Meet Ryan
American actuary turned Rio de Janeiro host. Lives downstairs. Responds in minutes. Treats every guest like family.
From Ohio to Ipanema
Hi, I’m Ryan Lopez. I graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in Mathematics, passed the Society of Actuaries exams, and spent years working in corporate America. Then I decided life was about expanding, connecting, and experiencing something bigger.
That led me to Colombia, where I volunteered teaching English. It led me to Ethiopia, where I filmed a viral video with the Suri Tribe that hit 12 million views. It led me to surfing, videography, and eventually — Rio de Janeiro.
I chose Ipanema because it has everything: the best beach in Rio, the safest neighborhood, world-class restaurants, and an energy that makes you feel alive. I live on the 14th floor, right below the penthouse. When you message me, I respond in minutes — not hours. When you need a restaurant recommendation, I give you the local spot, not the tourist trap.
My goal is simple: make your trip to Rio unforgettable. The penthouse is just the beginning.
Ryan on the rooftop terrace — the same one you’ll have access to
R. Vinicius de Moraes, 110 — Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro — RJ, 22411-010, Brazil
Why Guests Love Staying Here
It’s not just the views or the pool — it’s how you feel when you’re here. That comes down to three things I focus on every single day.
Always Available
I live on the floor below. You message me, I respond in minutes — not hours. Need a restaurant reservation at 9 PM? A surf lesson recommendation? Help with your Uber? I’m here. That’s why my communication score is a perfect 5.0 from 101 guests.
The Details Matter
My background is in actuarial science — analyzing data, calculating risk, obsessing over precision. I apply that same mindset to hosting. Every amenity is intentional. Every recommendation is tested. Every guest experience is measured and improved.
Treat You Like Family
I don’t do impersonal. When you stay at the Ipanema Beach Penthouse, you’re not a booking number — you’re my guest. I’ve lent SIM cards to guests who lost their phones, arranged early check-ins for red-eye arrivals, and left welcome gifts that set the tone for the whole trip. Because that’s what family does.
“Ryan was simply excellent — always attentive and friendly, and ensured that all my needs were promptly met. This is the best accommodation I have ever stayed at.”
— Willie, September 2023 · Guest Review
Traveler, Filmmaker, Explorer
I’m not just a host — I’m someone who understands what it means to travel. I’ve filmed in the tribal regions of Ethiopia, volunteered in rural Colombia, and surfed breaks up and down the Brazilian coast. That perspective shapes how I host.
Filming in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia — a video that reached 12 million views
Travel isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about the moment you watch the sunset from a private rooftop pool in Rio and realize you’ll remember this forever.
My videography work — from the Suri Tribe in Ethiopia to drone shots over Ipanema — taught me how to capture moments that matter. I bring that same eye to the penthouse: every angle of the view, every detail of the renovation, every sunset you will watch from that rooftop.
I also speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese — so whether you are from New York, Madrid, or São Paulo, we can communicate comfortably.
I Live Here
Not in another neighborhood. Not across town. I live on the 14th floor, one floor below the penthouse, with a separate entrance. That means when you need something, I’m there. When you have a question, I answer. When you want a local recommendation, I give you the spot I go to myself.
Same Building
I live one floor down. Need something at 10 PM? I’m here. Want to know if the surf is good tomorrow? I’ll check for you. That’s the difference between a property manager and a host who actually lives in the building.
Responds in Minutes
My average response time is under 1 hour — often under 10 minutes. Past guests mention it in almost every review. When you are in a foreign city and need help, speed matters.
Knows Ipanema
I walk these streets every day. I know which bakery has the best pão de queijo, which beach post has the calmest water, and which bar has live samba on Wednesday nights. That’s not in a guidebook — that’s local knowledge you only get from living here.
Ready to Meet Ryan in Person?
Book direct and Ryan will personally welcome you to the Ipanema Beach Penthouse. Message him with any questions — he responds in minutes.
Book Direct