Was just trying to list pros and cons of everywhere we stayed on our South American trip, and just couldn't come up with any cons for this place!

Lance and David are genuinely friendly (not just service with a smile, these guys really seem like they enjoy helping people) and know how to run a great boutique hotel (this is not just a 'guest-house', it's really got a hotel feel with a guesthouse friendliness).

The location of this place is amazing, up in the Santa Teresa hills, great historic local bar and close to the Samba-drome! Rooms are top notch, clean and luxurious.

I stayed at Casa Cool Beans over the New Year's Holiday for a total of four nights. I was fortunate to find a place that would allow us to stay just the four nights as Rio Hotels often have longer minimum stays during this time. We were in Room # 4 which is quite spacious-in fact-our adult son stayed with us one of the nights and we appreciated the two queen beds with a privacy curtain in the middle! Lance and David are delightful hosts. My communication in the months prior to our Rio visit was primarily with Lance and he was patient and helpful arranging private tours for our visit to Rio. The hosts were also wonderful on New Year's eve and David even walked us down to the bus stop to ensure we headed in the right direction to catch the subway to Copacabana(when the busses did not come he put us in a cab). They also sent us to the beach with a celebratory bottle of champagne. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNcUTwTmx9g Please enjoy this video of the amazing fireworks which David helped my husband splice together and upload on New Year's day.
Breakfasts are delicious with eggs cooked to order and fresh fruit, yogurt and bread each day. Santa Theresa is a wonderful neighborhood and even though it is quite a distance from the beach areas, we were happy to have experienced it. Be sure to stroll the few blocks to Hotel Santa Theresa for a drink in their bar and try dinner at Aprazivel which is at the top of the hill. Although we felt the food was uninspired, the view was amazing. It would even be fun just for cocktails and appetizers. Lapa is a cool neighborhood just down the hill from Santa Theresa. Be sure to spend at least one night down there strolling around, have dinner and visit Scenarium, a wonderful club. Fellow guests said they actually walked down to "Escadaria Selaron." This is a "don't miss!" We were taken there by Dolores, a private guide recommended by David. Unfortunately when we visited the steps it was pouring which hampered the visit. For those folks who are uncertain about whether or not to stay in Santa Theresa or at the beach I would advise you stay in Rio long enough to do both! I am sure we will be back some day.

My boyfriend & I stayed at CCB for 5 nights. The owners were SO extremely helpful - for getting around Rio, what days to avoid the tourist landmarks, where to go, how to get there, etc. I can't say enough good things about this place. They speak ENGLISH, which helps :)

The B&B is just about the cutest place to stay. Rooms were comfortable, spacious and well decorated. You'll feel at home and put out a good breakfast spread.

Santa Teresa is a beautiful town with a lot of attractions you really shouldn't miss on a trip to Rio.

Even after our stay, they helped us with purchasing a piece of art we loved, which was displayed in their B&B. Too nice!

My brother and I visited rio and stayed at "Casa Cool Beans" for about 8 nights. The location is very good because its save and there are many nice restaurants and bars arround. The team of "Casa Cool Beans" is very friendly and they are always trying to help their guests. We stayed in many 4-star hotels in brazil but the breakfast of "Casa Cool Beans" was A LOT BETTER. thanks for everything - if we ever will come back to rio we will chose this stay again!