I had a great time in Rio de Janeiro and I must thank Philip to available his lovely place to my friend and I. We're from São Paulo and we've spent 3 nights there.
Very quiet and clean. The location is perfect! You can find a lot of things around the neighborhood, for example, good places for breakfast or market. There's a bike station just on the corner and I really recommend you to use this way to move up.
Philip isn't Brazilian and because of that, you will be receive by Luzia. Both are very easygoing, the communication is clean and directly. If you don't speak English, MAYBE it would be a problem.
Day before I arrived, Philip sent me an email with all details to access the place with pictures and descriptions. And more: great tips to enjoy the places around and Luzia's contact.
I had no problem and I really recommend Philip's place to enjoy "A cidade maravilhosa" :-)