for those of you who've not experienced Rio before, I'd really recommend botafogo in comparison to copacabana. tourism in this neighborhood is slightly less common so you won't find yourself hounded by very touristy stuff like souvenir salespeople. praia vermelha is close by, as are some of the best bars and restaurants in town. the complex in which the apartment is situated has a wonderful pool and convenience store, meaning all you need is close by. Patricia's place is a real apartment... what I loved is having a massive range of cooking utensils you'd expect at home so you can really make yourself at home.