This was the perfect place in a number of ways, beginning principally with Maria. Very helpful (if you don't speak Portuguese her daughter Miriam will help out), she was also incredibly respectful of personal space. And it was nice having her around to chat about Rio and that sort of thing. Very accomodating and just generally a wonderful host.
The room itself was also perfect: nice private bathroom, comfortable and clean bed, cable TV with plenty of stations to unwind to if you like, and a nice view onto Praça General Osório.
And speaking of the plaza, it's an incredibly convenient location and home base for exploring the city. Feira Hippie (giant outdoor gift market basically) on Sundays, farmers market during the week (didn't quite figure out the pattern) and within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, stores and Ipanema beach (much more chill and less touristy than Copacabana). Also the subway entrance is right out the door (don't be deceived by the big blocks — staying anywhere in Leblon is absolutely not a quick walk to the subway). I'm not a veach person myself, but this was a nice place to come home to after exploring the grittiwr parts of the city during the day.
Anyway, this was perfect. Very clean. Great host. Great location. I would do this again in a heartbeat.