Marias place is in a good location although it feels a bit out of the way when you arrive. It is quiet and the sunny back area was lovely to come home to. It was more basic than the photos looked and we have given feedback to the host about additional lighting and desirable amenities so some improvements may occur. Maria didnt meet us but the place was easy to find. We had to ask another guest re access to wifi code as there were no notes.
There was good access to shops in the next street across, which is a mall. This is also the quickest way to walk into the centro and Sao Bento station. We tended to walk everywhere as the apartment was in a good location. Buses were also close by and regular.