Santa Cruz Vacations & Trips from $531

Excellent attention and care to guest comfort. Breakfast was fantastic. The owner gives you his personal cellphone number and is happy to answer any questions.

The manager and team was very amazing

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.

Nice view of the beach with a colony of sea lions hanging around. Gorgeous swimming pool with a cafe bar

Wonderful hotel. Our room was incredible. We stayed in Darwin. But there was no hot water for 2/3 of our stay. All we were able to get out of them was a free breakfast one day. I would have expected a significant discount given this lacking amenity