Hotel Solymar

The location was good, but for the price, the room wasn’t worth the value or experience. We booked an ocean-view room, though it needed updating, and the balcony was small. Breakfast was basic and disappointing. We’d arranged an airport pickup, but our flight was delayed by about an hour while we sat on the runway. When we arrived, no one was there. The hotel said we were late and the driver or taxi had left, so we had to find our own way there. That part was fine, but they initially said they wouldn’t refund us even though we hadn’t been picked up. They eventually refunded us, but the process wasn’t customer friendly. We’ve stayed all over the world and never had this happen.

We loved our stay here, especially the waterfront public areas, including the pool, lounge and breakfast spaces. Breakfast was a highlight, with plenty of good food in a comfortable open area and amazing views of iguanas, crabs, birds and sea lions. It’s right in the middle of everywhere you want to be in Puerto Ayora.

The view was incredible, and there were nice areas to relax. The curtains in the room need changing, though. We only had one night to unwind after a long ferry ride, and instead we had to listen to loud children crying and splashing in the pool while their parents let them do whatever they wanted. If the pool were adults only, this could be a 5 star hotel. Those people who gave it five stars clearly didn’t have to deal with that.

What stood out most was the staff. I’ve never been greeted by sweeter receptionists, and they really cared about whether I was happy. Our tour agency had booked one bed, but we wanted two. There wasn’t a double available, so they kindly sent someone to split the king bed into two singles. Who does that? It made a real difference for us and was beyond what you could hope for. The location is fantastic, right on the ocean, with a lovely dining area, pool and outdoor lounge. The tourist town is lively and the street is busy, but the rooms were quiet.