Charles' apartment was as advertised -- if not even better! The building is on the 7th floor of an apartment-hotel, and you leave your key with the friendly front desk staff when you leave - we felt very safe and secure. A cleaner comes every day to straighten up - an added bonus. The location couldn't be better - close to Ipanema beach, restaurants, shopping and sightseeing. We much preferred staying here over a hotel - it was like staying at a Brazilian friends' apartment, where you feel like you're getting the full experience of what it's like to be a resident of Rio. We loved it!