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#4 of 29 hotels in Puerto Ayora
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel offers a unique and luxurious experience in the Galapagos Islands. Located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, it is the only beachfront hotel in the area, providing direct ocean views with private balconies in each of its suites. The hotel emphasizes sustainability, with practices like rainwater collection, energy-saving measures, and recycling. It features a spa, fine dining with local ingredients, and exclusive yacht day tours to nearby islands. For a full Galapagos experience, a stay of at least four nights is recommended. The hotel is accessible via a 5-minute water taxi ride from Puerto Ayora. For more information or to make a reservation, you can visit their website at www.finchbayhotel.com or contact them directly at +1 844-391-4613 (US) or +593 986-016-610.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
From the moment we checked in until the moment we checked out we were impressed with the wonderful staff. With a welcome drink of punch waiting for us to the ducks swimming in the pool the beauty of this hotel surrounded us. The “private”boat” transported us from Porto aroyo and back whenever needed. We had 2 great dinners sitting at the pool. Our rooms were well air conditioned. The hammocks were a nice touch. We were in room 5 (water view) and 19 (garden view). We were supposed to be in the Galapagos habitat hotel (closed) but feel this was a definite upgrade and are happy with this replacement. Well done finch bay!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Customer Relationship Manager, Marketing at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Responded Aug 25, 2022
Dear Pe4all4 Thank you for your kind words! We are very happy to read your review, we are proud to take care of every detail with our guests. We take great pride in our service and staff members, and are happy to hear our standards have been kept. Please return soon and enjoy of our hotel again. Best regards, Finch Bay Hotel.
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This beautifully laid out Resort Hotel on one side of Santa Cruz Island is technically at Puerto Ayora. However, the town is on the other side of a bay a short water taxi ride, then a 10-15 minute walk from the wharf to the Hotel (there is no road access to the hotel). This Resort comprises a central area which houses a small reception area, the restaurant/breakfast room, a large pool and bar area with accommodation rooms/suites set out either side of the central area. As the Galapagos is plastic free, the hotel presents all guests with their own reusable water bottle. My room (4), a twin, was a short walk past the laundry/drying room (useful for wet suits at the end of a day swimming) and overlooked a beach with open sea in the background. The room was lovely, pictures on the walls of Galapagos animals and birds, likewise the cushion covers on the beds. It was very comfortable and quiet I loved that there are no TVs or room service and no clock either. I had a deck with hammock facing the ocean and a tree next to my balcony was a magnet for the various varieties of finches around here. Their lovely early morning chirping was a good alarm clock. Bathroom with spacious basin top area, hairdryer and separate shower which included shampoo/conditioner/shower gel in refillable containers attached to shower wall. The A/C unit in my room ceased to work on my second last night. The hotel very apologetic and a temporary portable unit located by the afternoon and whilst its positioning (balcony door jammed shut against outlet hose) meant I was unable to access my balcony on my last evening, the hotel did give me a free drink at the bar for the inconvenience. Sipping on a cocktail on a lounge beside the pool in the late afternoon was luxury and so relaxing, the water in the pool was exceedingly warm however. The Bar makes wonderful cocktails (including a Pisco Sour), is popular with locals and got busy in the evenings. It is recommended that you sign your bar chit to avoid any issues with bill when checking out. The breakfast buffet provided something for all tastes and if you wanted something cooked, that was accommodated. My only gripe related to the hard as rock butter which refused to spread on toast! Friendly service all round. On our last morning, in light of All Souls Day, all guests received a kind of bread roll with out names on them – a lovely gesture. Whilst there is no shop at this resort, they do sell merchandise. You simply tick off what you want on a form and staff will bring the items to your room. I was disappointed they were not selling their wonderful mouse pads.
