The Exe Hotel Cataratas is one of seemingly countless big hotels along the road between Iguazu Falls and Puerto Iguazu. Like its competition, the property sprawls across generous, well-kept grounds. It was one of the first hotels built in the town, but its common areas have been given a modern overhaul that makes most public areas relatively pleasant, if not exactly packed with style. There's plenty to occupy guests both inside and outside the hotel, with a variety of sports courts and a swimming pool with waterslide, plus restaurants and a spa. Despite its size, the property rarely feels crowded, though some areas need attention, including dated rooms and worn furniture and features. A steady stream of guests passes through the hotel to visit the falls, generally for one to three days at a time. Most are families or couples of all ages. 

The Exe Hotel Cataratas is located on the edge of Puerto Iguazu, along a major highway that connects Argentina with neighboring Brazil, as well as the town of Puerto Iguazu and the waterfalls. It's a 10-minute drive to the center of town, though the same trip is too far to make on foot. The town center is fairly touristy, and home to a number of restaurants and souvenir shops, plus a bus station. The Guira Oga animal rescue center is just down the road from the hotel, a two-minute drive away, and it's about a 20-minute drive to Iguazu Falls and the national park. Budget 20 minutes to reach the airport on the Argentine side of the falls by car, and 30 or more to reach Brazil's regional airport (keep in mind visa requirements when trying to cross).

Rooms are spacious and clean, though they could do with an overhaul to address tired style and some wear and tear. As it stands, though, decor is neutral and has an early-'00s homey look that consists of abundant neutral tones, overstuffed seating, bedspreads, and polished hardwood furniture -- some of which is a bit battered. As previous guests have noted, rooms are adequate for travelers who plan on spending a night or two here to see the falls before heading elsewhere. All units have balconies or terraces with nice views onto the pretty gardens. Other standard features include air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Families are well-catered for here, with configurations sleeping up to six people and connecting rooms available -- cribs or extra beds can be arranged on request. Bathrooms are tiled and feature a decent amount of counter space plus shower/tub combos with sliding screens. They include hairdryers and products. Suites add jetted tubs.

One of the Exe Hotel Cataratas' top features is its expansive garden setting -- which holds a host of outdoor activities, including several sports courts, a soccer field, mini-golf, kids' playground, a large swimming pool with a waterslide, and pool bar with a well-received all-day snack menu. There's a game room as well, which includes ping-pong, a video-game console, foosball, and a bouncy castle. A spa building contains an indoor pool and whirlpool, outdoor hot tubs, sauna, steam room, a small gym, and a menu of treatments. Only certain bookings include free spa access. The buffet restaurant serves three meals a day with some a la carte options, and room service is also available. Food gets mixed reviews. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.