Hotel Los Algarrobos, an 18-room budget option, wins our pick for best value hotel on San Cristobal. With multiple room types, free daily breakfast, and excellent Wi-Fi, Los Algarrobos is suited to a range of travelers, from families with children to backpackers. However, with tons of stairs and no elevator, the hotel may pose a problem for people with mobility issues. Hotel Los Algarrobos has an excellent location, within walking distance of the airport and downtown Puerto Baquerzio Moreno. Although it’s not a beachfront property, the hotel has a rooftop deck with beautiful ocean views. Travelers looking for something a bit more upscale might prefer nearby Casa Opuntia Galapagos, though it tends to be pricier.
Hotel Los Algarrobos, an 18-room budget option, wins our pick for best value hotel on San Cristobal. With multiple room types, free daily breakfast, and excellent Wi-Fi, Los Algarrobos is suited to a range of travelers, from families with children to backpackers. However, with tons of stairs and no elevator, the hotel may pose a problem for people with mobility issues. Hotel Los Algarrobos has an excellent location, within walking distance of the airport and downtown Puerto Baquerzio Moreno. Although it’s not a beachfront property, the hotel has a rooftop deck with beautiful ocean views. Travelers looking for something a bit more upscale might prefer nearby Casa Opuntia Galapagos, though it tends to be pricier.
Casa Opuntia, a 13-room waterfront property, is a solid mid-range option on San Cristobal. The hotel is located at the end of Puerto Baquerzio Moreno’s downtown boulevard, and is within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and beaches. Casa Opuntia has two pools and an on-site restaurant, and offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi. However, one of the pools and some of the hotel’s rooms are located at an adjacent property, which may be a turn-off for some guests. Other minor annoyances include iffy hot water in the hotel’s showers, and slow Wi-Fi that only works in the lobby. Nearby Hotel Los Algarrobos is a more budget-friendly option with excellent Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, but the property isn't as nice as Casa Opuntia.
Casa Opuntia, a 13-room waterfront property, is a solid mid-range option on San Cristobal. The hotel is located at the end of Puerto Baquerzio Moreno’s downtown boulevard, and is within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and beaches. Casa Opuntia has two pools and an on-site restaurant, and offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi. However, one of the pools and some of the hotel’s rooms are located at an adjacent property, which may be a turn-off for some guests. Other minor annoyances include iffy hot water in the hotel’s showers, and slow Wi-Fi that only works in the lobby. Nearby Hotel Los Algarrobos is a more budget-friendly option with excellent Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, but the property isn't as nice as Casa Opuntia.
Housed in a modern building that looks like it was plucked from the shores of Miami Beach, Iguana Crossing is certainly Isabela’s most upscale hotel. With 14 airy rooms, a sleek pool, a massive rooftop lounge, and an excellent location across the street from the beach, Iguana Crossing looks and feels a lot more sophisticated than its neighbors. But despite its dazzling appearances, the hotel has a few lackluster qualities. Rooms have flat-screen TVs, but no cable. The Wi-Fi is free, but it’s impossibly slow. Bathrooms have large walk-in showers, but hot water is hard to come by. Plus, in a sleepy, old-timey town like Puerto Villamil, something so sleek and modern looks a little out of place. Travelers seeking something a bit more authentic should check out La Casa de Marita. It’s not as ritzy as Iguana Crossing, but feels more like it belongs on the island of Isabela.
Housed in a modern building that looks like it was plucked from the shores of Miami Beach, Iguana Crossing is certainly Isabela’s most upscale hotel. With 14 airy rooms, a sleek pool, a massive rooftop lounge, and an excellent location across the street from the beach, Iguana Crossing looks and feels a lot more sophisticated than its neighbors. But despite its dazzling appearances, the hotel has a few lackluster qualities. Rooms have flat-screen TVs, but no cable. The Wi-Fi is free, but it’s impossibly slow. Bathrooms have large walk-in showers, but hot water is hard to come by. Plus, in a sleepy, old-timey town like Puerto Villamil, something so sleek and modern looks a little out of place. Travelers seeking something a bit more authentic should check out La Casa de Marita. It’s not as ritzy as Iguana Crossing, but feels more like it belongs on the island of Isabela.
La Gran Tortuga is a 10-room budget property that feels like a cross between a hotel and a hostel. Like a hostel, La Gran Tortuga has simple, unfussy accommodations and affordable nightly rates that attract backpackers, school groups, and other budget travelers. However, like a hotel, the property has private, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and hot water. Whatever you want to call it, La Gran Tortuga offers excellent value. It’s located within walking distance of downtown Puerto Villamil and the beach, has free Wi-Fi, serves a tasty daily breakfast buffet, and has on-site laundry services. La Gran Tortuga’s owners are incredibly hospitable and are always willing to drive guests around the island or help them arrange tours and excursions. Just note that they don’t speak much English. Travelers looking for a more conventional hostel with shared rooms and bathrooms might prefer Caleta Iguana, while those looking for something a bit for upscale should check out La Casa de Marita — both of which are beachfront.
