Had to say it was hard to pick which was my favorite.  I would invite you to try them all. I will say that lesser known brands held up against the big guns from Remy Martin and Courvoisier.

The location has a terrace.  Got to tote down a couple of Cigars while there.  La Palina Lil Bill and Martinez Flat Iron Number 9.

NOTABLES

- Brache Gabrielson XO

- Chateau Beaulon Grande Fine

Both of them held up against the big boys.  I also like the Louis Royer – one world Fabulous.

For the enthusiast, Brandy Library is a must attend place. This is not the place to go have a beer with the boys. It is an experience. A journey threw world of Liquors.  It makes you know why men have journeyed around the world for the same.

They don’t serve alcohol here. They provide dreams, journey, relaxation – thought provoking, conversation stimulation.  No TVs – it is a place to entice yourself and release your inhibitions.

The other thing that is good and bad about Rio is that everything happens between the boroughs (barrios) of Leblon and Copacabana – actually a lot happens in areas, like Barra Tijuca, Lapa and others but for the tourist – Leblon and Copa can offer you a lot and are centrally located.

I happen to like to stay in Copacabana due to its proximity to some of my friends and also being closest to the metro and buses to go to other places. It also happens to have a lot of good restaurants and clubs that are not as touristy as some of the ones in Ipanema – definitely not at pricey.

My last couple of times there – I have used Rio Rentals 4 Less.

One of the locations:
Rua Constante Ramos 13 & Avenida Atlantica – with Internet, and International Phone Available! Lateral Ocean View, 3 Bedroom with private entrance to apartment (1 Apartment per Floor). 3 Queen Beds, Cable Flat Screen TV, IPOD Connection in all Rooms, Living Room, Dining Area, Full Kitchen, 2 Full Baths. Excellent location directly across the street from the beach and close to everything. Digital Safe, 24 Hour Doorman security.Towels and Linens Included.
• Local Convenience:
o Luncheonette
o Breakfast / Juice bar
o 5 Eateries
o Pharmacy
o Locksmith
o Internet Cafe
o Laundromat
3 bedroom ( 3 Quartos)
Low season – US$120 / night
High season – US$ 140/night

Clean and close to the beach. The price is also right when you consider that a decent hotel will run you about $100-200 (USD) per night.

This Ancient fishing village, which sits on a characteristic cone-shaped hill where Monte Baldo gently slopes towards S. Vigilio Point, is quite charming with its small port, square, narrow streets and old buildings painted in the same warm shades of Venice. Surrounded by olive groves are new homes, camping sites, tourist resorts and hotels that provide fine accommodations all year round. A ferry service for cars, buses and passengers that unites Torri and Maderno (on the west shore) is available all year round.
The Port
At one time it was the center of trade in the town: cargo ships traveling between Desenzano and Riva and “bisse”, typical fishing boats of Lake Garda, used to dock there. On the northern end of the port sits the 15th century “Palazzo della Gardesana”, the seat of the “Gardasana dell’Acqua” council, a federation of ten communities that also had the task of suppressing and controlling smuggling on the lake during Venetian rule. The Council chapel in the nearby S.S. Trinita Church still conserves 14th – 15th century frescoes of the Veronese School. Beneath the porticos, caulkers built and repaired boats. The vaguely shell-shaped quay is considered to be from the Roman period.

Malcesine
Clustered around the foot of the castle and the “Captains’ Palace”, the old town with its small port, squares and streets filled with shops, bars and picturesque restaurants has a magical charm. With more than a hundred hotels, over three hundred apartments, numerous rooms to let, villas and twelve camping sites, Malcesine in one the most elegant and well-equipped holiday resorts on the lake. The pleasant mild climate all year round permits walks and excursions in the hinterland and on Mount Baldo, which is known as the “Botanical Garden of Europe” due to its huge variety of plant species. The community covers about 68 square kilometers and also includes the towns of Cassone (3 Km south, in the direction of Brenzone) and Navene (3 Km north, in the direction of Torbole), an important location for sailing buffs and windsurf fans.

If it is not obvious by now, I have a deep admiration and affinity for Salvador and all of Bahia. Whenever I go there, I always try to rent an apartment, even if it is for only a few days.

One of the places I stay is located in the “Corredor da Vitoria” overlooking the bay, nice place and well appointed.

Here is a brief description of the place. It can be found on of my favorite sites – www.vrbo.com.

Newly renovated condo on the bay on the walk between Pelourinho (the Historic Center) and the beaches in Barra. It has the best view of the bay you can find in Salvador. Excellent location for Salvador festivals such as Carnaval, Bonfim, New Years and much more. The condo has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and can sleep up to 10 people. Features include immaculate tile and granite floors, stainless steel appliances, all new closets and cabinetry throughout kitchen hallways and bathrooms. The condo includes cable and high speed wireless Internet, DVD with surround sound and a stereo system. Appliances include large capacity refrigerator and freezer, stove, microwave, washing machine, blender, coffee maker, iron, sandwich press and water filter. Maid service and airport transport available.

Location:
Avenida Sete de Setembro – 2044, Salvador, Bahia

For some decent prices, you can find some very well accommodate houses and villas (2 bedrooms). Typically, I like to have a house with friends and spend my time at the beach and golfing.

These are some of the places that I have stayed. I can tell you the price during high-season (because I know I can’t afford it – usually 2 – 3x low-season), but I usually pay in the range of $500 – 600 (USD) per night with a maid for a 4 bedroom accommodation.

Just “Google” the resort. I recommend your first time going there, if you do not speak the language, work through a travel agent or the resort itself www.casadcampo.com. Don’t do the all inclusive, get a maid and have her buy your food at the community grocery store or in town. For about $300 US, you can feed a lot of people for a week.

So I begin “Googling” for apartment rentals – was planning on staying 13 days. I am a huge fan of Apartment Rentals while on vacation. Nothing like having a home away from home.

Choose Rosewood Apartments – they provide excellent service. Very knowledgeable and even hooked me up with the local fishing guys to get fresh fish everyday.