Big Island: Fairmont Orchid vs. other Kohala Coast hotels?
Nov 28th, 2004, 02:12 PM
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Big Island: Fairmont Orchid vs. other Kohala Coast hotels?
Hi,
I am in the very beginning stages of trying to plan a first anniversary trip to Hawaii this coming August. We went this past summer for our honeymoon and loved it!
While on the Big Island, we stayed at Hapuna Prince and the Waikoloa Marriott and enjoyed them both for different reasons. I'm not sure which islands we will be returning to if we do this trip, but I am wondering about the Fairmont Orchid.
I have found a 5 night package at the Fairmont on American Airlines vacations web page for about $1200...Hapuna Beach is the same price, and Marriott is a little cheaper. Which of the 3 do you think is the best deal for the money?
We love a big, deep pool, a great snorkeling beach, good beach bar food, nice rooms, etc...What are your impressions of the Orchid in general? Also, where is it located in relation to the other 2 hotels on the Kohala Coast? Any opinions or experiences at the Orchid would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
I am in the very beginning stages of trying to plan a first anniversary trip to Hawaii this coming August. We went this past summer for our honeymoon and loved it!
While on the Big Island, we stayed at Hapuna Prince and the Waikoloa Marriott and enjoyed them both for different reasons. I'm not sure which islands we will be returning to if we do this trip, but I am wondering about the Fairmont Orchid.
I have found a 5 night package at the Fairmont on American Airlines vacations web page for about $1200...Hapuna Beach is the same price, and Marriott is a little cheaper. Which of the 3 do you think is the best deal for the money?
We love a big, deep pool, a great snorkeling beach, good beach bar food, nice rooms, etc...What are your impressions of the Orchid in general? Also, where is it located in relation to the other 2 hotels on the Kohala Coast? Any opinions or experiences at the Orchid would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Nov 29th, 2004, 01:20 AM
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Well, the Marriott's pool is bigger/deeper than either the Hapuna Beach Prince's or Orchid's, but room sizes are substantially smaller than the other two resorts. Especially the bathrooms. The Orchid has great bathrooms, even better than the HBP.
Beaches at the Marriott ("A-Bay") and Orchid are smaller compared to the HBP, and usually have lots more kids.
Snorkeling is best at the HBP/Mauna Kea.
The Orchid has a very structured, almost formal atmosphere, which some people love but we didn't care for too much. Lots of symmetrical plantings etc. We also didn't like the nickle-and-diming compared to the HBP -- they charged for cabanas, for equipment rental etc.
The Orchid is immediately north of the Mauna Lani (you take the same cutoff from Hwy 19).
Beaches at the Marriott ("A-Bay") and Orchid are smaller compared to the HBP, and usually have lots more kids.
Snorkeling is best at the HBP/Mauna Kea.
The Orchid has a very structured, almost formal atmosphere, which some people love but we didn't care for too much. Lots of symmetrical plantings etc. We also didn't like the nickle-and-diming compared to the HBP -- they charged for cabanas, for equipment rental etc.
The Orchid is immediately north of the Mauna Lani (you take the same cutoff from Hwy 19).
Nov 29th, 2004, 08:18 AM
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Hi Beachgirl86, I wrote a response last night and it went *poof* for some reason.
I definitely like the Orchid the most, only after the 4S. I was completely underwhelmed by the Hapuna though others really like it. The Orchid is definitely more grand. Good food, nice rooms with Aveda bath products. Also the views of the neighboring islands are amazing. And I musn't forget the sea turtles along the shore line.
I think the Orchid is definitely the best choice.
Do keep an eye out on luxurylink.com, they periodically have auctions for this hotel (best shot auctions), on the club level/view for the same price as a standard room. I think cont. breakfast is also included but I'm not sure.
I definitely like the Orchid the most, only after the 4S. I was completely underwhelmed by the Hapuna though others really like it. The Orchid is definitely more grand. Good food, nice rooms with Aveda bath products. Also the views of the neighboring islands are amazing. And I musn't forget the sea turtles along the shore line.
I think the Orchid is definitely the best choice.Do keep an eye out on luxurylink.com, they periodically have auctions for this hotel (best shot auctions), on the club level/view for the same price as a standard room. I think cont. breakfast is also included but I'm not sure.
Nov 29th, 2004, 08:41 AM
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Having stayed at both properties multiple times, we prefer the HBP. But as travelinwifey illustrates it's a matter of personal opinion and taste, sort of like asking whether filet mignon or lobster is "better".
Both are wonderful properties. If you've already stayed at the HBP it might be a good idea to pick the Orchid, just so you can decide for yourself which one you prefer.
Both are wonderful properties. If you've already stayed at the HBP it might be a good idea to pick the Orchid, just so you can decide for yourself which one you prefer.
Nov 29th, 2004, 10:24 AM
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Well, I'll add one more to the mix and tell you I adored the Mauna Kea. It has an understated luxury and quiet breeziness that I loved. I wrote about it in my trip report here: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34542623
Plus it's on that incredible beach that you'll never get tired of!
love
roxy
Plus it's on that incredible beach that you'll never get tired of!
love
roxy
Nov 29th, 2004, 12:26 PM
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Thanks again, all. If we decide to go to the BI again, I am tempted to try the Orchid since the price is the same, but Hapuna was beautiful, too. We loved the beach at the Hapuna, but the turtles at Orchid sound wonderful! How are the balconies/views at the Orchid?
Nov 29th, 2004, 12:51 PM
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I've been to the orchid four times and absolutely love it. There is a lava rock jacuzzi just off the beach from which you can watch the sunset. There are hammocks on the trees at the ocean. Each evening, they do the traditional lighting of the torches around the property. It is a little formal compared to some other hotels, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Nov 29th, 2004, 04:44 PM
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The balconies at the Orchid are spacious. The hotel is built in a u-type shape so most rooms have at least a partial ocean view. The turtles were one of the biggest bonus for me bacause I really enjoy wildlife. Hope this helps
