My husband and I spent a wonderful six nights at Valerie's apartment as the first stop on our South American honeymoon.The apartment is at it looks in the photos - modern,clean and spacious.All of those little extras were thought of - quality glassware,hand wash and linen for example.Valerie was traveling during our stay but her friend Ceser was waiting in the apartment when we arrived and showed us everything we needed to know.Ceser is a taxi driver so he took us back to the airport which was very convenient.The apartment has all the mod cons required,including excellent air conditioners - a must on hot Rio days!The kitchen has a gas stove and a microwave so we cooked pasta in the apartment one night when we were suffering from jetlag but otherwise ate out.The upstairs terrace is quite the oasis - the views are directly of the back of shabby high rises (the norm in Copacabana) with a glimpse of the sea but it's lovely to look at the stars at night.
The apartment is really well located if you wish to see the best of Copa and Ipanema.We were up early with the sun and spent a good hour walking every morning.The apartment is on the same block as the buildings that are on Ave Atlantica - that is,Copacabana beach.Perfect.The little French cafe around the corner that Valerie recommended was perfect for breakfast each morning.We were there post-Carnaval so everything was pretty calm in the neighbourhood.It can be a bit seedy at times but that's the reality of Copacabana.A chemist,supermarket,decent 'per kilo' restaurant etc are all a short walk away.
Valerie was a responsive and gracious host.
We would definitely stay here again!