Location, Location, Location
Written: Jan 03 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Convenient, close to beaches, islands, stores, etc.
Cons: Noise, some rooms are run down and/or lack windows that open.
The Bottom Line: If you're budget is around $150/night, this hotel isn't bad. The location was excellent and everything you could need is in close range.
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| kyhiera's Full Review: Hawaii Naniloa Hotel |
If you're planning a stay in Hilo, this hotel couldn't be better situated (geographically) for all things you might find necessary during your stay. Within walking distance is Liliokalani Gardens and Coconut Island (great for kids with safe wading pools and protected waters). Also conveniently located is a golf course, small sundries and gifts store, restaurants and bars. Minutes drive from downtown historical sights and Farmers Market, Panaewa Zoo, botanical gardens, waterfalls, and the Prince Kuhio shopping center, complete with Hilo Hattie.
Amenities
On the Naniloa property are two swimming pools, both non heated, one sporting a nice waterfall and a larger shallow section (good for younger guests). There are also two restaurants, a gift shop, bar and spa/gym. For those interested, however, spa/gym privileges come with a $5 charge per visit (though a short visit to the hot tubs via the smaller pool deck was missed--fortunately for me!).
Restuarants offer Chinese and general cuisine, prices are moderate to high, but the food was excellent.
Rooms
Our room was 923 (there are ten floors), and our room was a bit of a dive, i'm afraid. The odd numbered rooms seem to be the ones without decks ('Standard Ocean View' $110/night; $77/night internet), therefore windows are sealed and there is no throwing ones doors open to breathe in the fresh, warm, tropical air. A dowfall if ever there was one in Hawaii. Too, it was very weathered and somewhat moldy-smelling... At the end of the hall, however, is a fabulous penthouse ('Premium Suite'$264/$200 internet) with wrap-around balcony, separate living room, and full kitchen. If you can, THIS Would be the room to have--great for taking in Hilo Bay at night or even on a more special day when they do fireworks shows over the water. Book online for savings: http://www.naniloaresort.com/index.html
Service
'Island Time' is something most of us mainlanders forget. I myself am guilty of this even after living in the islands for a period... We were in the hotel for one week, and most days were shorted one or two towels. Calling Housekeeping was an impossibility at certain times of the day, and my calls were often rerouted to the front desk. On one occasion, my request for an additional towel was ignored, on the other, quickly and happily acknowledged, though receiving said towel was S L O W. No, make that S L O W E R!!! Then again, one we made contact with housekeeping personnel, we began to receive BAGS of extra towels and/or notes telling us when they would come (mahalos for that attention).
Front Desk personnel, while kind and helpful when you could get their attention, seemed partial to conversing with local visitors rather than paid hotel guests--which is only an irritation when you are no longer local, right?
Asides
The Friday night of our stay, there was a Reggae Bash downstairs at the Crown Bar. Between the guests at the hotel in town for this event, and the music on the tenth floor, there was no quiet in room #923. Be careful where you book if you're bringing children who require an early bedtime.
Also, I believe there must be some sort of contract between the hotel and certain Hilo residents as families and groups of school-age children would often swarm poolside or the surrounding rocky coastline to fish or just gather for the day. Not a problem for me, being a teacher and used to being around lots of kids... something else entirely if you're looking for a quiet getaway.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
kyhiera
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Location: CA
Reviews written: 73
Trusted by: 46 members
About Me:
You'll find enough about me in reading the old reviews... ;).
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