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Date of stay: November 2019
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:All rooms have views of the water.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from customerelationshipm, Director de Relaciones con Clientes at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Responded Feb 19, 2020
Dear Robin P, Thanks so much for providing us with your in depth feedback! We're delighted to hear that your Galapagos experience, particularily from the comfort of the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, was pleasing! We're incredibly proud of our team - from hotel staff all the way to our insightful naturalist guides and expedition leader - that truly make it a point to showcase virtually everything the Galapagos have to offer. We are always working on improving our services and are glad you enjoyed your stay, despite the few incidents you had. Sorry once again for any inconvenience you may have experienced. We hope that your stay with us and your time in the Galapagos will lead you to share the memory of this remarkable destination with your friends, family, and the rest of the world! Thanks again for your comment! Kind regards, Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
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Finch Bay is a very nice hotel in a very unique location. While not actually very secluded, the panga ride necessary to reach the property, and the design of the grounds make you feel like you are far from civilization. Being in the Galapagos, it should come as no surprise that nature is an important part of the guest experience and the open nature of the walkways and the common buildings create a sense of immersion in the environment which is so unique to the area. This extends to the pool area, where it was common to spot some local birds using the water as a place to cool down or bathe. We found the included breakfast to be more than sufficient, and, when we did choose to eat dinner at the hotel restaurant, we enjoyed each meal. Unfortunately, the fitness area was pitifully small, and could only be considered adequate if you are only interested in the treadmill.
We spent six nights at Finch Bay, three of which were in a suite, and the other three (booked hastily on-site as a result of the protests on the mainland) were in a room. The suites are not especially large on their own, but they certainly surpass the rooms, which are on the small side. The main benefit of a suite compared to a room is the large veranda which looks out to the ocean. This feature alone almost makes suites worth it, as rooms have only a window which faces a common walkway. However, Galapagos trips are active by their nature, so we didn't find ourselves spending that much time in either accommodation category.
The service at Finch Bay was a bit of a mixed bag. The front desk was friendly, but the communication was not always up to par. However, the rest of the staff was generally helpful, including our guide on the one hotel-led excursion we participated in.
Overall, Finch Bay is a cut above most other properties, and its location and design give it a very unique and novel ambience. However, when compared to some of the top, top hotels (Four Seasons Tented Camp springs to mind), five stars would be a stretch.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Customer Relationship Manager, Marketing at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Responded Jul 29, 2022
Dear guest, Thank you so much for your comment, it really helps us improve our services. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us and other travelers, we are sure they appreciate it as well. Sincerely, Finch Bay Hotel
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First the positives: location on a little bay with a lovely beach. Pool is nicely situated. Thats about it. sorry.
Negatives: Incredibly over-priced. Nobody warns you about the very long walk once you get off the boat to get to the actual hotel. Another guest arriving with us, an elderly American gentleman, struggled all the way with a walking stick. Any time you want to go anywhere you have that walk, then a boat. Rooms are TINY. No fridge. They bang on about being so Green yet the swimming pool we were told was HEATED ... Upon check in we were told 'there are no TVs in the room , we want you to disconnect entirely from the outside world' - yet at breakfast we asked to see the menu and were told 'oh you need your smartphone for that'.
So, as the title says, for me, its a pretentious, highly over priced hotel and I'm surprised at the National Geographic Unique lodge connection. I've stayed in others (e.g. Costa Rica) and I completely get it. But here? no.
I think you're better off staying at a nice place on Santa Cruz, and save your money on some great tours, or as some friends just did, hiring a great local guide with years of experience, to put together an island hopping package for you, and get a real feel for the Galapagos. The locals have been without work for months, the guides are having a hard time. Don't waste your money on a place like this.
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Date of stay: April 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Rooms are tiny, i guess unless you spend four figures on some kind of suite.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Customer Relationship Manager, Promocionar at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Responded Apr 29, 2021
Dear FivestarExplorer, We appreciate your comments as they help us improve constantly. We are very sorry to hear that you didn't fully enjoy your time with us. Regarding your comments, we'd like to start by saying that our location, even though it's a bit secluded, provides our guests with a pleasant and peaceful ambiance. Plus, it grants us direct access to Los Alemanes Beach, giving our guests the chance to enjoy it at any time of day and without the need of having to travel elsewhere. As you mentioned, to access the hotel, you have to take our private dinghy from Puerto Ayora to Punta Estrada's dock. The distance you cover on this ride is 470 yards. Once you are at the dock, you need to walk 450 yards to the hotel through a paved road. In less than a mile, you can arrive at Puerto Ayora or the hotel. The first settlers of this neighborhood did not create a direct access road to the village to preserve flora and fauna and keep the area peaceful. You can even see a marine iguana nesting site during the walk from the dock to the hotel! Our location helps us provide a pleasant environment for our guests, away from vehicles, busy streets, bars, and discotheques. Our pool is heated during the slightly colder months upon our guests' suggestions. Nevertheless, the majority of the energy used to heat the pool's water is solar-powered. We will make sure to deliver your comments to our Quality Assurance department regarding the TV and fridge in the room. As we mentioned before, your comments are very valuable to us. We recently refurbished all our rooms to make the best of the space we have. As you know, we are an expedition hotel; most of the time, our guests are outside and exploring, but your comfort is definitely our priority. This is why we are constantly striving to innovate and better our guests' experiences. Once again, we want to thank you for your valuable feedback; we will take it into consideration to keep improving. Kind regards,
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We had an excellent three days on our arrival at Santa Cruz. The hotel is excellent in a wonderful location and the relatively high cost was justified. Normally, I would give it 5* , despite the fact that the rooms are actually quite small. As the hotel points out, most guests will not be spending much time in their room but enjoying the fabulous excursions which are available. After a trip to another island, we returned to Finch Bay Hotel for a fourth night. We were escorted to room 12 and were tentatively asked if this was alright. It was not the same as our previous room, it was much smaller. It had a plastic chair and small dressing table and place to put a suitcase. Two single beds had been pushed together and , when lying in bed side by side, we could touch the wall on either side of the room. The clothes cupboard was located in the shower room, but the door couldn’t be fully opened due to the waste bin and wash basin. The room was not practicable when you have suitcases and hand luggage to walk around.
