Ok guys, here's my review. I went to Rio with my girlfriend and at the beginning, when the taxi driver dropped us in front of the building, we were pretty scared of the location. The reason is because the driver took the street that starts from copacabana and goes underneath the favela, while the other road from ipanema looks way better. Basically, the first day we thought of booking a hotel by the beach. But then we stayed in the apartment the whole time of our vacation.

The location is absolutely safe. There's a favela nearby but absolutely no big deal. Not a single time we felt unsafe. There is a luxury villa-hotel 20 meters from the building and a hostel in front, so you will not be the only gringos around. Actually, one night we went to a party that the hostel in front of us organised.

The apartment is amazing. It is exactly how you see it in the photos and it has all the amenities that a host would need. There is also a stereo with speakers all over the place (in the shower too!). There's not much too add, the apartment is great.

My advice: if you have doubts about the location, it's safe. If you are skittish and it's your first time to Rio, then book a hotel by the beach. Otherwise this apartment is just perfect. 10 minutes away from the beach of Ipanema. I would suggest to call a taxi at night from/to the apartment.