Maria was a fantastic host. When I first moved in she left water, food, and fresh fruit. She was always available if I needed her and she came to check on me from time to time. The flat is in a great area near the Jardim Botanica...plenty of cafes, restaurants, super markets, etc. You can easily walk to the Parque Lage, Jardim Botanica, the Lagoa, or with a little more effort Leblon,, Ipanema, or Copacabana. The flat is small but it has everything you need(kitchen, bed, bathroom). It has a great view of Corcovado from the balcony. I staid a month and really enjoyed it. I would definitely stay again...and Maria is wonderful!!