.
I had to move to a different apartment as soon as I could, in the meantime I had the opportunity to enjoy gringomanagement's roach-infested shit hole.
Complaint 5
07-18-06 at 08:32 #17
Sonic67
Regular Member
Reports: 1
Gringo Management
I also had very bad experience with Gringo Management 3 months ago. I rented that penthouse on 11th floor Raul Pompai (? ) or something like that next to Bunker night club. It looked very good on picture. Me and my buddy fell for the pool but when we moved in. The shower in upper room was not working- either hot or real cold. View is ok (nothing great). Lots of street noise- very hard to sleep. Water was dirty and very cold in that bath tub on terrace (he advertised as pool). After 2 days of complaining to them nothing happened. Finally gave up my rent since we were there only for 7 days and it did not want to spoil our trip because of some money (even it hurts) and with the help of Hotel staff got a penthouse three blocks from that place (Francissco Sa? ) less than the price of that stupid penthouse- brand new remodelled - all the girls we brought there loved it. Customs lights and Varandah party. Wow. Still miss it. NEVER rent from David. Discussed with all my buddies from Miami who rented from him in the past. All had some kind of bad experience with him. Never a repeat though.
Complaint 4
07-03-06 at 19:31 #13
Yariv
Regular Member
Reports: 9
My first time in Brasil I used GM and just like everyone here I was so disappointed with the apartment, and I think there was even an incident that i was shagging a girl and the damn bed fell apart
Complaint 3
06-26-06 at 05:02 #10
Big Jon
Regular Member
Reports: 4
Gringo Management
Hi to all,
I stayed with GM in November of 2005 in Rio. It was a bate and witch with me also. However, it ended well for me. The were three of us. I reserved a three bedroom from the website. When I arrived, we were shown a differt three bedroom that was so old that it was unacceptable. So, we were given a one bedroom and a two bedroom apartment that was nice, for the same price as a three bedroom. This was OK for us because it was what we really wanted from the start but we did not request it because I did not want to hurt the feelings of the third person by telling him that the two of use did not want to room with him in Rio. I like GM because Divid accepts Paypal for deposites. Does anyone know of another apartment rental company that accepts Paypal for a deposits?
Complaint 2
06-25-06 at 07:18 #9
Shemp
Senior Member
Reports: 48
In the last few years I have read posts about gringomgmt. apartments with accusations of bait & switch. This is what I found while shopping for apts. for my upcoming trip to Rio.
I saw pictures & descriptions of an apt. I liked on rua Bolivar. I found the same apt. on 4 different apartment rental web sites, I e-mailed them all asking about price & availability. 3 of them e-mailed me back saying that the apartment was unavailable for that time period. Guess what? Gringo mgmt. said the place was available. If this isn't a set-up for bait-&-swithch nothing is.
I found another apt. I liked on rioapartments.com, also on rua Bolivar near the beach which I inquired about. Rioapartments.com said the place was unavailable. Surprise, surprise, gringomgmt. said the place was available. Very suspicious don't you think?
So while I haven't personally been put in a place I didn't book, it looks like I was being set up for such a swindle. In my opinion David is a liar, a cheat & a theif.
Happy mongering,
Caipirinhas & Termas Forever,
Shemp
Complaint 1
06-24-06 at 15:57
Yodcha
Regular Member
Reports: 6
Review of Rio Apartment from Gringo Management
Bill and Mel finally completed their much anticipated Rio Adventure - what a trip in so many ways - but firstly I must do a bit of housekeeping first - Mel you please feel free to chip in with your comments at any time.
Firstly the apartment we rented was an ABSOLUTE FUCKING DISASTER - we used Gringo Management (GM) to book this apartment and I will NEVER EVER use them again.
I did contact GM on my return to Australia and requested recompense for this disaster but it was refused so I will now post my honest and accurate impression of the fiasco.
Here is how the apartment is described on their web site - Modern Luxury Duplex Penthouse Apartment - here is the url - http://www.gringomanagement.com/2bedroom.html and we paid US$170 / night.
When Mel and I first discussed this vacation we kinda decided on going for a 'top end' place with 'double showers' in both bedrooms so we could play with the girlies.
After I found these so called "Modern Luxury Duplex Penthouse Apartments" I had a number of emails between myself and GM and I specifically asked the question "Are the showers double showers – as in can 2 people comfortably shower together?"
Hers is the response I got from GM - "Are the showers double showers – as in can 2 people comfortably shower together? Yes"
OK after much discussion with Mel and considerable review of the Apartments we decided to rent 1 solely on the basis that they had "double showers" as we both love playing with the girlies in the showers.
BIG MISTAKE.
The response from GM that they were double showers and that 2 people could comfortably shower together was an absolute LIE in relation to the shower downstairs - it was as single shower. No big deal you might be saying - well let me continue.
