What is(are) your name(s)?
Stella Maris
For how long have you been running a B&B?
Since 2007
Please share something about the history of your present bed and breakfast.
"Since 2007, experience the Rio de Janeiro that the "Cariocas" know". These words are our reason for being a Bed and Breakfast. Our work began in 2005 with detailed study of how it could be and after more than 2 years, it resulted in planning and, finally in 2007, opening our house to the world. Ah, come try! You'll like it!
What are the unique characteristics of your B&B?
We offer a tranquil, informal but comfortable and safe atmosphere with all the necessary amenities to accommodate those who want to enjoy the "carioca" way of living. From the initial planning until the check-out, everything is done in the best Brazilian style, with efficiency and sympathy. This is what we call Hi Touch tourism, based on three principles: Quality - nice accommodation, delicious breakfast in an environment with people you can trust. Transparency - fair prices and respect to the tourists. Emotional experience - Rio de Janeiro as it is. The daily routine of the city in its most typical aspects. Bed and Breakfast in Rio must be within a family home. This means you will be staying in a room within the apartment of a couple. We all use the same bathroom (one normal and a small one) and shower and we all share the same area. We respect your space, so please respect ours. You have your own key, so you may come and go when you want, but know you are always entering a private home when you return. We can only rent two rooms at a time. There will never be more than 6 people staying with us at one time. We will serve you a delicious breakfast. But other meals are to be taken elsewhere (or brought in). You may, however, use our refrigerator for your own food and drinks.
We will treat you like a guest; please treat us like a family.
Based on your guests' opinions, what feature of your B&B has made their stay special?
"Le b&b, est un appartement trés agréable, avec des chambres spacieuses, avec des rangements et une excellente literie, la salle de bain est à côté. La cuisine est à disposition. L'accueil est chaleureux, et les propriétaires sont très sympathiques et se font une joie de vous renseigner, pendant votre séjour. Le petit déjeuner est copieux Le b&b est très bien situé, la plage de Leblon est à 100m, les bus et taxis sont à côté. Excellente adresse" 02/20/2010. "The inkeeper couple let us free in the apt to come and go, which was very pleasant, the breakfast was excellent as well. It might had been interesting to have a few tips of bars and restaurants to go around the neighbourhood." 01/02/2010. "We really enjoyed staying at this homey B&B. The hosts were very welcoming and knowledgeable of the area. I'd definitely come back here." 29/01/2010. "My wife and I had a wonderful time in Rio and our stay at B&B Leblon - with its incredible location, very nice accomodations and hosts - only added to the experience." 6/01/2010. "We stay last weekend at the Bed and Breakfast Leblon and the place was very clean and comfortable,we felt at home there,the breakfast was delicious and Stella is a wonderful host she and her boyfriend even gave us a ride twice to the center of Rio ,the B&B is only 2 blocks from the beach and near many restaurants ,supermarkets,etc. Me and my girlfriend felt very secure there and if I go back to Rio I would love to go back there!!!!!!" 17/12/2009.
Please describe in short your bed and breakfast and its general services and amenities.
Bed and Breakfast Leblon is the ideal accommodation for those who enjoy comfort, a cozy atmosphere, tranquility and security. It is located in the heart of Leblon, one of the best neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, next to a beautiful, tree-lined square, two blocks from the ocean. Downstairs you'll find shops, restaurants, bars, fast food places, bookstores, taxis, buses and metro to any part of town. The building has elevator, security and a 24-hour doorman. No pets are allowed, smoking is prohibited. Since 2007 we have offered a special place in our home, a typical carioca space, to host people from all over the world regardless of religion, age and ethnicity. Those who long to know the worldwide famous Rio de Janeiro, as well as the Rio that the natives love. The rooms are cleaned daily (except on Sundays) and are decorated with handicrafts and art pieces produced by the hostess and local artists. The bedrooms are airy and well lit, equipped with wireless internet for exclusive use of the guests.
How many rooms are offered at your B&B and what is its maximum capacity?
The apartment can accommodate up to 6 guests, consisting of two bedrooms: Carioca and Da Gema.
What kinds of rooms do you offer?
Our accommodation complies with international quality standards of the bed and breakfast concept as well as with the Brazilian technical specifications including installations, cleanliness, friendliness and good meals.
Please describe the in-room facilities for each type of room in your B&B.
The two bedrooms are equipped with air conditioner. From the bedrooms the guests can connect the exclusive wireless internet. The bathrooms are shared.
Which room is your personal favorite?
No favorite, both are very nice.
What do the room rates include?
Our rates include breakfast, linen and towels.
Do you offer any special packages?
Yes, on New Year and Carnival, please ask.
When and where is breakfast served?
In the living room, 8:00 - 10:00 AM.
Are dietary needs accommodated?
Yes, please ask.
Do you serve other meals?
No.
Are there cooking facilities, which guests may use?
Yes.
Is your bed and breakfast suitable for children?
Yes.
Do you accept pets?
No.
What is your smoking policy?
Smoking is allowed only outside the property.
Is there a parking facility on premises or nearby?