La Gran Tortuga is a 10-room budget property that feels like a cross between a hotel and a hostel. Like a hostel, La Gran Tortuga has simple, unfussy accommodations and affordable nightly rates that attract backpackers, school groups, and other budget travelers. However, like a hotel, the property has private, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and hot water. Whatever you want to call it, La Gran Tortuga offers excellent value. It’s located within walking distance of downtown Puerto Villamil and the beach, has free Wi-Fi, serves a tasty daily breakfast buffet, and has on-site laundry services. La Gran Tortuga’s owners are incredibly hospitable and are always willing to drive guests around the island or help them arrange tours and excursions. Just note that they don’t speak much English. Travelers looking for a more conventional hostel with shared rooms and bathrooms might prefer Caleta Iguana, while those looking for something a bit for upscale should check out La Casa de Marita — both of which are beachfront.
La Casa de Marita is a charming mid-range hotel with 20 individually decorated rooms and a beautiful beachfront. The hotel has multiple room types and is a five-minute walk from downtown Puerto Villamil, which makes it an attractive option for all kinds of travelers. Plus, free daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi are definite perks. On-site amenities include a popular restaurant and an awesome beach deck with hammocks and lounge chairs. It’s not the most upscale lodging option on Isabela, but La Casa de Marita has a charming authenticity that can’t be replicated. Travelers looking for something a bit fancier might prefer Iguana Crossing, which has a pool and more luxurious amenities, but it feels out of place on the low-key island of Isabela, and tends to be pricey.
La Casa de Marita is a charming mid-range hotel with 20 individually decorated rooms and a beautiful beachfront. The hotel has multiple room types and is a five-minute walk from downtown Puerto Villamil, which makes it an attractive option for all kinds of travelers. Plus, free daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi are definite perks. On-site amenities include a popular restaurant and an awesome beach deck with hammocks and lounge chairs. It’s not the most upscale lodging option on Isabela, but La Casa de Marita has a charming authenticity that can’t be replicated. Travelers looking for something a bit fancier might prefer Iguana Crossing, which has a pool and more luxurious amenities, but it feels out of place on the low-key island of Isabela, and tends to be pricey.
If Red Mangrove Isabela Lodge was priced like a mid-range hotel, and marketed as a place with simple accommodations and minimal amenities, we’d say it was a fairly decent option for Isabela travelers. However, Red Mangrove is often portrayed (and priced) as one of the island’s most upscale hotels, leading many guests to expect beautiful decor, a quality restaurant, and nice features — which the hotel doesn’t exactly have. Herein lies the problem; the hotel sets high expectations, but doesn’t deliver. The 14 rooms are drab and forgettable, meals are lackluster, Wi-Fi is spotty, and there aren’t any knockout amenities besides a beautiful beach. Plus, anyone traveling from Santa Cruz sister property, Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge, will surely be disappointed. Red Mangrove’s Isabela outpost is far inferior to its sister. Next door, La Casa de Marita has nicer amenities and better on-site dining for cheaper nightly rates. Travelers looking for something more upscale might prefer Iguana Crossing, even though its ultra-modern decor feels a bit out of place on Isabela.
If Red Mangrove Isabela Lodge was priced like a mid-range hotel, and marketed as a place with simple accommodations and minimal amenities, we’d say it was a fairly decent option for Isabela travelers. However, Red Mangrove is often portrayed (and priced) as one of the island’s most upscale hotels, leading many guests to expect beautiful decor, a quality restaurant, and nice features — which the hotel doesn’t exactly have. Herein lies the problem; the hotel sets high expectations, but doesn’t deliver. The 14 rooms are drab and forgettable, meals are lackluster, Wi-Fi is spotty, and there aren’t any knockout amenities besides a beautiful beach. Plus, anyone traveling from Santa Cruz sister property, Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge, will surely be disappointed. Red Mangrove’s Isabela outpost is far inferior to its sister. Next door, La Casa de Marita has nicer amenities and better on-site dining for cheaper nightly rates. Travelers looking for something more upscale might prefer Iguana Crossing, even though its ultra-modern decor feels a bit out of place on Isabela.
Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge is a solid mid-range option in downtown Puerto Ayora. Rooms are cute and cozy, but otherwise nondescript. There’s an on-site restaurant, but the cuisine isn’t noteworthy. The main attraction here is the hotel’s unique access to local wildlife. Built around a natural mangrove, the hotel is a hot spot for sea lion visitors. Every day, guests can watch as multiple sea lions snooze on hotel lounge chairs and play in the water just offshore. For many guests this unique perk overrides some of the hotel’s flaws, like its sometimes funky smells, lack of on-site amenities, and slow Wi-Fi. Guests looking for a nicer hotel with better amenities should check-out Finch Bay Eco Hotel, though there’s less on-site wildlife, and it tends to be pricier.
Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge is a solid mid-range option in downtown Puerto Ayora. Rooms are cute and cozy, but otherwise nondescript. There’s an on-site restaurant, but the cuisine isn’t noteworthy. The main attraction here is the hotel’s unique access to local wildlife. Built around a natural mangrove, the hotel is a hot spot for sea lion visitors. Every day, guests can watch as multiple sea lions snooze on hotel lounge chairs and play in the water just offshore. For many guests this unique perk overrides some of the hotel’s flaws, like its sometimes funky smells, lack of on-site amenities, and slow Wi-Fi. Guests looking for a nicer hotel with better amenities should check-out Finch Bay Eco Hotel, though there’s less on-site wildlife, and it tends to be pricier.
For a budget hotel, Hotel Fiesta has a lot of things going for it. The beautifully maintained property has well-kept gardens, a large outdoor pool, and 33 spotlessly clean rooms; it also offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi for all guests. It’s located on a quiet side street that’s within easy walking distance of downtown Puerto Ayora and local attractions like Laguna de las Ninfas and Tortuga Bay. Of course, the place isn’t without its flaws — rooms are itty bitty, hot water isn’t consistent, and the Wi-Fi is awful — but, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better bang for your buck in Puerto Ayora. It’s worth comparing rates at Hotel Pelican Bay, which has nearly identical rooms and amenities, but its grounds are not as nice.
For a budget hotel, Hotel Fiesta has a lot of things going for it. The beautifully maintained property has well-kept gardens, a large outdoor pool, and 33 spotlessly clean rooms; it also offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi for all guests. It’s located on a quiet side street that’s within easy walking distance of downtown Puerto Ayora and local attractions like Laguna de las Ninfas and Tortuga Bay. Of course, the place isn’t without its flaws — rooms are itty bitty, hot water isn’t consistent, and the Wi-Fi is awful — but, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better bang for your buck in Puerto Ayora. It’s worth comparing rates at Hotel Pelican Bay, which has nearly identical rooms and amenities, but its grounds are not as nice.
Arguably the nicest hotel in the Galapagos, Finch Bay Eco Hotel is an upscale, 27-room property with excellent amenities. An architectural stunner, Finch Bay seamlessly blends with its incredible surroundings, and has distinct bragging rights as the only beachfront hotel in Puerto Ayora. Rooms are on the small side, but are impeccably decorated with modern furnishings and locally inspired artwork. Features include a beautiful pool and sundeck, a beachfront bar, an excellent restaurant, and freebies like daily breakfast and Wi-Fi. All-inclusive packages are available, and the hotel’s concierge can book all types of activities and excursions for guests, including island tours on the hotel’s private yacht. Finch Bay’s secluded location on a rocky peninsula affords visitors with an atmospheric serenity that’s hard to find in downtown Puerto Ayora, but some guests may find it too isolating. Those who would prefer to be in the heart of Puerto Ayora might prefer Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge, which often has similar nightly rates, but has inferior rooms and amenities.
Arguably the nicest hotel in the Galapagos, Finch Bay Eco Hotel is an upscale, 27-room property with excellent amenities. An architectural stunner, Finch Bay seamlessly blends with its incredible surroundings, and has distinct bragging rights as the only beachfront hotel in Puerto Ayora. Rooms are on the small side, but are impeccably decorated with modern furnishings and locally inspired artwork. Features include a beautiful pool and sundeck, a beachfront bar, an excellent restaurant, and freebies like daily breakfast and Wi-Fi. All-inclusive packages are available, and the hotel’s concierge can book all types of activities and excursions for guests, including island tours on the hotel’s private yacht. Finch Bay’s secluded location on a rocky peninsula affords visitors with an atmospheric serenity that’s hard to find in downtown Puerto Ayora, but some guests may find it too isolating. Those who would prefer to be in the heart of Puerto Ayora might prefer Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge, which often has similar nightly rates, but has inferior rooms and amenities.
For budget travelers looking to avoid hostels, Hotel Pelican Bay is a solid option. A quick, one-minute walk from bustling Avenida Charles Darwin, the hotel offers easy access to all of Puerto Ayora’s shops and restaurants. Rooms are small and the decor is basic — think white walls, limp bedding, and tiny bathrooms — but the hotel has its own pool and offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi. It’s not exactly the most scenic property we’ve ever seen, but it’s sufficient for those just looking for a place to sleep. Hotel Fiesta has a nicer property and amenities for comparable nightly rates, but it’s farther from downtown.
For budget travelers looking to avoid hostels, Hotel Pelican Bay is a solid option. A quick, one-minute walk from bustling Avenida Charles Darwin, the hotel offers easy access to all of Puerto Ayora’s shops and restaurants. Rooms are small and the decor is basic — think white walls, limp bedding, and tiny bathrooms — but the hotel has its own pool and offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi. It’s not exactly the most scenic property we’ve ever seen, but it’s sufficient for those just looking for a place to sleep. Hotel Fiesta has a nicer property and amenities for comparable nightly rates, but it’s farther from downtown.