We spent three wondeful days at this hotel in absolute luxury. The villas are superbly decorated and appointed. The staff were terrific and the food in the dining room was outstanding. The pool was immaculate and the business centre was first class. If there is a better hotel on the islands it must be a six star. The hotel was so good that several of the tour group we travelled with opted out of the tour to stay and enjoy the facilities. If you seek tranquility and elegance --stay here.

Our family stayed at the Royal Plam for 2 nights after a Galapagos cruise at the Legend.the permises are very nice and rooms are well appointed nevertheless we had some problems: our family includes 3 kids:twins 9 and youngest 7 and I had called the attention for the fact that they should stay at a reasonable distance from us. When we got there they gave us 2 different houses, not even next to each other and separated by at leat 300m. The receptionist herself said that she didn´t think the kids were so young...First there was another option, the Imperial suite with 2 rooms but than they came to the conclusion that it was in maintenance. We were very upset and uncomfortable with the situation. We booked 6 months ahead and had called the attention to that fact...The reception manager wasn´t helpful at all and quite disagrable person. That evening came to see us saying that he had placed other people in the suite "because they really insisted"....but that it would be available for us for the 2nd night...On top of that the kids room was full of butterflies and we had t ask 3 times before they came with insect reppelent.
Finally we had to pack and moved and the suite was perfect. Unfortunately we only found that out the 2nd evening because we were so upset with them that we spent all they in Puerto Ayora.
The nice part was that the general manager, Vasco B, called us appologising for the whole mess and offered to reedem for the first night. He was very nice and simpathetic.
It is a pity that on site that don´t seem to be able to get there act together because rooms are very beatiful and well appointed.

This hotel is located in the highlands of Santa Cruz, so it is much cooler. After taking a cruise where the day trips consist of walking in incredible heat, but loving every minute of it, a cool spot to rest is perfect. The Royal Palm delivers in relaxation, quiet, and a nice cool spot.

The cottage are nicely appointed and are very comfortable. A great place to recoup and think of all the amazing animals you saw on your cruise.

We stayed at the Royal Palm in Jan 2007 and had 2 cabins, one with double and one with 2 singles (for children)
Accomodation in hotel is the best I have ever stayed in: spacious with lots of rooms and privacy; great bathroom and biggest shower I have ever seen; conservatory with jacuzzi and great views of sunset; a sitting and dining room and a fireplace which staff will lite for you.
It also has a great dressing room with plenty of space to store everything and beds were very comfortable. Aslo there is a TV and CD player and DVD player in room (hotel has DVDS to borrow as well as CD's). We didn't want to ever leave the room! I would rate it 10/10.

The facilities were also great. There is a big business center with free internet and a library and TV room and a gym and steamroom and massage facilities (great massage for $65). They also supply tennis rackets and balls for courts. Infinity pool is beautiful, if a bit cold as it is not heated.

The dining room is spacious and you can either order from lunch menu at night or have a 5 course meal. Breakfast is a buffet but you can order special items (we saw people ordering chocolate ice cream for breakfast!). Bar area is good as well. You can also get room service and have breakfast in room when you are leaving before the buffet starts.

There are only 2 negatives about hotel - it rained most of the time which is somewhat welcome after the heat of the rest of the islands; and the road to the hotel is very potholed, which isn't very comfortable when on a tour bus. Ask to be driven to gate, if possible. It is also a cab ride to town ($6 or $7). However, there are great things to be seen right near the hotel: lava tunnels; giant tortoise farms; and 2 lava craters.


They really go out of their way to please the guests. However, some staff do not speak English as well as they claim and you have to check that they fully understand you, but this should be expected.