1

For a hotel pickup (which tend to be amongst the more expensive forms of transportation) it sounds about right.
No it is not that far - 5km, if that.
Yes there are taxis at the airport.
Yes, they will be cheaper - you may save anywhere between 4 and 6 dollars, which works out at $2-3 each.
The taxis are as safe as taxis are. While there have been (according to me, anyway) no incident reports, there are no guarantees.
Tourist shuttles, I doubt. If you go out onto the main road you may be able to flag down a passing minibus, which will take you to Santa Elena. From there you can walk or tuk tuk the remaining 1km to Flores.

Just a general question here - if you are really that concerned and you have just spent $150 on a one hour flight, why are you worried about saving a couple of bucks?

2

The way I see it $5p/p it's not a bad deal. So, the hotel is not making any money out of the taxi fare. Because from what I can read there is two of you isn't. And even if it was just you, I think it's money well spent because if you're a female you're safer riding with someone the hotels knows, and for a couple more bucks. And Braxman's makes a good point. Because if you wanted to save a ton of money you guys could've easily ride in comfort one of the overnight first class bus lines which are perfectly safe. If it wasn't we would tell you because I have children and grandchildren. But of course it's an eight hour ride. But, by the time you wake up you'll be in Flores. Riding chicken buses and red city buses around GC is where you have to be careful because of armed hold ups on board. You'll be fine. Good luck.

3

My favorite way to get to Flores is by a filght. I am not one for long bus rides at night myself but many do it. Have never had a problem with a taxie at the airport there. I dont recall the price I paid but if was a horrible one I would remember. I love Flores and enjoy my visits there. You can see photos of Flores on my website wolfcalls.com. It is a charming place and you should get a tuk tuk and tour all of it.

4

I'd get a taxi. Can think of some advantages over a hotel scheduled pickup, and can't think of any reason not to do so. Agree on a price before getting into the cab. Should be $5 at the most.

Buen viaje!