We were staying in the apartment of Claudia during carnival. Barra da Tijuca is located a bit away from the hustle and bustle of Rio. We enjoyed the possibility to have a calmer beach day or taking a ride of only around 20 min to reach the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Would definitively come back and I would recommend the place! The view from the balcony is wonderful and we made use of the possibility to have a nice and big breakfast in the hotel, the apartment is part of.