The outside had a small tapered veranda due to being squashed into a corner next to the other apartments. The view was a board walk and a large shrub. We complained that the room was not the same size as the previous three nights and was far too small and not acceptable for the price we had paid. The staff replied they could understand what we were saying, but they were full and “sorry.” When I asked if we could have a complementary meal, as a gesture of good will, I was told they could book a table but we would have to pay. I sent photos to our agent in the uk and she contacted the local agent who has not received a satisfactory reply.
Room 12 is not acceptable as a standard room, at full cost, but would suit a children’s room adjoining the apartment next to it, or to be used as hotel storage. It’s a shame because it really let an excellent hotel down and leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Check on the room size
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Customer Relationship Manager, Marketing at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Responded May 18, 2022
Thank you very much for your comments. As an expedition hotel, we offer many outdoor activities for our guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands. We truly believe a wonderful and enriching experience is waiting outside every traveler's room. Still, we want to make our rooms as comfortable as possible. We value your feedback and appreciate it; it will help us better the quality of the experience for future travelers. Have a great evening!
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We stayed at Finch Bay for 3 nights after our Galapagos tour, and it was the best way to end our time on the islands. We felt so relaxed there, in our own little oasis away from everything else, yet it was only a short water taxi ride to get into town if we wanted to see/do more.
The safety measures that the hotel is taking for COVID was impressive, from the moment we arrived, throughout our entire stay, and at our departure. Masks were worn by all staff at all times, hand sanitizers were constantly being offered to us, and staff was consistently keeping the public areas clean at all times.
Service throughout the hotel, from the spa to the restaurant to poolside and beyond were always excellent. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and helpful. We also did a day tour through Finch Bay to the island of Bartalome and it was the best decision ever because we saw SO much wildlife, including penguins!
Thank you to everyone at Finch Bay for making our stay so wonderful and memorable.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Customer Relationship Manager, Marketing at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Responded Oct 30, 2020
Dear guest, As a proud member of the prestigious National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World exclusive group, ours is a luxury hotel that offers the finest traveling experience to explorers and tourists alike. We’re based in one of the world’s most diverse and pristine archipelagos, we take preserving this natural paradise very seriously. We worked hard in security protocols to offer a save stay for all the person in our hotel. Hopefully you can come back to enjoy our excellent pool! We look forward to your return! Warm regards,
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We stayed at Finch Bay for two nights in February. Overall, everything was very good. The pool is fantastic, the food is tasty, the drinks are delicious, the wifi is decent and the massages were wonderful. We also appreciated all the covid-related precautions the hotel took. Just a couple things could be improved. The rooms have little soundproofing, so on our first morning we were woken up by very noisy neighbors at 6 am. After managing to get back to sleep, at 9 am, we were again awoken by the staff cleaning that room. Not much that could be done about the neighbors, but it would be nice if the staff refrained from cleaning rooms while guests in adjoining suites are still in bed. The other issue was with our return ride - we were told that it was included in the package we booked with Metropolitan (which owns Finch Bay), but in the end we wound up having to pay over $100 because we wanted to leave at 9:45 am instead of 8:45. This was a private transfer either way, with the same driver who had picked us up, so the charge seemed over the top. Aside from those two issues, the stay overall was very nice.
