Carl's place is great! Exactly as described/pictured. It was the perfect home for me for a month in Rio. Well-appointed unit in a nice building with friendly staff.
Carl/Luis were very responsive to the couple of questions I had and providing some local recommendations.
And it'd be reallllly difficult to beat this location! Virtually EVERYTHING you could possibly need within a couple blocks in any direction, including a grocery store a block away and the lovely Leblon beach two blocks away; with a quick Uber/cab ride or longer walk to Ipanema and Copacabana, and still not incredibly far back to Centro for museums and the city or over to Barra da Tijuca for malls.
The balcony provides a nice view and an available hammock makes it ideal for resting and relaxing. The direct morning sun can keep you bright and warm, but with the blackout curtains and AC, you can maintain a comfortable chill.
I really hope I get the opportunity to come back.