I stayed at Felipe's place in 2019, and returned this December 2020 to stay for 2 months. The place is just awesome, located in a mixed use building with grocery market, bakery, pharmacy with ATM, restaurant (buffet with really great homemade food ), hair saloon, pet and hardware stores on the ground level, 24/7 uniformed security staff.
Felipe is an excellent host quick to respond to any questions and solve issues, we had a problem with the water heater and he sent a technician the same day and replaced the heater with a new unit just the next day. I noticed improvements in the quality of bedding and bathing clothes that were much better this time. The place has a nice view to the beach and hills. A short walk (600 ft) to the amazing Barra da Tijuca beach, white sugar sand and sparkling clear waters, umbrella and 2 chairs is only $4 , food service on the beach (beer $2, cocktails $4) amazing food (a whole fish or shrimps with side dishes enough for three people is about $20. We will return there for sure. Highly recommended.