We just got back (1/14/07) from a trip to Hilo and would not recommend staying here. Being a Hawaii resident, I could tell from the parking lot that it appears that the majority of the parking stalls were occupied by residents and not visitors (very few rental cars). Although I did not ask or was told, I suspect that this property resembles a condotel (vacation rentals and residential units).
Being an experienced traveler I read the TripAdvisor reviews and the reviews identified some concerns. So, I decided to call the property directly and after speaking to a reservations employee, she assurred me that the units had all been renovated within the last year (not so); the property was a safe place and security patrolled the area at night (to me, this is a scary place at night); parking was generally not a problem - there was a bar/nightclub downstairs and that it may affect parking in the evening (loud music and people arguing in the parking lot could be clearly heard and there was no onsite parking available).
Although Banyan Drive is a prime location, there are no newly renovated accomodations (Hilo Hawaiian is okay, but I suspect the last renovation was sometime in the 80's). Today, I read in the Hilo newspaper that in the Spring of this year, the former Naniloa Hotel (now the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort) will open and have a limited number of rooms available initially and then more will become available as the renovation is completed...I can't wait. I know they will be pricey, but perhaps worth it.
I wanted to share this info so that travelers would not be disappointed with their Hilo lodging. As another reviewer indicated, contact the Hilo Police about the incidents at this property. Lastly, don't believe what the employees tell you.
- Country Hotel Hawaii Condo
