Have reservations thru a travel agent for
this hotel. Have heard this is not a good
place to stay. Has anyone stayed here or
know any info that would help me decide
to go back to the travel agent with my con-
cerns.

Sharon, from Frommers Hawaii 2002, "Uncle Billy's is the least expensive place to stay along Hilo's hotel row...but it boasts a divine location...guest rooms are simple...walls seem paper thin - you might want to bring earplugs...but at rates like these you're still getting your money's worth."

Thanks for the reassurance on Uncle Billy's Hilo Hotel. This is my first
trip to Hawaii and I want it to be hassle free.Would rather spend my money
on sights and shopping but I don't want
to stay in a dump either.Any tips or advice on things I should see or places
I shouldn't miss while I'm there? Currently trying to gather any info I can. I will be going to Hawaii the end
of October, staying in Kona, Hilo and
Maui for a total of 2 weeks.

I have a different recommendation for you. Right next to Uncle Billy's is the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. A bay view room gets you a great scenic view of Coconut Island. (The rooms here face the water OR the street/golf course, at Unc. B's they face inward toward their pool courtyard). I would rate Hilo Hawaiian 3 star, Uncle Billy's 2 star, but I have not compared the rooms. Both are older properties, but the balcony view from Hilo Hawaiian can't be beat.
You can get half off rack rate with the Entertainment book sold at www.entertainment.com
a must for anyone budget minded. Why not book this one on your own?
ph 808-591-2235 and ask what Entertainment rate would be for your dates.
I do recommend Uncle Billy's for dinner, however, it is very old Hawaii, the waitresses do hula for you onstage to live music between waitressing.
In the Hilo Hawaiian the restaurant called Queen's Court is also very good--you can have seafood buffet or regular menu.
Feel free to email me direct for Hilo sights to see. Hilo area is lush, green & gorgeous. I love it. Becky

I am not familar with the entertainment book, but I will certainly check it out.
I thought that a travel agent would be
my best bet on my first trip to Hawaii
if I explained that I didn't want to go
the commericialized tourist traps. Rather take in as much nature as possible, have a decent place to stay,
a little shopping and some night life would be nice.