Marcia and her family (2 young girls Tainha & Stefanie who are both university students) are awesome. The atmosphere is super friendly and they are happy to include you in as much or as little as you want. One or all of them are often about and are happy to speak in English or to put up with (and help to improve) terrible Portuguese.

The location is pretty good - Botafogo is pretty much in the centre of where you want to be - midway between Copacabana/ Ipanema (South) for beaches etc. and St. Theresa/ Lapa (North). And Botafogo itself is very lively and interesting. The house is situated about 5-10 minutes walk up a hill (depending on your athleticism) so you get a great view from your room's private balcony.
If you want to be right in the middle so that you step from your front-door into the metro/ busy streets, this location is not for you. However, for those who go out and do their thing to return later, its nice to be above the town a little and to have some perspective.
I was initially a little worried about walking up the hill, especially at night, but this is a road only with private houses which does not lead to a Favela. The people all seem to know one another and bit by bit I started to recognise them and vica verca. The verdict? Its safe.

The rooms are great - big, clean; and towels if you need them. Balcony with a hammock and an excellent view. Marcia provides a breakfast if you want it and at times there is great food if you want to participate in other meals. A small contribution to the cost of the food is a small price to pay for the excellent meal and company.

Overall, this is a very friendly place. You will feel part of the family if thats what you want. Otherwise you can just use it as a base if you prefer your privacy.

Enjoy.