there are so many things going for this apartment -- great location (seriously just blocks away from copacabana beach, couple blocks from a metro stop*), speedy wifi, nice doormen, spacious rooms, and taxis readily available steps from the door. max is also a great host, calling to check in on you and (unbelievably) speedy on a minor repair request.

* when we were there (early march 2013) the two subway stations in ipanema were closed due to construction work on the line, so be warned. looks they will be closed for quite a while. but like i said, taxis were plentiful and distances not that far.