1st of all, as security in a "favela" was the biggest issue to my girlfriend, I can tell, as well as a hundred comments before me, that babilonia is very safe. Probably more safe than most spots of Rio, as there were policemen at the entrance, the top, the animated intersection before switching to Thiago's house, and patroling around. That said, everybody around was nice, polite, helpful, smiling to us, even more (if possible) than in the rest of Rio. We were helped by the people to find the hostel, at the second our taxi arrived at the bottom of Babilonia, like in a nice village where everybody knows everybody..
The Hostel and rooms was exactly as described, clean, recent or renewed, only mattress was a little "cheap" style... not much more to complain. On the other hand, you can watch the Corcovado's lights while taking a shower, and check Copacabana's waves during breakfast..
And last but not least, Thiago and dona Vera were very very pleasant and helpful. I can only regret I didn't spend more time around to get to know more about Thiago and his lifestyle, share a churrasco and beer on the terrace, etc ...
Good to know for some, the hostel is on the top of 15 minutes hill walk, unless you try a R$ 3 mototaxi of course.. better not forget your swimsuit as I did once, because copacabana's sea is irresistible..
Obrigado Thiago e ate logo
Chris and Jing