I highly recommend this place and location!!
I will go back there!!
The place is an actual, full 1 bedroom apartment (not an efficiency that was divided). All rooms, living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and entrance hall are spacious, so you won't need to squeeze anywhere in the apartment.
The place was very clean. Marcelo and his wife were very welcoming upon check-in.
I also appreciated all the details that are not always present in airbnb places: coffee maker, soap, laundry detergent, power adapters, etc... There is even an umbrella.
The location is excellent, with easy access to the central, Southern and Northern areas of Rio de Janeiro. There is a subway station, with both lines 1 and 2, bus stops, restaurants, bars and supermarkets at a short walk from the apartment. There is a taxi stand at the corner of the street. Gloria's marina and Flamengo beach are also at walking distance. Rio's most famous beaches are a few subway stations (about 15 minutes) away.
Downtown business district, Santa Teresa's tourist area, and Lapa's nightlife are nearby.
Extremely convenient.