My name is Anne Debruche, and I teach law at the University of Ottawa. Because I do research on Brazilian law, I have been coming to Rio several times in the last ten years. This apartment is truly wonderful and a real gem. After staying in several studios and apartments in the same area (this is my seventh stay), this is the first time I am staying in what I would call a "real" apartment, that can compare with the one I have in Canada, instead of something put together hastily (I had come to think this was a mere fact in Copacabana). It really is spotless clean, with cleaning products for everything - a sure sign, and again a novelty. Even the towels are nice and respectable looking, fluffy and neat. The furniture is individual, eclectic and very welcoming; the hints at the French movie "La Cage aux folles" (the birdcage) are not lost upon me of course, I have seen it so many times and loved it! The kitchen is quite nicely equipped, not only in apparatus and devices but also with basics such as spices, olive oil, etc. Since I cook, I really enjoyed it. This is a "serious" kitchen, even if it is small. Everything works (cd player, among others) and there are convenient notes everywhere to help using things in the best way, finding markets around, etc. The two balconies are simply awesome; the one at front has orchids and plants, mood lightning, tasteful furniture and is wonderfully shady. The ceiling fans make air conditioning unecessary in April when opening windows at both ends of the apartment (and a lot less noisy). And the bedrooms are in the back, not on the street, so very quiet.After all my previous expériences in Copacabana, I can say that I truly enjoyed this apartment for the right reasons - I know how unique it is. Even the rain does not matter much when you have such a covered balcony... And the location in Copacabana is awesome of course. Constante Ramos is one the best streets, close to several supermarkets and many nice restaurants. Do not be fooled by the fact that it is not in the block facing the sea: it is not far at all when you walk (10 minutes at most), and the street is tree lined and wonderfuly lively at any time of the day or night. The closer you get to the "morro", the mountain closing Copacabana, the nicer this street and the neighbouring ones get: larger, more authentic, nicer buildings. For pedestrians, this is a perfect neighorhood, because there are always people on the streets and little bars and shops close very late. This does not mean noisy, it means safety; by constrast, Ipanema or even Leblon are very residential (in addition, many people come and go by car) and you feel often singled out when you walk. If a new Ibis hotel opened on Constante Ramos recently, if was not by accident... I prefer Copacabana for this reason, and this particular street is in the center of the nicest part of it.I recommend this apartment wholeheartedly. The owners love it and it shows; it has heart and feels like a real home away from home. I certainly hope I can come back to it some time.