Great location. On the bus lines to Centro (downtown), Ipanema and subway to Centro. Across the street from a grocery Supermarket, banks and pharmacies. 3 short blocks from Copacabana's best Botecos (casual eating and drinking sidewalk cafe's/bistros (try Garaffa Boteco)). Lots of restaurants and various stores/shopping. Easy to get around. No need for a car. 2 blocks from the beach.

Problem dealing with the owner. When I requested a quote he tried to overcharge me. When I pointed out that his website prices were different that he was quoting he said the rent had gone up but he hadn't changed the web site yet. Eventually settling on a price, I ended up paying more that I originally had calculated per his rental listing. His weekly rate was actually higher than a seven-day daily rate.

Second problem. The owner sent me a rental agreement to sign and return to him to sign. I couldn't print it out because it was in gray ink and barely legible. When I told him about it he said he would call someone and get back to me. He never did. Very stressful traveling 5000 miles and not knowing if in fact the apartment was actually reserved for me. Very disappointed in the owner's unbusinesslike manner. Be sure to get agreement signed by both parties.

The apartment was furnished nicely and basically as expected. However too many little problems.

Overall housekeeping/maintenance was under par. i.e. the gas stove control panel was greasy and had food spatter (germs?) on it, some of the cupboards were sticky, the salt and pepper shakers were unusable, dirty wine glasses above the bar had not been washed for some time, no bread and butter knives for buttering bread, unusable bumpy frying pan, water leak in the bathroom, bathroom taps leaked for 2 weeks I was there. There was a dog barking at night across the hall from me and apparently nothing could be done about it. Had to live with that irritant for close to 2 weeks + sometimes cooking smells from the other apartments (onions and garlic about 8AM) almost daily. Very slow internet at most times - contrary to another reviewer's comment.

In conclusion, the location was great and basic amenities promised were just O.K.

Overall the place was apparently not very well maintained. If you care about small cleanliness details particularly in the kitchen, and would like most things to be working and in good repair, I suggest some thoughtful consideration when making your decision.

Just trying to provide an honest opinion