We visited during Carnaval. We really enjoyed our stay in this clean, bright appartment. The host was so very responsive to our texts. She met us on the curb to help us find the building the first time and was so welcoming, helpful and friendly. She made sure everything was in perfect working order. There is everything you need right in the same block, grocery store, pharmacy and the beach one block away. There are two restaurants on the ground level of the building which were good, we especially enjoyed Lamen Hood which is a ramen restaurant (after eating Brasilian food for 10 days it was a little change) Two evenings we enjoyed and danced to wonderful music from one of the restaurants. The music promptly ended at 10, quiet hours. We were 4 blocks from the subway. We walked around at night as a family group and felt safe. As in any big city in the world, you take precautions and use your street-smarts! We would definitely stay here again.