Moara is a wonderful host and the room was perfect: large, light and airy. The apartment is in the suburb of Laranjeras, which is safe, and remarkably quiet for Rio.
The apartment building is in a landscaped street set around central gardens where the community congregate for everything from dominoes games to a small local market. Immediately across the road is a bakery/cafe, which is really good for breakfast and there are lots of other eateries very close.
The apartment is a 10-minute walk from the Corcovado station where the train and minibuses leave to go up to Christ the Redeemer. So from this point of view it is excellently located.
Although not near the beach, there are buses at the end of the road that go to all the important parts of Rio such as Lapa, The Sugar Loaf, Copacabana, Leblon, Ipanema etc. That made it simple to get around.
Moara picked us up and dropped us off at the airport. She can also offer tour guide services. She has a relative who lives in the favela of Rocinha, who when available, can offer a one-to-one tour.
The apartment is beautifully decorated. Moara and her husband are very involved in the music scene and have great taste in art.
All in all, a great place to stay.