The place was great, my girlfriend and I were traveling from the US, do not speak Portugues other than a few basic phrases and terms. Felt safe here, was in a good area near local bars and cafés. Walking distance to the beach where we would spend most of the day, then walk to the apartment to change and shower, then head to a restaurant that was either walking distance or a short cab ride that would cost maybe 10 Br Real (2.62 usd). There is a doorman there as well. You still want to be cautious when going to Rio, similar to any big city, but we loved our stay here. They even cleaned our place after a few days. Grocery is walking distance as well.