I'm leaving for the big island in a few weeks but am beginning to think I chose the wrong hotel. We have reservations at the Orchid but I've been reading a lot on this board and nobody has really mentioned that they've stayed there before. Anybody have any recommendations/opinions about this hotel or another? Thanks! Also, any restaurant on the Big Island that you feel is a "must?"

Au contraire there Idsant. If you check the archives you'll find some first hand reports. I've posted a couple myself.
Big Island's top property is the Four Seasons, then the Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea, and the Orchid is in the top 6 certainly. Nothing bad about it except that it caters to a lot of groups and conventions and service has declined some over the years. But if you got a good room rate, it's an enjoyable place. If you must have the best of the best, check the other 3 though.

GG:

Thank you VERY much. Actually, one of the reasons why I'm second guessing is because I didn't get a very good rate at all and calling Starwood (although I'm a gold member) has been frustrating. I want to make sure that we stay somewhere nice. Thanks again for your help. I did another search but must not be using the correct key terms - nothing comes up.

Idsant...
I typed in "orchid" in the search box above and got more than 50 results, most of which looked like they were relevant. Give it a try.

Idsant,

My personal experience with the Orchid was wonderful. Has been a couple of years, but the property is absolutely beautiful and the service was impeccable. We actually preferred it to the Mauna Lani, but the Canoe House (at Mauna Lani) is a must for a special sunset dinner. For a more reasonable meal that's not too far away, go north to Cafe Pesto in Kawaihae. Also, if you're sightseeing in the South Kona area (Place of Refuge, Kealekekua Bay, etc.) stop at the Aloha Theater Cafe. E-mail if you have anymore questions.

Just back from the BI; we met several people who were staying at the Orchid and were very happy with it. Some restaurant recommendations we would make are Roy's in Waikoloa (lives up to the hype); Cafe Pesto (also lives up to hype); Pahuia at the Four Seasons; and Oodles of Noodles/Paradise Spice Cafe in Kona.

You all really are the best! Thank you so much for the postings. I'm looking forward to this vacation and just want to ensure that the hotel/resort is nice. Again, thanks for all of the tips and suggestions; greatly appreciated!

I, too, would like to recommend Cafe
Pesto. It's in Kawaihae (about as North
as one can go) Not extra fancy or anything, but we ate there 4 out of 5 nights. I'd also like to recommend the
Hapuna Prince Beach REsort Hotel which is
on the best white sand beach on the whole island!

I too find my own phoney Hawaii postings very helpful when I'm trying to remember what a sad asshole I am !

Canoe House (don't remember which hotel) and Roy's in Waikoloa were both great. Canoe House was very romantic. The service was also great. The food was great at Roy's. Have the chocolate souffle at Roy's. It is delicious.