The beds were absolute CRAP - they were almost impossible to sleep on. El cheapo wooden slatted bases with 5 inch foam mattresses on top - no sprung base - no support of any type or form - like sleeping on a morticians slab - I would suggest these beds would be buyable at any flea market on any weekend for $20 - hardly becoming of a "Modern Luxury Duplex Penthouse Apartments". These beds were almost impossible to sleep on - were totally unsatisfactory for fucking on - it was totally out of the question to have a girl sleep the night - it just did not work.
But wait there is more.
There was totally insufficient curtaining / blinds to stop daylight filtering into the room as soon as the sun started to rise - they had these pissy bamboo type slatted blinds which may have been decorative but were totally inefficient at stop light entering - once again hardly good enough for a "Modern Luxury Duplex Penthouse Apartments".
The level of traffic noise from early morning on was unbelievable. Yes the apartment faced a main road - yes maybe I should have checked this - yes it is / was world cup football time - BUT - I still would have thought a "Modern Luxury Duplex Penthouse Apartments" may have had sufficient glazing / noise prevention that might have allowed some sleep after 6am each day.
The aluminium windows and doors rattled incessantly as soon as there was any wind / air movement outside - which there was most of the time once again hardly what I think would normally be the case in "Modern Luxury Duplex Penthouse Apartments".
And now for the toilet upstairs - IT WOULD NOT FLUSH FOR 4 FUCKING DAYS. The first time I tried to flush it just would not work. I literally had to bucket water into it for first 2 days to get rid of the turds.
I contacted the GM representative next morning who arranged the 'fix-it' man to visit - he left with the problem still existing. I finally had to remove the lid from the top of the cistern and I finally got it to a situation where I could get it to flush but only by physically putting my hand inside the cistern EVERY TIME and manually operating the flush system - once again hardly what I would have thought one would be required to do in a "Modern Luxury Duplex Penthouse Apartments".
Finally after 4 days 'fix-it' man returned and did get it working.
Oh and the main light in Mel's bedroom downstairs did not work and it took 3 days to get 'fix-it' man to change a globe.
OK OK I can here some of you saying this is just Rio - maybe so - maybe not.
Here is a link to the apartment I stayed in last October - http://www.rioapartments.se/default...subcat2=421&id= - it is the first apartment listed on this page. This apartment - unlike the one we rented through GM - was exactly as described on the site - but it only had a single shower - so I did not rent it again.
The point I am trying to make with this comparison is that the false and misleading representations that GM made as to the quality of the "Modern Luxury Duplex Penthouse Apartment" that we rented turned what was going to be my 'trip of a lifetime' into what was almost a disaster. I was trying to survive on something like 2-3 hours sleep per night - it was fucking impossible to sleep in THAT APARTMENT with all the problems associated with it.
If GM had been honest with that initial question - "Are the showers double showers – as in can 2 people comfortably shower together?" - where they answered YES - which led me to rent this apartment - had they been honest and said NO - then none of this negativity would need to be appearing and it would have saved a lot of embarrassment to a lot of people.
NEVER EVER AGAIN WILL I CONSIDER USING GRINGO MANAGEMENT TO BOOK AN APARTMENT.
=================================================
Guys,
I really, really did not want to have to post what I posted above - but I feel so aggrieved by this whole affair I just had to do this - there is a final 'kicker' to this whole affair but you will need to wait to the final day of this report - UFB.
Mel's Take on the Apartment Provided by Gringo Management
My first reaction to the apartment that Gringo management described as a luxury apartment was that the place was more or less a dump. Words having meaning and in Rio luxury suggests almost as good as the Marriott. The apartment we were provided was terrible in many ways. The bed was just a thin mattress on a wood slab-not even a queen size bed. The aircondtioner was set way up out of reach so you could not adjust the temperature controls without standing on a chair! The Ac was from two old loud wall units. The floor was not carpeted at all. We were promised that we would have two walk in showers. This was a must for me but we were simply lied to and told we had two walk in showers when we did not. The pool is little more than 5 by 6 more a cold tub than a pool. The street noise is horrible. The lobby is out of the 1950s. (the front desk staff were nice) The living room furniture (a small plastic covered counch and a chair) is way below low end Walmart Quality (I think you could find it for 10.00 in a yard sale) The TV was on a stand like out of a college dorm. In Order to run that a lap top you end up with cords everywhere as the number of electrical outlets is too small (I am sure the electrical outlets are way below American codes.) The door keys were a pain to use. We had as BBB said problems with the lights and the toilets-the repairman said the problems came from the fact that the fixtures were all of very low quality. We came to see the apartment as more or less a joke. I can see why Gringo management wants payment in advance as I cant imagine any one paying 180.00 or so a day for this place after seeing it. It is way below the quality level of tthe Princess Copacabana hotel. I attach some pictures of the hotel to validate my point. (it should be noted that Priscilla is not included in the rent) The picture of the TV set shows the tv in one of the bedrooms-the ceiling fan shows how cheap the fixtures all were. The TV set and its stand speak for them selves. IF BBB and I did not both have a good sense of humor we would have been even more upset by this worse than a motel six quality apartment. it became a standing joke with us and others who saw it when we told them it had been advertised by Gringo Management as luxury. The beds were so small you really could not have a comfortable sleepover if you wished. The beds were low to the ground and would work well as the set for a remake of "Animal House". We bought our own toilet paper as none was provided. I would not stay there again for $100.00 a night let alone the $180.00 we paid. Everything BBB says is correct and if anything he is to kind!
