I stayed at Silvia's as I was in Rio for work. Apartment was just as described in a great area, really close to Gloria metro station and easy to get to the centre of town and it is 5 minutes walk from Flamengo beach so great for those that like running in the morning. Silvia is so lovely, was really welcoming, let me know about the samba events going on on the weekend and even took me out to do 'stand-up' paddle boarding one morning at Flamengo beach. I'll definitely stay again!