The apartment itself is excellent: high ceilings, a well-stocked kitchen, well lit, comfortable bed, good air-conditioning, excellent wi-fi, and a great bay window that opens fully into a balcony. The view is of a green hillside and old colonial buildings. There is a person at the front desk to buzz you in and out who will also receive deliveries.
However, I specifically selected a place a little ways away specially to avoid the nonstop noise of Rio but failed in this sense. In my month here, there were only three nights where a party did not rage on the street until 2 am. Then at 7:30 am the delivery vehicles began with their loudspeakers blaring, passing by not once but three times as they went up the hill. The windows do not close fully so good luck sleeping even with excellent earplugs.
If I were to stay a short time, this apartment would be great. Santa Theresa is fun but a little way from the beach. For longer stays though, the noise is unbearable but then I am unsure if quiet is even possible in Rio.