This will be an honest review after staying for 32 days at Riviera dei Fiori at Flavia's apartment.
Pro's:
We never met her, but Flavia was very accommodating with our original plan for our stay. Eduardo her husband was very friendly.
The resort is very calm in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Barra da Tijuca. Right across the street from a large Mercado, pharmacy, bakery, general store. Close to all types of shopping, and if you enjoy walking as we do you can even walk to Barra Shopping (and don't miss Poison Donuts). There is also a very good restaurant on the resort on the nice duck/ swan pond that offers great value and pizza buffet. Also close to the beach with a short walk to the boat to take you across the canal, then a short walk to gorgeous beaches.
The apartment is well laid out with plenty of bathrooms with good hot water, and counter space in the kitchen. Good appliances with a good washer/ stove/ refrigerator/ 2-TV's, good Wi-Fi now that Flavia upgraded.
I loved waking up early and enjoying the view from the balcony, and the sunset is gorgeous from the balcony.
Cons:
Just because you are at a resort with many amenities, do not think that you have access to them as we did, we used the gym for two weeks before Administration rudely kicked us out, we also found out that we did not have access to the free bus service offered by the resort. We even stopped using the pool after be kicked out of the gym for fear we would get kicked out also. The main problem with this, and why we only gave Flavia 3 stars for communication is because we were not told that we did not have access in the beginning, the description does not say you have access, but by not saying that you have no reason to believe you do not if you are not told.
The description says linens, but you only get a bottom/ fitted sheet, pillows/ cases and blanket, we went and bought new sheets to be more comfortable. Bed is hard, I weigh 105kg with bad hips and I woke up miserable every day.
This should not dissuade you unless you are a big person like me, but the shower is small for me.
You are given just the bare minimum of old pans, again we went out and purchased some cookware since we were there for a month and our cooking options were limited with what we were given. (I must assume that the good stuff is what is locked up behind the chains and locks on some of the cabinets.)
Overall my opinion is if you are not a large person, and staying for a couple of days, the value for the money is great. If you plan to stay for a longer time, and want comfort be prepared to make it happen yourself as we did. I just feel it is only fair for all parties to be aware of what they are getting.
Flavia was readily available if we had a question, just wish we had been made aware of what is not part of the apartment at check in, preferably before since it might play in to a decision.
Thank You Flavia