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98 Apapane Rd., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, United States
of people enjoy staying here
103 Opinions
pacific_sol
User Rating
We stayed at Arnott's Lodge since there really isn't much in the way of lodging in Hilo, but we were sold on the discounts they provide on their tours for guests staying there, and the rooms looked pretty good for the prices (based on what we saw on their web page). They have several types of accomodations, from basically a spot on the lawn to pitch a tent, to hostel accomodations, up to private rooms.
My friend and I stayed in a private room there for several nights. These are very basic accomodations (basically just a bed and a bathroom, no TV, but there was a small fridge, coffeemaker which we didn't use, and a hair dryer; it also had A/C) which is what we were expecting, but there were a few problems with our room. Granted, we should have complained to management about the problems, but we figured that since we were only sleeping there and spending most of our time outside the room, we'd be ok. Basically I don't think our room had been used in a while and so no one checked it before our arrival and must have just assumed that it was still clean. The biggest thing was the toilet - the inside of the toilet bowl had mildew like it hadn't been cleaned in a long time. The mildew kind of washed away during our stay just from all the flushing but you would think someone would have scrubbed it before they had a customer use the room. Also, the comforter on our bed smelled really funky. It's so humid and rains quite a bit in Hilo, and the jalousie windows must have been left open and the comforter became damp and did not dry properly. Luckily the linens underneath were clean and smelled clean. They don't really do housekeeping - basically they don't clean until your stay is over. Our trashcan was full by the time we left and we brought the rest our our trash to the kitchen.
I believe there are six private rooms total and they are all in a converted house about 50 yards from the main complex (where the office and hostel accomodations are located). There is a shared kitchen within the building with the private rooms, and a living room where you can lounge. We didn't actually encounter any of the other people staying the private rooms while we were there though. If you want to watch TV, there is a TV watching room by the main complex, and you can also meet the people staying at the hostel if you want by hanging out in their patio/kitchen area. If you have a car and are staying in a private room, the building is surrounded by lawn so you'll be parking on the grass - you'll just have to be careful if it's raining since the grass can get kind of slippery. You'll also want to stay away from the coconut palms since stuff can fall off the trees and damage your car.
There was also one day where we came back one afternoon and the lights and ceiling fan were turned on, but we had turned everything off when we had left that morning. We went to the office to check, and they said they accidentally gave the room to another party but when they came in and realized that someone was already staying there, they went back to the office and got another room. Luckily we didn't leave any valuables in the room - just our clothes and luggage.
The staff was nice enough but it's a very "mom and pop" place - this isn't the Hilton so don't expect Hilton, or even Motel 6 service. Also, they offer "recession deals" on their website, but when you arrive, if you do not mention the deals you saw on the website, they will not give you those rates.
I am not going to really recommend or dissuade anyone from staying here since I have really mixed feelings about this place. I can only hope that our experience was out of the norm for them and that the other rooms were cleaner. I can't complain about the price and we really enjoyed their tours and saved money on those since we were guests of the Lodge, but basically it could have been cleaner.
Unique Quality: Arnott's is very close to the ocean - you can't see it but we could hear the waves crashing on the shore on a few nights. It's located in a residential area but it's a quick 5 minute drive to Downtown Hilo.
Arnott's Lodge Photo: Our private room
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triplehelix
Helpfulness
Arnott's is not a hostel or hotel, it is more like a cabin adventure in the middle of Hawaii. Arnott's provides hiking adventure tours around the island, most notably at Hawaii Volcano's National Park. They do have a strict check in policy which means you better make good on your deal. They also provide free pickup service from the airport! Arnott's has hostel like accomidations like shared kitches and restrooms but they also have private boarding which comes at a price.
brent_norris
User Rating
Arnott's got it all, adventures, camping, rooms, cottages, you name it. I've gotten to know a few of the guides personally from working at the Visitor Center on Mauna Kea. These folks are absolutely top-shelf.
The lodge has all sort of different accomodations. If you're used to the Marriott, don't stay here. If you're looking for something friendly with lots of great options in many price ranges, this is the place in Hilo.
Unique Quality: The TV tent is fun. A great palce to meet other travelers. There's also a coffee bar and internet access on site.
Need a bike? take a bike for a short ride into town or just walk down the street to a secluded beach.
makai
Helpfulness
Arnott's Lodge
Tent space $9.00
Dorm $17.00
Other rooms from $37 to $120
Unique Quality: - Great snack pateo for visiting and meeting people
- Wonderful TV cabana with many movie tapes
- Center for famous Hiking Adventures
Arnott's Lodge
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Arnotts lodge is a nice and clean hostel with dorms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, kitchen and living room and deluxe with private baths.
This is a popular place were you will meet many other travelers. Arnott's Lodge is also runnig a tour operation with tours such as lava hikes and tours to Hamakua Coast Valleys & Waterfalls and to the Manua Kea summit, at about half the price for hostel guests, which may be a good reason for staying here.
I am confused about seeing the lava flow in the evening. The Arnotts Lodge tour is five hours long. Does anyone know why it is so long? Do any other companies provide guides? $80 seems like a lot. Is it necessary right now to have a guide ? We are going March 28. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Aloha. There are many tours and self-guided tours at the Hawaii National Volcano Park. Go to website: www.nps.gov/havo and look at the activities available. Wear good hiking boots and bring gloves and a flashlight. Walk safely. Aloha oe.
Arnotts is in Hilo and at least an hour from the end of the chain of craters road, so add 2 hours for travel to and from the starting point of the tour.
Also, You will be walkig a few miles at least from where you can park your car to any flowing lava.
It is not necessary to have a guide. Absolutely not, unless you are afraid of being alone in the dark.
- Great snack pateo for visiting and meeting people
- Wonderful TV cabana with many movie tapes
- Center for famous Hiking Adventures
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Address: 98 Apapane Rd., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, United States
