I stood at Ricardo's apartment for 7 nights and I enjoyed staying there. It's about 4 blocks from the Ipanema beach. The apartment has all the essentials that you would need wish was a blessing! Traveling with a 9 yr old child who always wanted to watch tv was not a challenge bc their cable can be switched from Portuguese to English from the remote. We occupied the washer and dryers towards the end and they were LG high end appliances.
Ricardo was very accommodating to our check in and check out times which was very appreciated because of the time our flight arrival and departure details.
I did not occupy the driver, Fernando, but should've done so as the airport that I arrived at was a 30-40 min drive and was a bit crazy. I would suggest using the driver to pick you up and take you to the apartment.
Other than the apartment the area is very safe and friendly! A lot of tourists and a lot of restaurants to try out. Subway and Starbucks was 3 blocks away.
I would def recommend this place and stay there again!! Thanks!