Aww, c'mon, Bubba. Aren't you being a bit harsh on him? He's been in biz for ages and surely deserves more than that. How about I complain about being pi**ed off with his stonewalling, then at least he's got 11 . . . only one more I know, but hey . . .
Maybe we should have a whip round* and you can do an undercover report, complete with video and tape recordings. The rest of us can chip in with photos of all the lovely things you could have bought if you weren't staying at your favourite apartment renter! ;) ;) ;)
*could you start by asking his satisfied customers as they have more to spend than me. Ta.
Bigagadir1
01-06-09, 21:06
You guys like photos huh?
Tell me if you like these?Damn!
Was the first picture also taken in Rio?
Someone has too much spare time on his hands.
Relax, man.
;)
UrbanWildlife
01-08-09, 04:11
Someone has too much spare time on his hands.
I wish I also had the spare time as a repetitive whining retiree who has never used GM's service but complains anyway.
Relax, man.That really needed to be said... Sounds so repetitive it is like a nagging wife! It most certainly gets very old and tiring reading the same old shit time and again from the same people. The repetitiveness makes anyone looking at this thread for the first time, to see that there obviously is some underlining issues above and beyond the complaint about the service being provided by David, so much so I believe they will ignore the complaint. Since you are a psychologist of some sort Piper, can you provide us some insight on this type of possessive behavior? ;)
For the record, I had numerous contact with David from Gringo Management last year, while I was booking an apartment for friends on 2 different occasions, and found him to be very helpful, and actually going above and beyond what he had to do to ensure my people were being taken care because of the bad publicity he was receiving from Bubba Boy and another member on this thread at the time of my booking. My people were very happy with the service provided, so much so, one party sent a nice gift to David upon there return to Mexico, to show there appreciation for the great service he provided them.
Thanks for editing your post Piper. I am glad you took the "emotion" out of your post. Was quite unnecessary.
You're welcome. When I read it again, I realized it came across a bit rough, rather than a joking punch on the shoulder. Peace.
Someone has too much spare time on his hands.
Becoming an ISG icon requires time and work. Lots of time and lots of work.
;)
Pure Power
01-23-09, 14:26
I have arrived yesterday. No problems at all. I am in a beautiful apartment that Dave has rented me. Everything that I had hoped for. Security 24/7. GREAT GREAT location!! Couldn't be more happy with GringoManagement.
No doubt will book with Dave again. I'm already planing my return visit :-)
Hi,
I've just returned from Rio after a month, when in Rio I was staying at Hotel in Rua Belfort Roxo. On last day I went to an apartment with a garota I met in mabbs through the day. Her apartment was just behind mabbs. I'm going back in March and would this time like to stay in an aprtment to hopefully lower costs and a mammoth month trip. If anyone knows details of these apartments and how to rent them would be great. I've never rented an apartment before and always been hotels. So an apartment in that area and recomondations would be greatly appriciated. Just a good apartment around mabbs\balcony etc
Thanks all
Hi all,
I stayed in the Gringomanagement apartments several times and in fact am staying in one of them now (Ipanema). I never had any complaints, in fact the 3 different (single bedroom) apartments I was in, were all in good condition and reasonably priced.
I prefer apartments over a hotel, because it gives me more freedom and makes me feel more "at home" in the country I'm in....Anyway, you get the idea.
cheers,
Dutch44
Sunset Strip
01-27-09, 04:23
Hi,
I've just returned from Rio after a month, when in Rio I was staying at Hotel in Rua Belfort Roxo. On last day I went to an apartment with a garota I met in mabbs through the day. Her apartment was just behind mabbs. I'm going back in March and would this time like to stay in an aprtment to hopefully lower costs and a mammoth month trip. If anyone knows details of these apartments and how to rent them would be great. I've never rented an apartment before and always been hotels. So an apartment in that area and recomondations would be greatly appriciated. Just a good apartment around mabbs\balcony etc
Thanks all
The building behind Mabs is called Miami Edifico. Basically you can talk to the waiters in Mabs and they can get you in touch with someone to rent you an apartment there.
I know a lady who is in Mabs a lot who rents many apartments to people.
PM me and I can give you the contact info. on my Rio rental guy, a local. He rented me a place in there one time.
One good thing about the Miami building is that many girls live there too. You actually do not have to leave the building. Lots of times I was in the elevator with 3 or 4 GDPS!
