Galapagos hotels are a great way to explore these islands near Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands, or Archipelago de Colon, as they're also known, are an archipelago of 13 major volcanic islands - with over 40 smaller islands. The islands are located exactly on the equator some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Due to their location, the islands are warm most of the year; however, the year is divided into a "hot" season, which runs from January to April, and a "cool" season, from April thru to December. Essentially, however, the major difference between these two seasons is that you're more likely to experience rain during the hot season. As a result, the vegetation during this time is usually greener and there is also a far greater chance that you'll be able to see some of the islands exotic bird-life.

Whilst it would be fair to say that most visitors to the island spend a majority of their visit here on a cruise, with the islands' unique fauna, vegetation and wildlife, it would be a shame not to take the opportunity to spend some of your stay in one of the Galapagos Islands hotels. Here, Galapagos Islands accommodations range from the very simple to the simply elegant. It should be borne in mind, however, that, essentially, only 4 islands have accommodation.

The 4 Galapagos Islands with hotels are:

* Santa Cruz
* Isabela
* San Cristobal
* Santa Maria

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Hotels - Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands accommodation available on Santa Cruz includes hotels and youth hostels. Some of the more well-known hotels include:

* the Red Mangrove Inn - which offers private on-suite bathroom, a bar, splendid gardens and laundry service. Through the hotel it is also possible to arrange certain activities available on the island; including scuba-diving, kayaking and snorkeling.

* Silberstein - offers a service equal to any of the other Galapagos Islands hotels with restaurant, bar, swimming pool, scenic gardens - and the hotel even has televisions in each room.

* Sol Y Mar - if you want to stay in a Galapagos Islands accommodation close to the beachfront, it will be hard to find a finer place to stay than Sol Y Mar. As well as having beachfront views, the hotel has on-suite bathrooms and all the usual services provided by other Galapagos Islands, Ecuador hotels.

* Darwin - for those traveling to the Galapagos Islands on a budget, the Darwin is a hostel providing basic Galapagos Islands accommodation. Notwithstanding this, the hostel is clean and pleasant.

* In a similar vein to the Darwin are the Espana, Flamingo and Nuevo Elizabeth, all of which can be found in the centre of the town.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Hotels - Isabela

Galapagos Islands accommodation on Isabela mirror its more rustic feel - the streets here are still sandy! However, if you're looking for elegance, whilst staying on the island, the La casa de Marita Hotel offers 10 suites located a stone's throw from the beach with all your usual home comforts; including air conditioned rooms and internet services!

Budget accommodation on the island can be found at Hotel Loja, which at around $5-10 per night is basic but extremely good value for money (when you consider where you are !).

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Hotels - San Cristobal
Although San Cristobal is actually the capital of the Galapagos Islands, accommodation on the island is less abundant than can be found on Santa Cruz. Having said that, with up-market hotels like Orca, with its 20 rooms, a visit here is well worth it!. And for those looking for more of a budget feel to their Galapagos Islands accommodation, whilst stay on San Cristobal, the San Francisco hostel offers basic, but clean, accommodation at between $5-8 per person.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Hotels - Floreana
Floreana is the most remote of the Galapagos Islands where accommodation is available. The island, made famous by pirates and buccaneers, is full of mystery and romantic-collusion. However, Floreana only has one Galapagos Island hotel on offer for you to stay at - the Wittmer. This is not to say, however, that you're not going to be made more than welcome there!

So, if you're thinking of taking a trip to the Galapagos Islands, and intend to take a cruise, why not extend your trip by a day or two and take in some of the atmosphere of the islands with a stay at one of the Galapagos Islands hotels - they're sure to make it worth your while and make you feel right at home!