Hostal vista Al Mar — Hotel in Parroquia Bella Vista

Nice and clean hostel BUT the staff there is absolutely unprofessional unfortunately. Firstly the reception staff couldn't speak any English (I know it's a Spanish speaking country but a touristic place like the Galapagos I would expect they can at least speak a little), secondly and what really bothered me was that when I payed at arrival for my 1 night $15 USD with a $20 USD bill I got told they don't have don't have change but will give it to me later. I saw the reception lady later that night and she was just having a talk with people which seemed like friends of her but she didn't even bother giving me my change nor telling me that they still didn't have change. Since my ferry left early and the reception wasn't opened at that point I had to leave without my change. I texted them on the same day that I would pick up my change on my last day before my flight, no responds at all. Fast forward I stopped by before my flight, the reception lady was not the same as on my check in although the experience exactly the same. I told her that I'm here to pick up my change, she asked me for my name and when I stayed at the hostel. After a couple of seconds where the lady looked over a book she told me that I apparently never stayed there... I showed here my booking confirmation and the out of nowhere she knew what I was talking about. She gave my back my change, although not enough but at that point I had enough discussion and had to catch my flight. I hope everyone has a better experience.... I was more than...

We booked this place based on a recommendation we saw on a scuba blog but really wish we had shopped around more. The photos were misleading of the place and room. The garden area was full of broken appliances, plastic bottles, and crumpled wire fences. There were hammocks and a common area but it was hard to enjoy them due to the mosquitoes biting.

The WiFi only works in the garden area and when I stepped outside for service, my bare foot encountered a pile of chicken poo. Our room had little hairs all over the floor and the shower had a lot of grime. There was hot water in the shower but it would come in intense bursts then disappear for several minutes. Lastly, the beds felt like cardboard and the sheets were too small to share with my husband.

On the plus side, the hostel seemed safe with a lot of like-minded travelers passing through. It took some effort to network with the other guests and we did learn some helpful information on the best dive center for Gordon Rocks (Eagle Ray). Even though it’s located on a busy street, the rooms were quiet at night and the AC was always reliable. The family was helpful although I wouldn’t say hospitable.

So in summary, with so many places to stay on Santa Cruz, I would still recommend looking around or paying a little extra for more cleanliness...

A true home away from home

Amazing little place, very close to the pier and main road, but hidden away in a back yard. Fantastic value for money, with spacious rooms that get cleaned daily. Large, very well equipped kitchen with several fridges and freezers to use. The family who runs it is super lovely, and could not have been nicer. Especially when I had to come back from another island, as corona interrupted my planned journey, they welcomed me back and were helpful in every way, letting me use their phone and print stuff free of charge. Unlike other places, they did not charge more for the rooms now, and I can only repeat how lovely and helpful they were. The hostal also has a lovely, well maintained garden with palm trees, lovely flowers, 2 roofed seating areas and hammocks. It became a true home away from home. Thanks so much for everything! What dont Like us ?

There is nothing that could have been better. They were absolutely lovely, helpful and attentive. The whole place was daily cleaned, it was always, even when quite crowded due to the corona situation, always clean and well cared for. They also had a lovely old dog, who they cared for lovingly. Amazing...