OK it's definitely a favela but I felt great there.
First impression can be weird if it's your first time.. especially with the local security but once they know you they are totally fine.
People in the favela are friendly and never felt like anyone wanted to exploit me but cariocas are opportunistic so watch out to what you say.
The place was very clean and it came with the basic needs too - soaps, washing products and cleaning products.
I definitely recommend this place but you need to be fit as you will probably walk like 350 steep stair at least once a day ... I think that's actually a feature.
Thanks Simon for the offer and thanks Bruno for explaining how things work there !