TJ
Sunset Strip
03-20-09, 07:51
I have arrived yesterday. No problems at all. I am in a beautiful apartment that Dave has rented me. Everything that I had hoped for. Security 24/7. GREAT GREAT location!! Couldn't be more happy with GringoManagement.
No doubt will book with Dave again. I'm already planing my return visit :-)
which apartment did you rent?
tj
I just got back. Rented 8 Miguel Lemos, apto. 1204, on the corner of Atlantica. Didn't have any problems. It was clean, bed was solid, and had great view. I did buy some extra bath and hand towels.
In the past 7 years, I have rented 3 or 4 aptos from David. He has yet to fu#k me. I do not have any problems renting from GM. On a historical note, my first time in Rio, I rented an apto. from David...this was back when our site was WSG.
BTW, I have rented from Bobby and Kenn, as well. In the future, I will continue to rent from all three. Services received have been acceptable, and to my standards. Should I have any beef with any and/or all of them, rest assured I will make a statement. Thus far, all has been good ;-)
JohnnyBraz
03-22-09, 10:26
I just got back. Rented 8 Miguel Lemos, apto. 1204. Didn't have any problems. It was clean, bed was solid, and had great view. I did buy some extra bath and hand towels.
In the past 7 years, I have rented 3 or 4 aptos from David. He has yet to fu#k me. I do not have any problems renting from GM.What was the cost?
What was the cost?
It was $75 a night.
becareful renting from David. I have some info that is not to good, but I already have an apt rented from him in Dec, so I dont want to post anything negative at thid time.
Chris H
Sunset Strip
10-31-09, 23:10
I actually do not post on this board any longer but logged on to check a pm I had received and noticed a new post in the Gringo thread:
"becareful renting from David. I have some info that is not to good, but I already have an apt rented from him in Dec, so I dont want to post anything negative at thid time.
Chris H"
I am not sure why Chris H will not just tell us what he knows. he states that he has rented an apartment for December and for some reason implies this fact makes him not want to post anything negative at this time.
But you have already implied a problem. The only thing you have not done is be specific!
Help the rest of us out, please
TJ
The Watcher
11-01-09, 00:42
I actually do not post on this board any longer
TJ
Why don't you post on this board any longer?
Help the rest of us out, pleaseTJ
Oh please don't be so pathetic, has David ever screwed you?
How is this guy who says nothing weeks ago going to help you out and you play to be such a high brow?
Sexmachine1
11-01-09, 05:55
I have rented apt. from David 4 times this year and will be doing it for the 5th time next week. I have never had a problem with him. He has been very quick with his replies when trying to book, Reserve and finalize. All was done within 24 hrs. every time. I had a water/sewer problem in an apartment once and I was moved to a better apartment within a couple of hrs.
Maybe someone had a different experience with him but I would not hesitate booking with him. I have talked to him on the phone as well and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy.
SM1
Exec Talent
11-01-09, 06:59
Oh please don't be so pathetic, has David ever screwed you?
How is this guy who says nothing weeks ago going to help you out and you play to be such a high brow?
I just am in a place in life when I no longer will tolerate scumbags for even five minutes. David at Gringo Management is one of biggest scumbags I have ever encountered. He screws over owners and clients on a regular basis. His business ethics are totally nonexistent. All day and everyday all he cares about is what is in it for him.
If you have had a good experience, you were lucky. Play the lottery. However, how can you come on here and recommend a guy with a thread dedicated to complaints against him? Do you think all these people are making it up?
I doubt that anyone here has anything against him personally. Hard to when a guy runs his business from the US and dumps all the problems he creates on owners, employees and other agencies. Anyone who rents from a guy who has no English Speaking local presence, does so at their peril.
I look have looked Kenn from www.ez-riorentals.com, Don & Ken from www.amerioca.net, Eric from www.copaapartments.com, Fred from www.thewonderfulcity.com and Hakan from www.rioapartments.com all in the eye and found them credible. Complaints lodged against them in total pale in comparison to those against Gringo Management.
Sorry if telling it like it is doesn’t sit too well with some people. Candidly, I just don’t get why people feel a need to defend guys like David. But, then again, I don’t understand women who write to serial killers on death row either.
Rock Harders
11-01-09, 10:48
Mongers-
I have rented from GringoManagement on about ten different occasions (most recently in September 2009 and October 2009) and I have yet to encounter any problems. One time there was a problem with the apartment (malfunctioning hot water heater) and David had the problem repaired within a few hours. The two guys who check customers in/out of apartments both spoke English (even though I speak Portuguese) and in fact one was a Dutch guy who spoke like a native. I almost always go to Rio on only a few days notice and GringoManagement always gets me a nice place on such short notice with no issues. Also, there has never been an issue with checking out late in the day (5pm or so) for the evening flight that I generally take when leaving Rio.
