In Santa Fe’s sweltering summer, ceiling fans are essential, and even budget travelers may wish to splurge for air-conditioning. Every place listed here has air-conditioning unless otherwise indicated.

Nuevo Hotel California (25 de Mayo 2190, tel. 0342/452-3988, US$26 s, US$34 d) helps compensate for drab architecture with amiability.

A deco-era classic, the Castelar Hotel (25 de Mayo 2349, tel. 0342/456-0999, www.castelarsantafe.com.ar, US$34 s, US$52 d, small discount for cash) has a graceful exterior, an inviting burnished wood lobby, and friendly staff. The rehabbed rooms are smaller and simpler than one might expect; some have tiny showers but others have tubs.

It’s worn around the edges, but the family-run Emperatriz Hotel (Irigoyen Freire 2440, tel./fax 0342/453-0061, emperatrizhotel [at] arnet [dot] com [dot] ar, US$39 s, US$59 d) evokes the style of a bygone colonial era. It has added contemporary touches such as Wi-Fi.

One of the best values is the comfortable Meridien Suites Apart Hotel (25 de Mayo 2620, tel. 0342/452-8966, www.meridiensantafe.com.ar, US$42 s, US$52 d). Rates include a private bath and kitchenette, cable TV, and telephone.

At the traditional Gran Hotel España (25 de Mayo 2647, tel. 0342/400-8834, www.lineaverdedehoteles.com.ar, US$39–47 s, US$50–60 d), the newer executive wing is worth the relatively small price difference.

Under the same management, just across the street, the business-oriented Conquistador Hotel (25 de Mayo 2676, tel. 0342/400-1195, www.lineaverdedehoteles.com.ar, US$59 s, US$70 d) has 70 good rooms.

At high-rise Hostal Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz (Avenida San Martín 2954, tel./fax 0342/455-1740, www.hostalsf.com, US$45–62 s, US$71–76 d), the common areas are more impressive than the rooms themselves (which are OK). More spacious rooms are only a little more expensive.