Daphne Islands, Galápagos hotel rooms at the Independent

"An excellent stay. Cattya, the manager of the hotel was superb. She gave us timely information and organised the transfer of my luggage to Baltra airport whilst I was stuck at Isabela (due to tsunami alert). The food was lovely, both at breakfast and dinner. I would highly recommend to stay here. The great thing is that we had giant tortoise in the back garden. No need to go El Chato Ranch. You have nature in your back yard. Make sure you stay here if you make a trip out to Santa Cruz. It is mid way between the main town and the itabaca channel. It is $10 into town. "

"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. "