I know several people in the apartment rental business here in Buenos Aires (including Jackson, who is a close friend of mine) and they constantly tell me about the hassle and bullshit they put up with from the customers they get from Jackson's websites. For whatever reason, these sites attract some of the cheapest, most whiny specimens possible. I honestly feel bad for those in the apartment rental business and I am glad that I sell alcohol for a living rather than deal with this shit.
Suerte,
Rock Harders
JohnnyBraz
11-01-09, 10:55
Mongers,
I have rented from GringoManagement on about ten different occasions (most recently in September 2009 and October 2009) and I have yet to encounter any problems. One time there was a problem with the apartment (malfunctioning hot water heater) and David had the problem repaired within a few hours. The two guys who check customers in/out of apartments both spoke English (even though I speak Portuguese) and in fact one was a Dutch guy who spoke like a native. I almost always go to Rio on only a few days notice and GringoManagement always gets me a nice place on such short notice with no issues. Also, there has never been an issue with checking out late in the day (5pm or so) for the evening flight that I generally take when leaving Rio.
I know several people in the apartment rental business here in Buenos Aires (including Jackson, who is a close friend of mine) and they constantly tell me about the hassle and bullshit they put up with from the customers they get from Jackson's websites. For whatever reason, these sites attract some of the cheapest, most whiny specimens possible. I honestly feel bad for those in the apartment rental business and I am glad that I sell alcohol for a living rather than deal with this shit.
Suerte,
Rock HardersI have never rented from gringo man and never will, he's prices are a rip off. You pay almost double renting through him. The same applies with alot off rental agencies.
Sunset Strip
11-01-09, 20:39
I have never rented from gringo man and never will, he's prices are a rip off. You pay almost double renting through him. The same applies with alot off rental agencies.
OK. I think you might have a point but not really about gringomanagement. Gringo actually lists prices on its website and those prices are in no way double what you pay at any other tourist-oriented rental agency. In fact, gringo's listed prices are the LEAST you will pay with them; quite often David provides a discount anyway. Most other agencies provide no price information until you email them expressing interests. You then have no way to validate whether the price is fair. And for some reason people call gringo a ripoff, when they are one of the few companies that provide pricing information on the website. And, as I said, on their site, they give you the high end price ,so that when you email them they know you are for real and just in case the owner demands that price. But usually david negotiates a lower rate (often 10-20 dollars a night!).
If you are comparing David's prices to rates of Brazilians staying in the same building pay then maybe gringo is more. But then hotels are what, TEN times what Brazilians pay? It is not fair to compare tourist prices with those paid by cariocas.
And lots of guys on this site always CLAIM to be paying so much less than everybody else and for the most part I truly believe it is BS! Most tourist rates are about the same and Gringo actually seems to charge less; there is no way that is not true.
Take a look at a mainstream agency (one used by few ISG-types) such as http://copacabanaholiday.com.br/. These people have all kinds of rules, they check the utility meter, you have to check out by noon, they bring in a maid at check out and she wants a tip, they ask for a deposit on top of your rental rate that they hold until you leave (and, of course, they deduct your "utility" usage).
Oh, yeah, and their apartments are always more expensive by at least $10 a night.
TJ
Sunset Strip
11-01-09, 20:42
I have never rented from gringo man and never will, he's prices are a rip off. You pay almost double renting through him. The same applies with alot off rental agencies.
Can you be a little more specific here? When you say, "you pay almost double with gringo," double relative to WHAT?
TJ
Sunset Strip
11-01-09, 20:47
Why don't you post on this board any longer?
take a look at this thread and you will see why. Too much anger for me!
I want to enjoy Rio, not complain and hate other people.
And I know some people have legitimate complaints about things, but if you look at this thread, for example, most complainers make generalizations. Meanwhile, those who seem to have experienced few/no problems are much more substantive!
I am not going to let others ruin my fun and this site is full of those who are out to do just that; they seem unhappy and want to make others feel the same way.
TJ
I am not gonna post what I heard about GRINGO MANGEMENT until I try it myself in Dec. So there is no reason for me to spread a rumor without trying it out for myself. I was just saying be careful before booking with David or really anyone else in Rio.
I have rented from Kenn and John Thompson several times with no problems, but David does provide what looks like nice apts in decent fun areas, thats why I am trying him this time.
Chris H
Mongers,
I know several people in the apartment rental business here in Buenos Aires (including Jackson, who is a close friend of mine) and they constantly tell me about the hassle and bullshit they put up with from the customers they get from Jackson's websites. For whatever reason, these sites attract some of the cheapest, most whiny specimens possible. I honestly feel bad for those in the apartment rental business and I am glad that I sell alcohol for a living rather than deal with this shit.
Suerte,
Rock HardersCheap and whiny... that seems to sum up some of the guys here. I understand there are guys here on fixed incomes so I can understand them stretching out their R$. But what I have a hard time understanding is the working professionals here that do not understand that time is money. They talk about taking a bus to save R$ but have no problem spending an extra hour or more on a sweaty bus getting somewhere. Or they will travel an extra 90 minutes back and forth somewhere for cheaper pussy. Time is a very precious commodity that you can never get back. The most precious commodity. $ you can make, lose and make again. Back once an hour is gone it is gone for good. Every hour I can save translates into either more pussy, more fun - or making more money (on my own project or a paid consulting gig.) I can understand not wanting to get ripped off -- but I would not go way out of my way to save a few R$. Time is money.
