During our visit to Rio de Janeiro, we called Marcia's Villa our sanctuary in the City. It was a wonderful home base for our trip. Marcia went out of her way to ensure our trip was exceptional by leaving snacks and beverages in the fridge to get us started, staying up and waiting for us for our late check-in, arranging a Taxi for us to the airport at a great price, and being our hero when we locked ourselves out of the apartment (dope!) She gave us our privacy, but was available for questions all the time.
The apartment is just what you need when visiting the City. It's a good central point for most attractions and just one block off the beach. All the shopping and restaurants that you need are within walking distance. She had plug adapters available that accepted American appliances and strong wi-fi. The courtyard was an added bonus, as it was nice to be able to enjoy some outdoor space while sipping beers or enjoying our morning coffee. I strongly recommend Marcia's villa.