Location, location, location!

And a very nice host. Lena is a very friendly and helpful Carioca and will make sure you know your way around the neighborhood. The apartment itself is nice, too. Two big rooms easily accommodate four people. The kitchen is small and features the basics. If you´re really into cooking you might miss an item or two, but staying in a perfect location between Copacabana and Ipanema you will probably spend most of your time outdoors anyway. The bathroom is a bit tricky. The flush of the toilet can be a bit moody and sometimes the heater blows a fuse and you´ll be without hot water. However, Lena will be very helpful in those situations and send somebody over to fix it.

Overall it´s a great alternative to the overpriced hotels. We heard the neighbors through the wall once or twice, but this was really not an issue. The apartment is quiet and even has a small yard to dry your towels.