Cheap and whiny... that seems to sum up some of the guys here. I understand there are guys here on fixed incomes so I can understand them stretching out their R$. But what I have a hard time understanding is the working professionals here that do not understand that time is money. They talk about taking a bus to save R$ but have no problem spending an extra hour or more on a sweaty bus getting somewhere. Or they will travel an extra 90 minutes back and forth somewhere for cheaper pussy. Time is a very precious commodity that you can never get back. The most precious commodity. $ you can make, lose and make again. Back once an hour is gone it is gone for good. Every hour I can save translates into either more pussy, more fun - or making more money (on my own project or a paid consulting gig.) I can understand not wanting to get ripped off -- but I would not go way out of my way to save a few R$. Time is money.Time waits for no one.
JohnnyBraz
11-03-09, 02:45
Can you be a little more specific here? When you say, "you pay almost double with gringo," double relative to WHAT?
TJTo what you would pay renting direct with the owner. If you spend enough time (3 or more months per year) in Rio, you will get to know owners and get alot better rates.
JohnnyBraz
11-03-09, 04:07
Yes, time is money, that is why it is good to establish reliable apartment owner contacts fast. Say you spend for example 100 days in Rio per year. An agency wants to charge you 200us per night. You get it through the owner for 100us or 3000us per month. You have just saved 10000us with little work. But if you are one off those people who go on 1 or 2 short vacations per year, why waste the time. Stick with rental agencies.
Cheap and whiny... that seems to sum up some of the guys here. I understand there are guys here on fixed incomes so I can understand them stretching out their R$. But what I have a hard time understanding is the working professionals here that do not understand that time is money. They talk about taking a bus to save R$ but have no problem spending an extra hour or more on a sweaty bus getting somewhere. Or they will travel an extra 90 minutes back and forth somewhere for cheaper pussy. Time is a very precious commodity that you can never get back. The most precious commodity. $ you can make, lose and make again. Back once an hour is gone it is gone for good. Every hour I can save translates into either more pussy, more fun - or making more money (on my own project or a paid consulting gig.) I can understand not wanting to get ripped off -- but I would not go way out of my way to save a few R$. Time is money.
It's not a matter of being able to afford or not. It depends on the time you spend in Brazil. I never spend less than 3 months/trip. I've got plenty of time to "waste".
Buses/metro. When I'm going out to party I'll normally take a taxi. It's quick, you're dressed up and you share it with your buddies. Daytime I see no need at all to take taxis. Buses and metro works just fine. In rush hour a taxi won't be much quicker than a bus. "Sweaty bus"? No problem, choose an AC bus or sit down on the shady side. I don't get bored travelling on buses in Rio. Just enjoy the scene and flirt with the girls inside/outside the bus.
IMO I would hate to count how many hours I've lost when I'm in Brazil. When I'm home I work hard. When I go to Brazil it's mostly for holiday. No need for stress. I've no problem "wasting" a whole day going fishing, playing football on the beach or having churrasco with my friends.
It's not a matter of being able to afford or not. It depends on the time you spend in Brazil. I never spend less than 3 months/trip. I've got plenty of time to "waste".
Buses/metro. When I'm going out to party I'll normally take a taxi. It's quick, you're dressed up and you share it with your buddies. Daytime I see no need at all to take taxis. Buses and metro works just fine. In rush hour a taxi won't be much quicker than a bus. "Sweaty bus"? No problem, choose an AC bus or sit down on the shady side. I don't get bored travelling on buses in Rio. Just enjoy the scene and flirt with the girls inside/outside the bus.
IMO I would hate to count how many hours I've lost when I'm in Brazil. When I'm home I work hard. When I go to Brazil it's mostly for holiday. No need for stress. I've no problem "wasting" a whole day going fishing, playing football on the beach or having churrasco with my friends.I was speaking specifically about the guys that go down for a number of days or a week. Obviously, if you can afford to go away for 3 months at a time without worrying about business at all than you have all the time in the world.
Sunset Strip
11-04-09, 08:19
I am not gonna post what I heard about GRINGO MANGEMENT until I try it myself in Dec. So there is no reason for me to spread a rumor without trying it out for myself. I was just saying be careful before booking with David or really anyone else in Rio.
I have rented from Kenn and John Thompson several times with no problems, but David does provide what looks like nice apts in decent fun areas, thats why I am trying him this time.
Chris H
OK. It just seemed that your post implied something else. It is good that you are trying this company and not letting others influence your decisions.
Which apartment did you get? If you want you can pm me the info. I have probably stayed in it.
