Golden Star

When you stay at this 3-star Curitiba hotel, you'll be right in the city center. Besides shops, restaurants, and offices, destinations within 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) include the Teatro Guaíra performing-arts complex, the prestigious Federal University of Paraná, and the vast green expanse of Passeio Público. Bustling Rua das Flores, one of the first pedestrian-only streets in this eco-minded city, is about a 15-minute walk. This street teems with tempting cafés, chic clothing stores, and colorful flower stands. Linger awhile and let the buskers entertain you. Another popular pedestrian street, Rua 24 Horas, is 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from the Hotel Golden Star. The "street that never sleeps," Rua 24 Horas offers an array of shops and eateries open 24 hours a day. Entirely enclosed and with a glass roof, Rue 24 Horas is a great destination for a rainy day or night.

A progressive, cosmopolitan city, Curitiba offers a rapid-bus system that's an international model for urban planners. "Linha Turismo," the tourist bus, stops at more than 20 attractions. During the 2.5-hour tour, you can get off the bus and visit 4 different sites. Favorites include Curitiba Botanical Garden, with its iron-and-glass greenhouse; the dramatically designed Museu Oscar Niemeyer, also known as "The Eye"; and beautiful Park Tanguá, built out of quarries.

Golden Star restaurant

Before heading out each morning, take time to enjoy a complimentary breakfast. The serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu including pizzas, sandwiches, and full meals. Another big plus: complimentary wireless Internet access, available throughout the hotel. No laptop? No problem. Just stop by the business center, where you can also pick up complimentary local newspapers.

Your air-conditioned guestroom has the basics you need for a hassle-free stay. In addition to complimentary Wi-Fi, rooms include city views, private bathrooms, desks, minibars, and a 32-inch TV with premium channels, such as ESPN Brasil and HBO. The hotel offers non-smoking guestrooms, daily housekeeping, and accessible rooms on request.