Hilo Seaside - a taste of REAL Hawaii!
- May 15, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I LOVE this place! It is quaint, it is clean, it is lovely. The staff could not have been friendlier. Ignore the complaints about the jets flying "right over" this hotel. If you look at a map, you will see this is impossible. Their approach is about a block or two away, and, even if the sound bothers you (I did not hear them without trying, wondering where this noise was,) remember, Hilo airport is hardly a busy one. There are just a handful of flights in the morning, then nothing all day, until between 4 - 7pm, when the evening traffic arrives. You do not need a car, unless you are going to Kilauea, Kona, Akaka Falls...as another reviewer reports, right around this hotel is one of the most beautiful walks, Banyan Drive. I took 300 photos right across the street from the hotel. I recommend you ask for a room overlooking the pond and Hilo Bay. It was absolutely stunning, and, despite what one very popular tour book says, there is barely any traffic on that road, as it is a side street. The other great thing about the location of the Hilo Seaside is it is very close to a number of GREAT eateries! I highly recommend Verna's for da bes local food - their Kailua pork is second to none! Hilo Bay Cafe is elegant! They also have a VERY creative selection. Don't be put off by the strip mall localle. Sombat's is also very tasty and they use FRESH ingredients. Plan on at least two trips to Kilauea, and bring LOTS of water with you. It is amazing. The only drawback of the Hilo Seaside is, no matter where you stay, one must be able to use steps - two to 6 steps everywhere.
Very Disappointed
- August 15, 2008
- Rated 2 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
The staff was friendly but that is the extent of it. Very old but somewhat clean. Outside of our bathroom window looked like a junk yard, many discarded items. The parking was a nightmare, the overflow parking was in the street and/or an adjacent dirt lot. There was little or no control of the pool usage. Many local/non-guests would walk in and use the pool.
Do not try to save a few $$ like I did, it will ruin your trip. Honestly, I am very tolerant and rarely complain about anything; as a result, this is the first review I have ever written. Please take heed. Mahalo!
Basic, but satisfactory
- June 2, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Basic accommondations, clean but nothing fancy. Phone with charges for local calls, TV and mini-fridge only ammenities in the room. Good food in the restuarant. Parking can be a problem. EXCELLENT STAFF- very personable and they promptly responded to a rowdy guest complaint. Hotel is NON-Smoking anywhere inside. A fair value for the money.
Great place to GET AWAY and relax
- August 28, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
We live in Kailua Kona on the other side of the island. And enjoy getting away to relax every now and again. Although the rooms are a little small, over all they are clean and neat. The staff is very cordial. Parking is a hastle and takes a bit of imagination, but can be done. They are across from whats known as the "ice ponds" a freezing mix of fresh and salt water. And across the street from a wonderful restuarant called HARRINTONS. They have the best drinks, calamari, escargot and chicken marsala. And within walking distance to your room so no need to drive. They are also located central so theres a really nice botanical park up the street, Around the corner is a heritage park. couple of miles to shopping the zoo and other great restaurants. If your not in the room all that much, Its perfect!!!