Galapagos: Hotel Overview It used to be that those travelers who wanted to see the Galapagos Islands in comfort and style had to book a cruise on a cruise ship or yacht, as Galapagos hotels were overpriced and unimpressive.
This is no longer the case.
With tourism services improving in the Galapagos, there are now many fine hotels to choose from on four different islands, and many visitors are choosing to sleep on land and take day trips to visit the fascinating Galapagos visitor sites.
Galapagos Hotels: What you need to know Not so long ago, there were relatively few hotels in the islands, but the recent tourism boom has led to an increase in hotels, restaurants, travel agents and other visitor services.
Now the question is, how do visitors choose the right hotel? Costs: Hotels in the Galapagos Islands are much pricier than they are in mainland Ecuador.
Expect to pay at least double what you would pay for a similar hotel in Quito, Otavalo or elsewhere.
The cheapest of the cheap hotels charges at least $20 per person per night, and the most expensive charge hundreds of dollars per night.
There are lots of options in between, so a little homework will help you find the right hotel.
Services and amenities to look for:

• Air Conditioning: The days get very hot in Galapagos; air conditioning is a must during most of the year.
  Most hotels have it, but not all, and some advertise it but the service is sporadic.
  The cheapest hotels will often have electric fans as an alternative.
  
• Internet: The most modern hotels will have Wi-Fi and free internet for guests.
  Look for this if you use the internet much, because the internet cafes in town are pricey and unreliable.
  
• Ocean View: A nice thing about Galapagos cruises is the time on the water and the constant view of the ocean.
  Many hotels, especially the more high-end options, offer ocean view rooms upon request.
  

Galapagos Towns and their Hotels There are four towns in Galapagos, and there are lodging options in each of them.
Here's a quick look: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island: Not surprisingly, the largest town in Galapagos also has the most options.
There are many choices: the most expensive ones are on the waterfront or up in the highlands, while the inexpensive choices are set a couple of dusty streets back from the water.
Puerto Ayora is probably the best place to stay, as it's centrally located, has a number of restaurants, is known for good dive shops, and is close to several visitor sites like Los Gemelos.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno - San Cristobal Island: The capital and second largest city, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a bit more laid-back than Puerto Ayora.
There are fewer hotels and restaurants and luxury accommodations are limited, but there is still some selection.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is also close to some good visitor sites and diving.
Puerto Villamil - Isabela Island: Puerto Villamil is a very small town, and lodging options are new.
Most of the hotels tend to be either cheap or expensive, and so far there is not a lot of choice in the mid-range.
Puerto Velasco Ibarra - Floreana Island: This town is so tiny its best called a settlement: only a handful of people live there.
Here options are limited, but the island is a favorite.