The apartment is extremely well located and you are only a few yards from supermarkets and pharmacies. Don't be put off by the unassuming entrance as being set back from the road you don't hear any noise. You are 2 blocks from the beach and one and a half from Nossa Senhora da Paz metro which takes you to the beaches in Barra. José's assistant Ramon was on hand to ensure everything was fine (including making sure we had enough bottled water, which was really needed given the heat) but he was never intrusive. Wifi and air conditioning worked well and four of us lived very comfortably for two weeks over Christmas / New Year. Highly recommended!