Host: Marcio was super easy-going, accommodating and attentive.

Apartment Pros:
+As good as it gets location-wise. Very close to the beach, many good restaurants, the metro stop, bus stops, and commercial stores.
+Clean, tidy, and comfortable. The pictures accurately depict the apartment in real life. I felt at home right away.
+Accommodates up to three people if two people are comfortable sleeping together. I would say 4 is a stretch. Best for 1-2 people.
+Blinds do a good job of keeping the light out. It's also relatively quiet unless construction is going on nearby.
+AC works very well, as does the hot water.

Areas for Improvement:
-Internet signal was relatively weak during my stay. Sufficient to play music on Spotify, but not sufficient to stream any videos.
-The apartment is situated within a building that doubles as a commercial space. The doorman closes access to the building after the stores close, and if you happen to be out late at night, the only way to get back in is by knocking on the steel shutters, waking up the doorman, and having him open up the gate. Keys to the door on the steel shutters would have solved this (relatively minor) issue.

Overall: Amazing value for a great location in Rio. Highly recommended for brief touristic stays.