What a great location, only a few steps from the airport bus and a few more steps to all of the historic sights and sites. Had a room at the very top of the hotel which was perfect for catching cross-room breezes on unusually warm days for a São Paulo winter. Lively during the day, livelier at night, but I never felt for a moment that there was any danger -- just employ common sense that you would use in any major city around the world, whether that's London, Madrid, New York City, Beijing, Los Angeles, Sydney, or S.P. A quick walk to some great shopping (and on weekends, especially Sunday, a great outdoor market). A bit longer walk to sites like Pátio do Colégio, Catedral do São Paulo, Mosteiro de São Bento, Praça da Liberdade, and even MASP or the Picanoteca are walkable if you've got an adventurous spirit and good walking shoes. Lots of good gay life around the area too, very friendly and welcoming, but don't let the straight folks shy away, it's a very fun and friendly bairro.