This is really a great apartment. When I rented it, Renata gave me the exact address so I passed by to check out the building. The Porteiro, Sandro, just happened to be standing outside the front door, so I introduced myself three weeks before moving in. Sandro acted like an old friend when I did move in. Perhaps because I was wearing Flamengo bermuda shorts when he met me. There are several things that set this apartment above the other two I've rented in Ipanema. (1) The apartment is on the south side of the building, facing the ocean and there is a space between the two buildings in front of it so breezes from the Atlantic cool the apartment. I only used the air-conditioner on the first day when I arrived and the windows had been closed for some time. I paid an extra $140 and $180 for air-conditioning at my previous location in Ipanema for February and March. (2) Plenty of space. The main bedroom is big by Rio standards. It has a partial ocean view and lots of closet space. (3) Main bathroom also has plenty of space including large cabinet for towel storage. Second bedroom is small but comfortable. Second bathroom is tight. (4) Kitchen is perfect for a rental. I cooked at least twice a week and oven/stove worked fine. The washing machine for clothes is very efficient and I used it almost every day. (5) Great hardwood floors. I think the wood is Ipe (ee-pay) which I believe is marketed in the U.S. as Brazilian Walnut. This type of floor is not normal in a rental. (6) Lastly and perhaps most important, the location is incredible. Only a few blocks of Posto 10 in Ipanema. Zona Sul Supermarket right across the street and some of Ipanema's best restaurants within a few blocks. If you like to take walks like I do, it's a great location for walks along the beach promenade or around the nearby Lagoa. Renata was super quick to respond to my report of a dripping faucet and had her handyman/plumber Beto there within an hour. I would definitely recommend this apartment. -- John O'Neill, California