Exec Talent
11-04-09, 10:10
Presented without commentary:
Agency charges renter (without prior notice) a fee for using a credit card. Agency generously agrees to split fee with renter. Agency deducts the full fee from the amount paid to owner telling the owner that it needs to pass along the cost of accepting credit cards.
Exec Talent
11-04-09, 10:18
Presented without commentary:
Agency insists on a 10 night Carnival booking. Renter only is staying for 8 nights. Agency books another client for nights 9 & 10 of original renter's stay. Orignal renter has a late flight on what is now day 9. Agency tells original renter he must leave because another client needs to occupy the apartment.
My two cents worth -
In seven years, I have never booked an apartment in advance, unless it's my regular landlady (say for carnaval). I just turn up. I stay somewhere for one night if necessary and allow a half day to look for a longer term place. Same for just a few days if I'm moving around. Do some research, don't bring more than you can carry on your back.
I go to places like VM cos I prefer them, find more genuineness, can party for hours and don't feel like a consumer. But it's personal choice.
Buses & taxis - same as Sperto. Taxis are fine for nights out, with friends, or occasionally certain other situations. I feel safer and mote relaxed generally on buses. See no point in using taxis for day-to-day stuff.
I think it's about freedom of choice.
OK. It just seemed that your post implied something else. It is good that you are trying this company and not letting others influence your decisions.
Which apartment did you get? If you want you can pm me the info. I have probably stayed in it.
It is supposed to be a 1 bedroom on Atlantico and Miguel Lemos, I believe it is apt 402 on his website.
....In seven years, I have never booked an apartment in advance...
Chris, that is interesting to me, why you never booked in advance ? Fear to get an apt looking different than the web site or what else ?
Actually thinking about middle of january, I am afraid I will find not big choice if I take flat only when I will be there, but now I can choose what I want.
Maybe it is just a problem of "fear" as probably is hard far from carnival and reveillon to NOT find an apt free.
Sunset Strip
11-04-09, 22:08
It is supposed to be a 1 bedroom on Atlantico and Miguel Lemos, I believe it is apt 402 on his website.
I know the building quite well, it is right behind Meia Pataca. No trouble finding action there. In fact, you may get more action than you desire! LOL.
Just being honest. That building is a hot spot for beggers and the sort. So be careful.
I think you are in apartment 402, but the number on the gringo website is 101C on the website. http://www.gringomanagement.com/onebedrooms.html
If so, let me know and I will give you the rundown on the place.
TJ
Chris, that is interesting to me, why you never booked in advance ? Fear to get an apt looking different than the web site or what else ?
Actually thinking about middle of january, I am afraid I will find not big choice if I take flat only when I will be there, but now I can choose what I want.
Maybe it is just a problem of "fear" as probably is hard far from carnival and reveillon to NOT find an apt free.
I like to look at several and have the freedom to choose one. There's all sorts of stuff that won't show up on a photo. Builders renovating loudly next door. Good/poor locks. Friendly security staff. Chance to meet the agent face-to-face and see if I like him / trust him / can haggle with him. Whether the apartment smells nice. List can go on. Mid Jan is not too bad carnaval wise. Later than that and you have much less choice. I'm not afraid of booking things by internet. Just that I find it generally unnecessary and less advantageous except for flights.
I know the building quite well, it is right behind Meia Pataca. No trouble finding action there. In fact, you may get more action than you desire! LOL.
Just being honest. That building is a hot spot for beggers and the sort. So be careful.
I think you are in apartment 402, but the number on the gringo website is 101C on the website. http://www.gringomanagement.com/onebedrooms.html
If so, let me know and I will give you the rundown on the place.
TJ
ok...You are right I couldnt find 402 on his site, so it must be 101C, when you are able, I am ready to hear the low down on this spot. Dave did say the place is very nic and big, but it is a studio.
Sunset Strip
11-05-09, 04:59
ok...You are right I couldnt find 402 on his site, so it must be 101C, when you are able, I am ready to hear the low down on this spot. Dave did say the place is very nic and big, but it is a studio.
Actually, 101C is apt 805, and 101D is apt 803. Since you must be in apartment 402, it is probably either 101A or 101B.
Those are fairly nice apartments. You should have no problems.
I have noticed that the cable often does not work in that building, however.
Also, as I said earlier, that building is a hot spot for beggers and potential robberies. You will probably be followed when you walk out of the building by beggers. Usually it is best to walk away quickly, perhaps walking into a nearby store.
At night be very careful! In fact, be careful even inside the apartment. The word gets spread very quickly that a new gringo has checked in. A friend of mine recently had somebody knock on his door for almost 30 minutes straight. He almost opened the door, thinking it was me joking around but then heard some whispers in Porto.
last, if you like hot water make sure it is turned on before the person that checks you in leaves . DO NOT FORGET TO CHECK FOR HOT WATER! Many of the guest apartments in that building have the hot water turned off for some reason.