Yes, it is possible to ask to find a car park with 24-hours services.
Is your B&B suitable for disabled guests?
No.
What safety precautions are provided at your B&B?
Please, always lock the door, when you get in and get out the property.
What is your check-in/check-out policy?
Check-in after 2 PM. Check-our until 12 PM. Early check-in or late check-out upon request.
Are there a minimum number of nights for staying at your B&B?
Not usually. Just on Holidays, please ask.
How can guests check availability and make a reservation?
Via e-mails, please.
What is you cancellation policy?
Deposits are not refundable.
What types of payment do you accept?
Cash (Real, Dollar or Euro), Paypal, Visa, wire transfer. No cheques.
Is there a special etiquette that guests should know about and comply with?
Yes, we have a Trust Letter: The purpose of this charter is to ensure peace and security for the hosts and their guests. A mutual agreement for a successful stay, this letter has the following objectives: For the guest - Ensuring that the environment matches the description provided by the host, including proper hygiene, good housing and security of belongings, respecting privacy and providing tourist information, when requested. For the host - Ensuring that the residence, the hosts’ belongings and the residents will be respected by guests. 1. Commitment by host: (a) Accuracy of information clearly communicated to guests; (b) Conformity of the characteristics and state of the house with the advertised description, with normal conditions of use, hygiene and cleanliness; (c) Ensuring the quality of hosting: i. Ensuring the safety of the environment and the smooth operation of the facilities, equipments and tools essential to a calm and secure stay; ii. Keeping the facilities clean and well organized; iii. Providing repairs or the replacement of any essential item, in the event of breakage or operational failure; iv. Offer to the guest a copy of the key or to be present to open the door for the guest to enter and leave the house freely; v. Receive personally the guest, giving him the best welcome possible. Being available for social contact, provide information about the neighborhood and the city; 2. Undertaking by the guest:(a) That all information provided by guest is accurate; (b) Respect for the rules of the household: i. Ensuring the proper state of the housing and its belongings, making careful use of equipment, objects, furniture and facilities with care not to damage then and not cause any disturbance in the neighborhood, especially with regard to excessive noise. ii. Respect the laws, the host, the rules of the house and all who live in it; iii. Refund the host (see "Responsibilities"), in the event of damage to the house or any equipment, mobile or tool resulting from misuse or in the case of loss of house key. iv. No visitors or guests are allowed to brought to the apartment without the express permission of the host. 3. Formulating an assessment after the stay: (a) Write an appraisal on the house, and hosting. 4. Responsibilities: The Bed and Breakfast activity is a semi-professional concept that meets international standards for Bed & Breakfast and should not be confused with a seasonal rental, rental vacancy, hostel, pension or hotel. The aim is to exchange experiences between the host and visitor, based on trust and mutual respect. Please note that the host opens her house to guests. The host is not responsible for valuable objects, left in the house by guests. The guest agrees to respect you’re the hosts' personal belongiongs and in two cases, the host may require a refund from the guest: 1. When the guest causes any damage to the premises, furniture or equipment, as a result of misuse. 2. In the case of loss of key provided by the host. The compensation will be as follows: Relating to item 1 - The host will submit an estimate of the cost of repair or replacement from a company specializing in such matters, in order for the guest to make the payment, up to 12 hours before the end of their stay. Relating to item 2 -The guest pays the host R$80,00 for each key lost (for example: if the guest loses the key of the door, and the room, he or she must pay R$160,00) up to 12 hours before the end of their stay.
Please tell us what things guests might enjoy visiting, seeing, doing, etc. in your area.
Leblon beach - 2 blocks; Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) - 25 km; Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) - 14,5 km; Downtown - 13,5 km; Rodoviária Novo Rio (bus station) - 12,5 km; Sambódromo - 12 km; Cristo Redentor (Christ) - 9 km; Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf) - 8 km; São Conrado's hang gliding port - 5,5 km; Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas - 5 km; Copacabana - 4 km; Jardim Botânico - 3,5 km; Ipanema - 2 km; PUC (Pontifícia Universidade Católica) - 1,9 km; Parque Municipal Dois Irmãos - 1,5 km; Leblon Shopping - 1 km
Where is your B&B located and how it may be reached?
We are centrally located in Leblon, easily accessible. You can use public or private transportation: By express buses, Aeroporto Santos Dumont (SDU)-Barra bus, Aeroporto Internacional Galeão Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG)-Barra bus, Rodoviária Novo Rio-Leblon bus, Transfers, Arrival and departure transfers, Car rental , Tourist guide with car. Local transportation: Taxi 24h, Bus 24h, Metro – from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Tourist guide with car – on request. Upon reservation, the guest receives all the necessary information on how to arrive at Bed and Breakfast Leblon.
What would you say to people who have never stayed in a bed and breakfast?
Do come! You will save money and see the city and people as they really are: friendly, spontaneous and very kind to foreigners. Care for the safety you should keep here are the same that you would adopt in any other city in the world. Come! We are waiting for you with open arms.
Is there something more that you want to share about your property?
We love it!