Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

My family and I visited the Big Islands in March and we decided to stay 2 nights in Hilo and 1 night in Kona. We did not care much for Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and we will not stay there again. We got the Oceanview room which was pretty decent but I could not stand the smell in the room and the hallway. Ended up, I went to Walmart and got the air freshener. The price was affordable with free parking. For family or travelers who will be out all day all night, and just want to use the room just to sleep. Maybe this is the choice. But for those who are looking for comfortable, clean room, with nice amenities like bottle of wine or free internet service, you better off staying somewhere else.

Let's face it: Hilo has no upscale hotels. My wife and I both agree that something as simple as a Hampton Inn would dominate all business in Hilo. However, since no such Hampton exists, then the Hilo Hawaiian is your best choice.

We spent one night there, and had an older, but clean room - with a small refrigerator, and a small bathroom. However, the lanai was nice, and the views incomparable. We had wished we could leave the door open all night, but we have a toddler, and that wouldn't have been prudent.

The hallways smell a bit musty - but there are no overt signs of uncleanliness.

We were treated to views of not one, but TWO cruise ships coming into harbor through the morning mist.

The only thing we would have liked would be if they offered an airport shuttle: the airport is scarcely two miles away, but it is a $12 taxi ride EACH WAY ... and there really is no other option.

We would return if we had occasion to be in Hilo again.

This is a nice hotel in a good spot. It is easy to get to and centrally located. It has a good restaurant and a great staff.

This hotel made me feel welcome: They were friendly and very helpful. They seamed to be glad I was there and they wanted to help in any way they could.

Parking was sometimes difficult.