AMAZING location, just steps from Copacabana beach and within easy walking distance to Ipanema. There are lots of great restaurants in the area. Some of our favorites include Churrascaría Palace, El Born, and Sofá Café. There’s also a little supermarket around the corner where you can stock up on bottled water (the water from the tap isn’t safe to drink), bath soap (the apartment doesn’t come with any—just hand soap), and other items you might need.
Brenda was a great host. She communicated instructions in advance and was quick to respond to questions when we arrived. Simao, the doorman who keeps watch in the morning, was super friendly. None of the doormen speak English, to my knowledge, but we were able to manage just fine.
Despite being located so close to the beach, the apartment isn’t stocked with beach towels, so be sure to bring your own. Otherwise, there are many street/beach vendors that sell them. We got ours for R$30, which is about $10 USD. They aren’t the thick, absorbent kind you find in the States, but they work perfectly fine and make great souvenirs.
We had a great stay!