Daphne Islands accommodation from NZ$111

Katya the manager is an amazing person helpful and ,polite

I had a terrible experience with Natura Gardens. I arrived at 2:30 pm to find no one there and no information on checking in or how to contact anyone. I waited 2 hours and then walked up the road to find help. I found a man who made a phone call and said someone would be over shortly. I returned to the hotel and after 45 minutes a couple showed up. It was 6:30 pm and I was very hot and frustrated. I don’t speak much Spanish and they didn’t speak English but eventually they called someone. I don’t remember the whole conversation but when it became clear that I was going to be left alone and have to look after myself, my frustration boiled over and I said I was not staying and wanted a refund. She said I would have to get my money back from Orbitz and then told the gentleman to drive me back to town, which he did. The hotel is very different from the description and pictures on the website. I don’t need a fancy hotel; I had been staying in places for $30 per night that were fine. I decided to pay more for a nice place but this was not it. The rooms were rather dingy and tired looking. The whole place was dusty and deserted. I am 6’ 3”, 250 pounds - I don’t scare easily, but this place gave me the creeps, reminding me of the motel in Hitchcock’s movie Psycho. I never received an apology or money back and Orbitz said they were not able to get a refund- it was not clear if she refused the refund or if they had not been able to reach her to even discuss it.

Other than renovations (pool and restaurant), we loved the place. Friendly and helpful staff, great food, fascinating lava tunnels and a natural setting made this an especial part of our time in the Galapagos.