cheap hotel in Hilo
 

Any thoughts on Wild Ginger Inn or Dolphin Bay Hotel in Hilo? <BR>any other decent places to stay in Hilo? under $100 is good under $60 is even better! saving on this side of the island so we can stay at a NICE(and therefore pricy) resort on the Kona side for a few days!<BR>Thanks for the sugestions!

Just stay at Kona side and take a day trip to Hilo. Kona side is nicer and not as wet as Hilo. <BR>I really liked Orchid at Muana Lani hotel there...

What made you like the Orchid? That is one place I was looking into for our "resort splurge".<BR><BR>Actually we are planning on circling the entire island and are camping part of the time so want to stay somewhere fairly cheap in Hilo for one night.

Take a look at "Hawaii for less." You will find it under Joyful Journeys at www.senior-infosite.com

Orchid is first-class well-appointed, yet cozy resort. Everything was very nice - the room, the restaurant, the beach (although small), the pool.<BR>We've also staied at Hapuna Beach Prince resort, and did not like it as much - it seems large and cold (if anything can be cold at Hawaii). It is also overpriced - $9 cocktails are too much... The beach there is larger and sandy, but you can access it even if you don't stay there (about 15 minutes from Orchid).<BR>Also visited Hilton Waikoloa - it's a small Disneyland. It's a hotel where you can take a boat or train to your room. Very large and noisy, perhaps makes more sence if you go with kids - Orchid is more intimate and more suitable for couples.

YS - <BR>did you visit Kona Village Resort (or see it at all) ?

No, don't remember this one. Is it in Kona, or further North?

I think it is a bit north of Kona proper but in that area - perhaps near the 4 Seasons?

I really endorse staying on the Hilo side for a night, because the drive from Kona is a long one, especially if you are going to spend any time along the way at the volcano or anywhere else for that matter. Our family of 5 stayed at the Dolphin Bay, VERY quiet, older building but clean. The proprietors were very nice and there was fruit and I believe some bread available in the lobby in the a.m. A short 10 minute walk took you into the "downtown" area and we found a place to eat. Wouldn't hesitate to repeat a stay there, but remember, it isn't the huge resort hotel of the Kona side!

Exactly what we are looking for Vicki. Nothing fancy just clean & not to costly! thanks for the details about the distance to downtown and the breakfast!