Bernardo was a great host and the home is *gorgeous* and comfortable. A great view of Copacabana, art everywhere in the apartment, and exactly as promised in the description. Bernardo was very responsive to emails, met me at the apartment when I arrived at night, etc.
As for the location: the walk up the hill to the home is a 7 minute workout, the community is safe, there are award-winning restaurants *in* the community. I used uber to get home when it was late at night (they dropped me off at the door), but other than that, I wore sensible walking shoes and was fine.