As host, Roge Fernando was both immediately and effectively responsive. He promptly answered my questions and took action to both accept me as a renter and then to address my concerns.
The house was impressive in many ways. First, it is probably the most technologically advanced home you will come across on airbnb. Much of it is operated through an ipad on which you set the air conditioning, light and an amazing audio-video system. We rented the house during the World Cup and couldn't have been luckier thanks to the audio system. Through the ipda we could choose to watch matches either on a large HD TV, or larger screen or even another larger screen (Fernando can provide their dimensions). This coupled with state of the art surround sound made our viewing experience complete. There is also a jacuzzi in the garden (above the house) with a tv and bar area. We did not get to try that though. In the begining of our stay the house lacked certain basics such as utensils in the kitchen. However these were corrected as soon as we alerted Fernando to them. The house is in an endearing upper middle class neighbourhood. Walking to the residential area beneath it made me feel like I have been plugged into the life of true Cariocas. This is an unparalleled airbnb advantage over hotels, which is particularly manifested in this house. While its neighbourhood is nice and quite and seems safe, it is about a 20 - 30 minute taxi ride to Ipanema and Copacapana were we liked to hangout. On the other hand it is a 20 minutes walk to the station of the tram that takes you to Christ Redentor Statue (advance online reservations are recommended if you want to take the historic tram). Fernando was forthcoming with advice on where to go and how. Among his best advice, which we followed was to take a taxi to the Lago (lake) and take a bike from there to the touristy beaches. One of the highlights of our visit was also thanks to his referral to Rafael who is an Eco-tourism guide that took us up a hike of the Twin Brother mountains with magnificent views of the marvelous city that is Rio.