Big Island-Mauna Lani or Fairmont Orchid
 

Has anyone recently stayed at these hotels? I looked at the Fairmont Orchid site and the rooms look dated, except for the club floor. The rooms at the Mauni Lani looked nicer but not luxurious. We're planning a last minute trip to Hawaii, these seem to be the only 2 luxury hotels that aren't booked during the week we're going. Normally we'd stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui.
Rooms and nice beach and pools are important to us. Any feedback on these resorts would be greatly appreciated!

Just got back from a Great stay at the Orchid - loved, loved, loved this hotel!! The rooms were very nice, great chioce of restaurants, bars, etc and the pool and grounds were beautiful. The staff was very friendly. We walked over to the Mauna Lani to check it out and though we didn't see the rooms we thought it was older looking and very stark and plain inside. We were so glad we were at the Orchid - I can't recommend it enough! We can't wait to go back and will definitely be staying there! Have fun!

Stayed at the Mauna Lani in 2003 and loved it. Had an oceanfront room that I thought was simple luxury. The beach was great for me as I don't deal well with waves and the water was very calm. The service was fantastic.

We stayed at the Mauna Lani recently. Rooms were large but not what I would call luxurious. I liked the hotel in general, but unless they've started refurnishing the rooms, I wouldn't stay there again for the price we paid. I think the problem was more with the furniture than anything. It was dated and somewhat worn. The location is beautiful.

For our upcoming trip, we're booked at the Fairmont Orchid. From the photos i've seen, their rooms are nicer, although in a less Hawaiian inspired style. We had dinner there one night and the grounds were gorgeous. The only complaint i've heard was in reference to an unaccomodating staff. So, we're taking a chance and staying there this time. :)

Tripadvisor.com has some good candid traveler photos. The rooms at the Fairmont look nice. I figure there's no reason for guests to sugarcoat their own pictures.

We found the staff at the Fairmont Orchid to be very nice - you'll always encounter some people with a chip on their shoulder (most always "mainlanders", not Hawaiians) anywhere you stay but for the most part everyone was great. The food there is expensive (as with any resort) and the nearest grocery store is in Waimea - 20 minutes away.

We've also decided to stay at the Fairmont in October. We got the 5th night free, so made the price much nicer.