I didn't meet the hosts in person but Flavia was very responsive and polite. I would rent another apartment from her in a heartbeat. The neighborhood of Leblon is top notch, it is my favorite place in Rio. The apartment is three blocks from the beach and it has everything you need within walking distance (e.g. supermarkets, stores, restaurants, pharmacies, etc). The building does not have elevators so it is hard to stay there with little children. But I managed five weeks with kids who are 2, 4 and 6 years old. It was difficult at times but it is not impossible. I would stay at this apartment again despite a few old/broken things here and there (curtains were a little torn and dirty, one of the bedroom closets had broken drawers, the stove knobs were greasy...but one could easily overcome those issues). The location can't be beat!