We were a bit apprehensive at first about staying in Botafogo. It seemed that Ipanema, Leblon were safer options. We stayed because of the view initially. Then we liked the place. It has the local flavor, the local outtings. It has a huge shopping center just across the street, with great options for food, ice cream, coffee and shopping if you liked. It is all local people, seldom you see a tourist. Wonderful, and be prepared to speak and learn some Portuguese, at least enough to order food. By now I feel fluent, jajaja.
About the place, it is just magical. Tiny but cozy and loving and full of nice touches. I fully felt at home. The price is very fair for what you get, and you are close to everything. We learned to use the metro system which is 2 blocks away, and voila the whole city was at our disposal. We went to maracana on our own in metro.
Dont think twice about the place, the best option in Rio.
ps. my final night I went to one of Rio's good hotels, awful.