María's place is exceptional. Before I explain why, I have to say that any reviews indicating otherwise reflect the reviewer's failure to fully read the airbnb description and other reviewer's reviews. You get exactly what is stated in the ad, and Maria and her son go above and beyond to ensure their guests have an exceptional stay, not just in the airbnb, but in Rio.
The apartment is a fully-equipped, small, cozy, "studio". I say "studio" because the kitchenette and the bathroom have doors that provide additional privacy and comfort, especially if you are travelling with someone else.
The airbnb has everything you need for a stay in Rio. I stayed a few days, including during the week when I had to work remotely. The wifi was perfect and the little desk area worked well for my purposes. Rio is noisy and my multiple Airbnb experiences in Rio have never been fully isolated from the city noise. however, I slept well here, especially with such a comfortable bed and a solid selection of pillows, including memory foam options.
The fridge is large and includes a freezer and is not noisy as it is inside its own closet. There are also many closets to store your items and luggage so that you make most of the studio's space. The kitchenette has the basics and there is even a water filter which saved me time and money that would have been otherwise spent buying bottled water.
The neighborhood is safe, there are lots of places to eat nearby, and you're just a few short blocks from either the beach or the lagoon. I personally enjoyed the lagoon which is very safe and has a really nice pedestrian and bike path that goes around the lake. it's well lighted and there are police and health stations at frequent stops.
Lastly I'll mention that Maria and her son will greet you and give you a guided tour of the airbnb, explaining how everything works and answering any questions. They will point out details you wouldn't otherwise notice like the different drying racks for your swimsuit and towels (or laundry), the small water, beer, and chocolates they left as welcome gifts, the coffee and tea, and other items I am probably forgetting.
thank you Maria! I know where to stay next time I'm in Rio!