Paulo's place is located in a safe and nice neighborhood very close to the botanical garden. There are nice bakery/cafe in the neighborhood and also two supermarkets within walking distance. It is very convenient to access to public buses. There is a bus (112) which you bring you directly from or to the Rio main bus terminal (Novo Rio). I stayed there for three nights to visit PUC-Rio. It can be reached on foot (about half an hour walk) or by bus which takes less than 10 minutes.