Fantastic apartment, well located, right in front of the beach and just a block away from Catete Subway Station (main subway line, will connect you to everything and anything). The apartment looks exactly like the pictures, very clean (Monica Geller's standard), loved the perks of a good coffee maker, a washing machine, filtered water, great TV and wifi (I was working remote and the connection proved to be really good!). AC both in the living room and bedroom, a necessary amenity if you're staying during summer. The area has many restaurants with a variety of Brazilian cuisine and international too. The main street, Rua do Catete, just a block away, has tons of shopping places and if you need a pharmacy, there's about 10 of them on that street. Lots of supermarkets nearby.
Marcelo has great tips for first time travelers and was very responsive to any inquiry.
Had a terrific time, would stay again!