We stayed at thiago and his nice family's place for carnaval and it was an amazing experience.
Firts the place is located in a small favela in the hill behind Leme ,10mn from bus station, 20mn from metro by foot, there is a moto taxi service very usefull when your tired.But the most most important thing is that you will have the most outstanding view in the city,you see the whole beach of copa, leme, the corcovado ang more moutains from the terrasse and the rooftop.The neibourhood is total safe and friendly (there as several "pacification cops" station).
the rooms are very clean and large,very good beds, common bathroom, simple but good breackfast.Thiago and his family are very nice ang helpfull, with a lot of tips and arrangend us a very comfortable solution for sleeping altought our reservation was ending.
We definitly recommend this place!