Paloma's place is a real find. I'm still traveling so I'll make this short:
1) the residence offers lots of space and total privacy- you have a big outdoor area with benches and plants, as well as a bedroom, kitchen, washer/dryer and bathroom all to yourself. Everything is very clean, the bed is firm but quite comfortable, and the bedroom has its own air conditioner, so if you want to ice down the room at night you can do that quickly (sometimes we did, sometimes we left the windows open.)
2) the neighborhood is AMAZING. It's quieter and safer than the rest of Rio, but totally accessible to the rest of the city. There are two nice cafes for breakfast, one next to the apartment and one across the st, and good bars and restaurants all over within walking distance. For transport there's a free tram that takes you to Lapa, as well as buses and taxis, and at the bottom of the hill near the Gloria station there are motorcycle taxis that take you up for 5 reals (about $1.40US?) which is a bit scary the first time but exhilarating.
3) Paloma is quick to respond to anything, but otherwise leaves you alone.

That's it. I recommend. We had a really wonderful stay here.