The apartment is exactly as in the pictures with new addition of a hammock. The view is really beautiful. Apartment was clean and easy to keep this way. We had all the equipment needed for longer stay, all fairly new and modern. Showers weren't electrical (often sight in Rio) but gas heated. The AC is very effective and silent.
We decided for this apartment mostly because of the location, it is great - I think Botafogo is underrated for tourists. It is a bit more calm but still very near all the interesting sights. The apartment is very near metro station, shopping centre, two markets, a small square with a nice selection of restaurants and a street with lively gentrified bars full of university students (walking distance to the university).
The building itself appears to be well kept, the staff is friendly (but English was a problem). As a whole it might be in for some renovation and refreshing but it didn't impact us in any way. The streets around might look a bit shabby but I felt the area to be very safe.
The only real problem someone might have is significant road-noise from the busy road in the front of the building. I had no problems sleeping but some light sleepers might struggle. Watching TV with open window is out of the question.
Moreover the host is very nice and had no problems with us arriving earlier than stated check-in time due to our flights.