TJ
Actually, 101C is apt 805, and 101D is apt 803. Since you must be in apartment 402, it is probably either 101A or 101B.
Those are fairly nice apartments. You should have no problems.
I have noticed that the cable often does not work in that building, however.
Also, as I said earlier, that building is a hot spot for beggers and potential robberies. You will probably be followed when you walk out of the building by beggers. Usually it is best to walk away quickly, perhaps walking into a nearby store.
At night be very careful! In fact, be careful even inside the apartment. The word gets spread very quickly that a new gringo has checked in. A friend of mine recently had somebody knock on his door for almost 30 minutes straight. He almost opened the door, thinking it was me joking around but then heard some whispers in Porto.
last, if you like hot water make sure it is turned on before the person that checks you in leaves . DO NOT FORGET TO CHECK FOR HOT WATER! Many of the guest apartments in that building have the hot water turned off for some reason.
TJ
Cool, thanks for the heads up!
Also, as I said earlier, that building is a hot spot for beggers and potential robberies. You will probably be followed when you walk out of the building by beggers. Usually it is best to walk away quickly, perhaps walking into a nearby store.
Miguel Lemos 8, is that just around the corner from MP. White (?) building with a high iron fence? Seems like there are always hords of GPs coming out of that building. :)
Sunset Strip
11-05-09, 19:19
Miguel Lemos 8, is that just around the corner from MP. White (?) building with a high iron fence? Seems like there are always hords of GPs coming out of that building. :)
Yes, sir......
I went down with a newbie recently and he stayed here. He said both the girls he took to his apartment knew the way to and around the apartment better than he.
TJ
JohnnyBraz
11-07-09, 09:11
Miguel Lemos 8, is that just around the corner from MP. White (?) building with a high iron fence? Seems like there are always hords of GPs coming out of that building. :)I stayed in that building nearly 2 years ago during febuary and March. Good location but not the best apartments. Rented the flat through rentaflatinrio had a problem with water leaking to the flat below. Got moved to an ocean front 2 bedroom on Avidenia / Souza Lima no extra charge. I actually prefer post 4 for copacabana, around constante ramos area. But miguel lemos is ***** central, and the best location for any newbie to Copa.
Cool Hand Luke
12-14-10, 13:16
Will arrive in Rio on the 23rd December. Will require a furnished one bedroom apartment to rent for 3 months. Re the type of apartment. Looking for one that is not basic or luxurious but somewhere in between. Preferred location would be Copacabana, Ipanema or perhaps somewhere near Botafogo.
Suggestions appreciated.
Cheers!
Stayed the first two weeks of November in gringomanagement apartments. First week in the Roxy Building corner of NS Copa and Boliver. Then, moved to other building a block closer to the beach on Boliver. My new Samsung cell phone unfortunately did not make the walk down the block with me. Informing David that I had left it in the apartment, I was given assurances that his staff would surely have returned the cellphone had they found it, as Brazilian maids would not want it as they now have better cell phones than Americans do. Ok, right, and David is paying them American wages. The apartments are nothing special, but not decrepit either. Could use some better. Light-blocking. Curtains though, otherwise passable for short term.
I have rented an apartment from David for this coming Carnaval and did not really have any issues booking it. Just like someone stated previously, I am not going to bash something or someone I have no knowledge about. I did find the rates for New years and Carnaval kinda high, but his website was one of the only ones that listed the prices outright! I speak pretty good Portuguese, so I won't be screwed over as your average gringo.
I will post a truthful and accurate rating on everything once I get back. By the way, this is my first post. Great forum with lots of gooood intel.
Stayed the first two weeks of November in gringomanagement apartments. First week in the Roxy Building corner of NS Copa and Boliver. Then, moved to other building a block closer to the beach on Boliver. My new Samsung cell phone unfortunately did not make the walk down the block with me. Informing David that I had left it in the apartment, I was given assurances that his staff would surely have returned the cellphone had they found it, as Brazilian maids would not want it as they now have better cell phones than Americans do. Ok, right, and David is paying them American wages. The apartments are nothing special, but not decrepit either. Could use some better. Light-blocking. Curtains though, otherwise passable for short term.Hi,
How was the apt at the Roxy? Rua Bolivar 45. I am assuming. I rented this for Carnaval.
Stayed the first two weeks of November in gringomanagement apartments. First week in the Roxy Building corner of NS Copa and Boliver. Then, moved to other building a block closer to the beach on Boliver. My new Samsung cell phone unfortunately did not make the walk down the block with me. Informing David that I had left it in the apartment, I was given assurances that his staff would surely have returned the cellphone had they found it, as Brazilian maids would not want it as they now have better cell phones than Americans do. Ok, right, and David is paying them American wages. The apartments are nothing special, but not decrepit either. Could use some better. Light-blocking. Curtains though, otherwise passable for short term.Hi,
How was the roxy apt? Rua Bolivar 45. I am assuming, correct? I rented this for Carnaval.
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