We designed a full 14-day first-time trip to Rio starting with a simple few days in an Ipanema hotel, allowing us to get our feet under us, our bearings for the area, and build a little confidence. We then transferred to Ane & Sergio's place in hopes it's location would be best. We were wrong. It was perfect. Walk out the front door (constantly manned by charming, helpful doormen who welcome you home or wish you good morning), and turn right to walk 3 minutes to Copacabana Beach, turn left to walk 8 minutes to Ipanema Beach, or turn around to walk to Arpoador. Local people, cafes, bar, shops, taxis and markets everywhere. Really couldn't have been better. Truly live like a Carioca. The space is clean, efficient and perfectly nice. We even cooked quite a Christmas Eve and Day meal in the kitchen. If only we could have stayed a couple more days for the big New Years Eve celebration just minutes away.