Hostal Darwin

This is a perfect place to stay if what you are in the Galápagos to do is see the islands. Basic, few frills rooms with nice bathrooms, warm water showers, fresh linens and towels every day, and very nice AC. Two blocks from the waterfront. Everything you could want from a grocery store to restaurants. Fresh, clean water is free. Kitchen is well-equipped with a nice dining area. Staff is very helpful and just plain nice. Outer door is locked after 1900 and before 0700. You have a key to the outer door and a separate key for your room. Staff is present in the reception area during all times the outer door is unlocked. Tickets for tours and ferries to other islands are available through the hostal. The rooms are fairly quiet for being in downtown. Santa Cruz is safe, and Hostal Darwin makes you feel even safer and at home.

- The room was very spacious. - Bang in the center. - Stayed only for 1 night and it was great value for money

- The room looked old and shabby.

The only good thing about this place is location - not so far from the pier.

The rooms are small and very old. No glass in the bath window. I don't recommend to stay for more than 1 night.

Basic, clean room at convenient location. Friendly staff

Na

A clean, basic hostel with a great location. The price was well woth the money spent.

I had an issue on the snorkel boat the "PATRICIA". While I was snorkeling, a crew member took 120 dollars from my wallet. The trip was booked from the hostel. I did not get my money back but the staff tried very hard to help me. They gave me a complimentry r/t ticket to floreana. They offered to refund the commision they earned but I refused to do that. The police were notified and are investigating.

Hostal Darwin was an ideal place for me to stay. My room has plenty of space. The AC was superb!!! My bed was comfy. My room was cleaned daily, bedclothes changed, and I was given a new towel. A big plus was that the bathroom did not have AC. Yes, a plus when you take a shower. Hot water was good! Another plus. Location was ideal. Close to the malecon/pier, Proinsular general market (their bread is the best on Santa Cruz), Charles Darwin station, and the beaches associated with that station. Also close to the fruit markets up the hill just a few blocks. Locally grown, truly ripe fresh fruit of all kinds. Considerimg how close Hostal Darwin is to the pier and main part of town, amazingly, the rooms are very quiet. Hostal Darwin has a central courtyard with a kitchen and dining area. The rooms are positioned around that central courtyard. This means almost no noise penetrates into the rooms. There is an outer door to the compound that closes at 2200. Guests have a key. It made me feel doubly safe. Another big plus? Only the very occasional ant wandering in the bathroom. I ignored the ant, and it wandered away by the next time I used the bathroom. I rejoiced while there. No mosquitos!!! No deerflies! No black flies!!! No other creepy crawlies. The people working at Hostal Darwin are friendly and patient with my poor Spanish skills. There is also an associated travel-organizing office. They helped me figure out which tours to go on when, and facilitated my trips to stay on Floreana and Isabella. I have stayed in many more luxurious places, but Hostal Darwin is my favorite place to stay on Santa Cruz.

Some of the white wash on the bathroom walls rubbed off a bit, but in the warm, humid climate, that was not a surprise. Some of the towelt need upgrading.

Great economic option to stay in Puerto Ayora. Close to everything. Many inexpensive food options when you walk away from the port. Staff was kind and could offer inexpensive tours.