We were encouraged by family members to stay at the Fairmont Orchid as their experience was positive. For the most part we were happy with the room and friendly staff. The beach boys at the beach shack were particularly helpful. The concierge was not so friendly. Our biggest disappointment was the lack of interest for those of us who were not part of the conferences that were going on non stop. Many areas were closed off to us as early as noon when the events did not start until that evening. We did not find any events scheduled for those of us who were not attending conferences.Our advice is to call before and find out how many conferences are scheduled for your stay. There are other fine resorts in the area who may be more accommodating.

Nice place. Beach and pool amenities were good. Snorkeling right off the beach was great. Sea turtles, eels and lots a fish. All people were nice, but for a Jersey guy who travels every week, service was a bit slow but nothing to worry about. Golf at Mauna Lani was great.

We had the most wonderful experience at this fabulous resort. The moment we arrived we were greeted by name and taken to our room without having to stop at the front desk (a very nice perk after a long day of travel). The staff in all areas of the hotel was the friendliest we have experienced anywhere. They were extremely kind and very helpful. There was one area where they went above and beyond: I had forgotten a small bag of jewelry in the safe when we left. The hotel staff contacted the new guests in our room, found the jewelry, and shipped it home to us. They were very gracious and helpful!

We will definitely be back!

The Fairmont Orchid is a beautiful resort with a friendly Hawaiian atmosphere.

We are staying at the Orchid for the second time and it is still beautiful. Our room was upgraded to a suite and is very comfortable. We have an extra 1/2 bath to go with the living room space. The ensuite is large and has a bath and separate shower. 2 generous closets with plenty of hangers and the king bed is very comfortable. We have two lanais and a partial ocean view... I think all the rooms are partial ocean view based on the way the resort is positioned... Anyway it is really very nice. They have upgraded the TVs to 42 inch plasma screens and have keruig coffee machines in the room now also.

The staff is very friendly and accommodating. I have found the services is very good, especially the bell staff, they seems to want to help you with everything and anything.

The Spa without walls is a nice set up. Some Spa services can be provided outside near the waterfalls or the beach. Prices for this are pretty hefty but not the most expensive I have seen. My massage was brilliant, so I am not going to complain about the cost.

The breakfast buffet at the Orchid Grill is really quite good. A large selection of fresh fruits, the usual scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and potatoes is rounded out with a daily quiche, eggs Benny with smoked salmon, steamed local fish, rice, macnut pancakes with coconut syrup and a huge selection of pastries... Plus an omelet station and an ala carte menu if nothing there is to your liking. The breakfast is included in our room rate, so I make sure to have breakfast to fully enjoy all the activities that the Big Island has waiting for me. The other dining options are pretty good at the resort and in the close vicinity.

The pool is kid friendly and the beach is clean and not crowded. It is nice to sit back and watch the surfers ride the waves or read a book while relaxing in the sun. The service around the pool is also quite good as the servers never let you go too long before replenishing your drink or taking a food order. Towels are available at poolside and cabanas can be rented.

There is nothing cheap about Hawaii and the Orchid is no different. Food and beverage are pricey, but that is the same at all the resorts. Parking is $17 a day, $22 for valet but we are not being charged a daily resort fee (common at most resorts in Hawaii) and our Presidents Club membership provides free WiFi in our room.

A beautiful resort with pools, beach and golf close by... A wonderful Hawaiian resort. No complaints here.