There is no shortage of accommodations in Foz. The more expensive (and often overpriced) tourist-oriented resorts are located along the Rodovia das Cataratas. Surrounded by greenery and recreational areas, they are ideal for families even though many, built in the 1970s, are in sore need of some refurbishing. In Foz itself, you’ll find more basic options geared towards business travelers and Brazilian shoppers in search of cheap duty-free goods in Cidade del Este. During off-season, you can get some very big discounts.

Conveniently located in the center of Foz, Hotel del Rey (Rua Tarobá 1020, tel. 45/3523-2027, www.hoteldelreyfoz.com.br, R$155 d) is a modern, budget option with sizable, well-kept rooms and a swimming pool, small fitness center, and Internet access.

More quaint, but equally affordable, is the German-owned Hotel Baviera Iguassu (Av. Jorge Schimmelpfeng, tel. 45/3574-3566, www.hotelbavieraiguassu.com.br, R$116 d). Occupying a pseudo-Bavarian chalet, rooms range from doubles to adjoining suites that can lodge up to six people. They are clean though somewhat spartan. Lots of freshly baked breads and cakes make breakfast something to look forward to.

Of the many options on the Rodovia das Cataratas, the best bargain is the IYHA-affiliated Hostel Paudimar Campestre (Rodovia das Cataratas Km 12.5, tel. 45/3529-6061, www.paudimar.com.br, R$21–24 pp). Surrounded by greenery, its cozy wooden cabins can sleep 2–8 people, and there are special suites for families. Rooms are clean, but hostel-like. More impressive are the facilities, including free Internet access, an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, and fitness room. There is even a travel agency where you can change currency and book excursions. Close to the airport (and to the falls), it is easily accessible by municipal bus, and the multilingual staff are helpful.

The Hotel Florença (Rodovia das Cataratas Km 13, tel. 45/3529-7755, www.hotelflorenca.com, R$150 d) is a large and laid-back resort that combines great service and amenities—including two pools and a tennis court—with extremely affordable prices. The modern rooms are plainly furnished, but quite spacious.

The San Martin Hotel (Rodovia das Cataratas Km 21, tel. 45/3521-8881, www.hotelsanmartin.com.br, R$176–320 d) is one of the nicer big 1970s-style resorts and the closest to the entrance of the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu. It is also right next to the Parque das Aves. The sizable rooms with white linens and hardwood floors are quite comfortable (the more luxurious suites are attractively minimalist). However, the best feature is the vast expanse of green space: a mixture of landscaped gardens with recreational facilities and untamed jungle through which a walking trail leads to the Rio Iguaçu.

In operation since the 1950s, the Hotel das Cataratas (Rodovia das Cataratas Km 24.5, tel. 45/3521-7000, www.tropicalhotel.com.br, R$400–900 d) is the oldest hotel in Foz (the pale pink neoclassical main building was actually built close to a century ago). Moreover, it is also the only one actually within the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, giving you privileged access to the spectacular falls. Only a few rooms—the wildly expensive deluxe ones—actually offer views of the cataracts. Neither these, nor the more basic standard rooms, are luxurious, yet their vintage furniture and polished wooden floors give them an appealing retro charm. A renovation is expected to spruce things up. Aside from a large pool, the hotel is surrounded by forest with walking trails. The Restaurante Itaipu serves a delicious lunch buffet.