I stayed at Ricardo's place in Ipanema for a month. The location is amazing, with everything you need in walking distance, including the beach! Lots of bars, restaurants, and shops around. the place has everything you need to have a nice and cozy stay. :) Only problem is there is a LOT of noise from the bars and restaurants below the apartment, almost every night (to the point that you can't even really watch TV because they have a DJ downstairs half the time), so if you need to sleep early, bring earplugs! Otherwise the place was great.