It was my third time there and Cris' place is still nice: safe, clean and well maintained.
It is not so close from touristic places but it is a good compromise if you plan to visit the main places of the city.
The metro is 5-10 min walk (Alfonso Pena or São Cristóvão), some bus stops can be reached in less than 2 min.
So, you can reach Shopping Center (Tijuca) in 5-10 min by bus/taxi or 20 min by foot. Maracanã Stadium is just 30-40 min walk. You can be in the city Center (Centro/Carioca/Museu do amanha) in less than 10 min (bus), in Copacabana in 20-30 min (bus/metro). Lapa (some bars/parties there) is just 10 min away using bus or a cab. Don't forget to visit Feira de São Cristóvão during a weekend (very typical place), just 5 min away by cab!
You can also find some cheap (but very correct) places to eat in the neighborhood.
Of course, Cris is still helpful if we need.
Thanks Cris!