This apartment is in an older building in an older neighborhood, conveniently close to downtown Rio, the subway, and the basic amenities that one needs. It's a secure and quiet area of Rio with relatively few tourists. There is no direct sun on the apartment (it's more or less south-facing), so it didn't get hot and I never needed the air conditioning (but of course I was there in the Rio de Janeiro winter). There is a large desk and the wifi worked very well (so this place is especially recommended for someone on a work trip). The kitchen is very well equipped with all manner of utensils and appliances but no microwave (something that I must not have noticed on the listing). Definitely a place that I would recommend for a stay in Rio if you're trying to avoid the tourists of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.