I stayed at Katia's place during the Carnaval and it was fantastic! The room and the apartment are very comfortable, modern, cozy and have everything you need. The building is well placed, near the Barra beach, bus stop to Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Rocinha, Center, etc. The bus terminal station Alvorada, where you take the bus to almost all city points, is about 15 minutes by foot. Barra shopping and other malls are near too. The area is safe, I walked there at night. In front of the building there is a beautiful lagoon. You can see birds, monkeys, crabs and even capivaras.
Katia is very kind, hospitable and nice person. She prepared a welcome breakfast for us, gave some presents, beach chair and let me use her bicycle. She was always there to help and advice. I definitely recommend to stay at Katia's place. You will be home away from home.