Arnotts Lodge & Hiking Adventures, Hilo

when I travelled to hawaii and stayed in a hotel on another island it was like we were charged an arm and a leg. but anotts lodge it was fair price and depending on the season you get flowers and birds outside.my friend and I both rented a room there and it was good we had a livving room and kitchen to use.there was also a gazeebo with a large screen tv that played movies.the swiming area wasnot even two minute walk away. I recomend arnotts lodge for those on a budget or those that don't stay in all day long.

I've stayed at Arnott's Lodge twice: once in 2004 and again in 2007. Three years ago, I felt it was a good hostel for what we paid for a semi-private room ($40.00 night). It was a cheerful, friendly and busy place. This year, I had the distinct impression that the Hostel had faded in quality. Also, we paid $60.00 per night for a semi-private room and had to ask for towels. The three sweet-looking women pictured on the website actually work there, but they were uncommunicative, unwelcoming and when I asked a question, they talked to each other, never to me directly. I wouldn't say it was "bad" customer service...just unfriendly and uncomfortable. The three internet terminals were all out of order. Our bed was clean, but the sheets were so threadbare you could read a book through them. The room and bathroom were clean enough, I must say. I got the feeling that Arnott's has seen some rough customers and has become less welcoming as a result. A sign posted at the office described my signing in a as a guest authorized them to do a background check on me if they wanted to. Three years ago, there was a clever tree-lanai, strings of cheerful lights decorating the shared tables area as well as orchids here and there and a table where travelers could leave items to exchange. All of these were missing this time around, which made the place somewhat less inviting. I've always been a budget traveler and I've NEVER traveled in luxury. I have pretty low standards compared to many people. I think Arnott's would be an okay place to stay even with these criticisms, if only it were less expensive. In the idea of "You get what you pay for," I feel like it should be less expensive.

I had a great time staying at Arnott�s Lodge. Arthur (our tour guide) to the Lava was a excellence guide. The Lodge�s common area was a great place to meet and talk with the other travelers. The DVD�s movie room was a nice place to wind down during the evening.

My husband & I paid $90 each for a trip to the top of Mauna Kea. The van broke down 1/2 way through the trip. The drive called the owner, Doug Arnott, & passed on the word that we'd get a 50% refund. We spoke to Doug Arnott on the phone the next day: he was very rude, said to blame General Motors not him for the van's breakdown (it was massively leaking transmission fluid), but he said they'd credit us for 1/2 the cost on my credit card immediately. He never did this, & since I'm not in Hawaii now & cannot get a physical credit slip I have no leverage. I was very unhappy w/ his handling of the situation.