Rafaella's apartment was perfect for our holiday in Rio. It was a short walk from Ipanema beach, right next to Posto 8 and Posto 9, and a short distance to the Lagoa too (there is a really nice tiki-style bar on this side of the lagoon called Palaphita, great for a couple of caipirinhas after the sun has gone down!). The apartment itself is clean and spacious and in a private block- the doorman has to buzz you in, and you need the unique code for the front door, making it extra safe. There are restaurants and cafes just down the road, and always taxis parked up here too which run on a meter. Rafaella was a great host, really easy to contact and happy to help with any queries too.