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Date of stay: February 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Customer Relationship Manager, Marketing at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Responded Mar 5, 2021
Dear Rachel, We were delighted to read your review! Our focus is to provide the full experience that comes with the title of Expedition Hotel. Travelers continue to choose the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel because of our unbeatable location, superb service, food, and amenities. Guest feedback is greatly valued, and acted upon. We are very grateful for your feedback and look forward to hosting again! Warm regards, Finch Bay Hotel
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This is one of the best hotel in the Galapagos as well as being a worthy contender for being a top World small luxury hotel. It is a pricey place although Paradise comes at a price.... nevertheless, some aspect definitely needs to be improved to contest with the best.
To set the context and the possible needed improvement, we went there on a Honeymoon, in one of their ocean overlooking Suite, with a global price tag of $1,000 average per night.
Upon arrival, we were charmed by the little walk leading to the hotel, taking you via small alleyways, leading through a jungle with some parading marine Iguanas and finally a deck pathway along the beach, looking at sea lion splashing in the ocean. This is a dream place.
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Date of stay: September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Customer Relationship Manager, Marketing at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Responded Oct 2, 2020
Dear Vince, Thank you for your kind words! Your review is very important to us; thank you for taking time out of your day to write it. As an Expedition Hotel, we specialize in giving adventurous travelers such as yourself all the options available on a cruise, on solid land! Through our private yacht’s daily tours and our exclusive activities, such as snorkeling and kayaking, we bring you the best on both land and sea. We are constantly looking to improve in order to provide all our guests with the best possible experience, so your feedback is greatly appreciated. Be sure we will take action based on your comments to guarantee the comfort and enjoyment that is synonymous with a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. We hope to have you again! Warm regards,
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Our small tour group spent 3 nights here. The islands are amazing themselves, but this resort is a wonderful place to spend your down time. Our room,21, was on the second floor with a balcony overlooking the resort grounds. The pool is heated and open 24/7. Food was exceptional. We were on full board. Even though the menu didn’t change, there were plenty of options to choose from. Restaurant staff were super friendly…stellar service. Rooms were nice…beds comfy, nice towels and amenities. You get filtered water every day in your rooms, plus the most delicious chocolate at night. We went on one the resorts excursions using their Sea Lion yacht to North Seymour. Snorkeling, hiking, and the lunch provided was excellent.
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Make sure to bring hand carry luggage that you can tote yourself. There is a walk from the boat...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Customer Relationship Manager, Marketing at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Responded Nov 19, 2021
Dear Cath, Thank you for your kind words! As an Expedition Hotel, we specialize in giving adventurous travelers such as yourself all the options available on a cruise, on solid land! . Excellent service is what we stand for, and are glad to know you were pleased with our incredible staff. Thanks for coming. Finch Bay Hotel.
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The environment, facilities and service are superb. The hotel is located in front of a beach, where you can walk to the beach directly from the hotel, with the towels prepared by the hotel. They have a superb swimming pool which is very clean. All staffs are very professional, friendly and welcoming. Food is great, highly recommended to have a dinner there.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Customer Relationship Manager, Marketing at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Responded Jul 29, 2022
Dear Guest, Thanks a lot for your excellent comment. Many persons around the world will find very interesting your review. We hope you come back and enjoy our excellent pool! Looking forward to your return! Warm regards, Finch Bay Hotel
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Since you don't really pay anything in cash at the hotel (everything is going to be billed on your room number), there is a tip box for the staff at the reception :)
Dear Guest,
We thank you for taking the time to write your question regarding your interest to visit the Finch Bay Hotel. We are pleased to assist you with your enquires. Enquiry
We receive visits during all the days of the year but maybe the best time to visit is from March to August because it’s a usual the sunny days. We offer a concept complete trips, we offer “Complete packages” that means trips with all the services originated like transfers, accommodation, three meals in the day, land and yacht excursions. We are in capacity to offer packages from 3 to 7 nights and we can make customized options according every requirement.
Thanks again for considering us the best place to stay in Enchanted Islands
Have a great day.
Best regards,
Finch Bay Family
There are more places to choose from in the Puerto Ayora area.
PRICE RANGE
C$647 - C$847 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
hotel finch bay eco, finch bay eco puerto ayora
LOCATION
EcuadorGalapagos IslandsSanta CruzPuerto Ayora
NUMBER OF ROOMS
27
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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