Independent, Santa Cruz Island hotels

"For our first trip to the Galapagos, my two friends and I opted for the DIY style of exploring the Galapagos Islands. We wanted to stay at a place that was central to Puerto Ayora, small enough to not feel overwhelmed by tourists, and offered good recommendations for places to explore and restaurants to try. The staff at Maidith Inn delivered on all three! Maidith is a 5-10 minute walk to the busy shopping/dining scene and port from which the ferries depart, but far enough away from the busy street to be quiet at night. It had an intimate vibe, and Denis, the innkeeper for the time being, was there to greet us every morning and evening with kindness, fresh towels, and bottles of water. He provided great recommendations on restaurants to try in addition to the one-page list of dining options that Maidith had for its guests. When booking our reservation, I reached out to Maidith about some recommended places to visit on the way from the airport. For a reasonable price, they connected us with the best taxi driver who picked us up from the airport, took us to Los Gemelos, took us to Frontier Galapagos, where we saw land tortoises and hiked to/from the lava tunnels, and took us to the hotel. This taxi driver was incredibly kind and professional, and we ended up using his services two or three more times during our stay. As a plus, the daily breakfast is fresh and healthy. If traveling alone or with a small group, Maidith Inn could be the perfect option! "

"Beautiful hotel with very short walk to the center of town. Very courteous and helpful staff. Relaxing pool. Great full breakfast every morning - they will pack you a breakfast bag if you need to leave before 7 am. Would highly recommend!"

"Staff was very friendly and professional. They helped us with everything we asked for. "

"wonderful room and convenient location in puerta Ayora Small issue with noisy bathroom fan but I would recommend it "

"Amazing hotel. Ana and the rest of the staff were very friendly and kind. I greatly appreciate their hospitality and the amenities of the hotel. Very clean and comfortable. Great location right near ocean and short walk from restaurants and nature viewing. Can’t wait to come back!"

"Staff was very friendly and location convenient. Modern interior."

"Beds too hard"

"Excelente estadía"

"The Royal Palm offers a truly immersive Galápagos experience—set inland on a stunning 100 acre property, far from the touristy feel of the ports. Recently under new ownership, the property is being refreshed: rooms are spacious and renovated, the pool has been redone, and quiet renovations are underway, including apparently a unique lava tunnel spa. Some exterior areas still need attention, but the overall feel is serene and authentic. Service is top-notch and boutique-level, with attentive, personalized touches throughout. A special thank you to Gustavo, the ever-present and gracious manager. The restaurant is excellent, with a warm team—Rita made us feel at home and remembered our names. Breakfasts are fresh, varied and awesome. Excursions can be organized by the hotel and work seamlessly. Duncan gave us a deep dive into the island’s geology and ecology, while Maritza kept our 8–14-year-olds fully engaged with her energy and knowledge. Boat tour days were a highlight—fantastic snorkeling, incredible island views, and a surprisingly gourmet chef onboard (kudos)! The boat crew was kind and professional. Guide quality, however, faltered which was disappointing. Overall, The Royal Palm is a peaceful, character-rich base for a Galápagos trip—elevated by excellent service, comfort, and nature. "