Staying in Floripa itself is advantageous if you don’t have a car and want to bus it to many beaches around the island. Good bargains are to be had, and since hotels are primarily geared to business travelers, prices are often lower on weekends.

The cheapest option is the cheery, well-kept HI Hostel Florianópolis (Rua Duarte Schutel 227, tel. 48/3225-3781, www.floripahostel.com.br, R$25–32 pp, R$60 d). A 10-minute walk from the rodoviária, it has spotless dorm rooms as well as private rooms for couples and families. Aside from a kitchen where you can rustle up a meal, there is a pleasant dining area and outdoor terrace.

More sleek and upscale is the InterCity Premium Florianópolis (Av. Paulo Fontes 1210, tel. 48/3027-2200, www.intercityhoteis.com.br, R$105–165 d), a gleaming hotel right across from the bus station. Spacious rooms are decorated with modern panache and feature enormous windows that, from high up, afford outstanding views of the bay and mainland. Amenities include an Internet café, a rooftop pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna.

The Florianópolis Palace (Rua Artista Bittencourt 14, tel. 48/2106-9633, www.floph.com.br, R$130–220 d) is nowhere near as grand as it sounds. Yet for the affordable price, this modern ’70s-era hotel geared towards upscale execs is a very comfortable and convenient option. Opt for a room with a panoramic city view. Extras include a pool and sauna.