march

Any thoughts on Wild Ginger Inn or Dolphin Bay Hotel in Hilo?
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!
Thanks for the sugestions!

YS

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

March

What made you like the Orchid? That is one place I was looking into for our "resort splurge".

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.

Roy

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

YS

Orchid is first-class well-appointed, yet cozy resort. Everything was very nice - the room, the restaurant, the beach (although small), the pool.
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).
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.

hawaii

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

YS

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

march

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

Vicki

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!

March

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!