I've just left Axel house and it was very sad. Be prepared to find good friends there! Axel himself is very helpful and always tries to give you tips and things you could need during yur stay. My room was a bit small, but it wasn't what mattered to me. Staying at Axel's means informal relationships, sense of adaptation and being part of a small community of young, open minded travellers. It was a blast for me. The amazing view is as you see it in the pictures. Santa Teresa is a small bairro located up on a hill...so you're not very close to beaches (30 min ride by bus)...but, believe me, it is charming. there is a small essai cinema, many good places to eat 10 minutes from the house, bars and nightlife in santa teresa. You are next to the favela but, as Axel says, a favela is NOT a slum. People are kind and always greet you and make you feel as you are part of the community. The house is very safe. Nothing happened during my stay. And it really gives you another prospective of Rio. Are you ready? ;)