We had a great time in RdJ and part of that was staying at Katia's place. The location is excellent, walking distance to bus and metro stations. The beach of Flamengo is literally across the street. We used the Bike Rio cycles share system to go to Botafogo, Copacabana and Ipanema, you pay Rs 10 for a month pass and tou can use the bikes to get to know the main beaches in Rio and even downtown.