The experience was better than any 5 star hotel could have provided, unless u need a bell boy, swimming pool and a gym. Otherwise, a clean swanky 1 bedroom, with a kitchen, and laundry on Ipanema beach is perfect. The apartment is quiet and feels safe. We even got a glimpse and snapped a few photos of the Tamarin monkeys outside our bedroom. I jogged Copa cabana and ipanema for exercise, who needs a gym? There are also new exercise stations all along the beach. Raphael is a great host and there is a reason his places are 90 percent booked with all the great reviews. We will be back:)