Orchid too stuffy ??
 

The Orchid on the Big Island looks wonderful <BR>and I am ready to book... but I have just learned that it used to be a Ritz Carlton. We had drinks at the RC on Maui and did not like it as it didn't feel Hawaiian. It was <BR>very nice - but could have been any RC in any<BR>big city. How does the Orchid compare? I want a wonderful place -but it must feel like<BR>Hawaii. Any help ???

That's the biggest complaint people have about the Orchid. It doesn't feel too Hawaiian.<BR>I stayed there when it was still a Ritz and it had all the same decor and fabrics and colors as the RC Philadelphia!<BR>Now my biggest complaint about it is that it caters to too many conventions.<BR>Conventioneers can ruin a resort when they 'take over', and that's one way management fills rooms there.<BR>Hit and miss, though.<BR>

I didn't stay at the Orchid but I did check it out while staying at the Mauna Lani (which was wonderful). The Orchid had way too much marble for my taste and didn't seem Hawaiian enough. I would highly recommend the ML. Check out the Mauna Lani Experience package on the hotel web site. It was a good deal!

Thanks for the help. Has it changed<BR>at all since it is no longer a Ritz ??<BR>I was hoping to find out if the lobby<BR>and main areas were open and airy to the ocean or enclosed.<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>

you wouldn't be spending any time in the lobby or other public areas, which are away from the water.<BR>when the place was built these were all closed areas anyway.