Port. classes and Aparthotel
Don't really know that much about the Port. classes, maybe some other members here can help. I think O Globo has a once a week supplement (not online) that is like a service guide. I think a few private instructors advertise there. Also there is a free weekly paper --I think called Posto Seis that has some ads also. I took a one hour individual class in Ipanema once for 45 reals. But really I have learned more in more fun ways from the girls I have been with that don't speak English. Its all good.
Christopherd, those sound like good rates at the Aparthotel. Do they have kitchen facilities in the rooms like many of the apartments? Also, is it no problem bringing the girls there?
Flying Sky High - Info for you
I have information for you but your PM is turned off. Be sure to LOOK at an apartment before you rent. Check:
Hot water
Air Conditioning
Condition of Building
Signs of insects (roaches)
Street noise
The bed - smell the pillows, many times the pillows reek of sweat (I usually buy my own at Lojas Americanas)
Towels, extra linens
If you are sensitive to noise the last place you want to be is on a low floor on NS Copacabana at an intersection. The buses screech to a stop and rumble loudly starting out.
Keep in mind that apartment rental agencies often rent apartments like used car dealers sell cars. They try to rent you the apartment that has the greatest profit for them, not necessarily the apartment that is best for you.
Right now it is a buyers market. Tourism is way down. If you are coming after Carnaval and not during the time of the Pan AM games, there is no reason to send a deposit months in advance. You will have no trouble finding a nice apartment at a good price.
If you are renting for more than a week. Come to Rio and stay in a hotel for a night. Arrange visits of the apartments you have seen on the internet. Like used car dealers, agencies try to push to close the deal and get your deposit money. Don't bite.
UPDATE: A couple of things that I forget in the original post. When checking out apartments try to get an apartment with the fewest number of units per floor. The more units, the more noisy and nosey neighbors. Also, in Rio the most popular renovation method is to beat the crap out a wall with a hammer or chisel and hammer. Look not only on your floor, but take a walk up and down the stairs. Are there any apartments being renovated? If so, forget about sleeping in or that hot number you brought home last night staying until noon.