The VRR was memorable, but like other reviewers said, it's not for everyone.

The positives: Wonderful architecture of the cabin (we stayed in the Forest House), adorable little paths to the cabin, porch light left on each night for our return, room cleaned daily (dishes washed/put away, towels folded or replaced, breakfast items restocked), very friendly and helpful owners, beautiful scenery to wake up to each morning. GREAT location if you're spending time at Volcanoes National Park. Very close to little Volcano Village with a few restaurants. Close enough to Hilo for other food options/airport/things to do.

The negatives: It is loud inside the cabin when it rains. I felt like I was sleeping inside of a drum. The skylight above the bed was wonderful...except when the condensation accumulated and dripped on my face or arms. It was maybe 2 or 3 drips a night, but still a surprise when you're trying to sleep. It's damp inside the cabin...this can be expected since we were in a rainforest. Combined with the dampness, it's cold! I spent quite a bit of time practically hugging the gas fireplace. The neighborhood dogs barked quite a bit. Our cabin was pretty close to the owners' cabin so I didn't feel as secluded as I would've liked. I felt more like I was staying in their extra bedroom. Other cabins looked more secluded though.

Sometimes the most memorable places aren't the most luxurious. We appreciate the little quirks of the VRR.

My boyfriend and I stayed in the Sanctuary for two nights while visiting the Volcano National Park. The location was great to get back and forth between the handful of restaurants at the village and the park itself. The rooms are secluded and set back in the rainforest. The owners have put personal touches in every room and though Sanctuary was small--it was the perfect size for two of us for a couple nights. I loved the fact that we had to use the outdoor shower and soaking tub...I think my boyfriend would have rather had an indoor option but I thought it was part of the fun of staying in what felt like a jungle. There are only a couple other cottages so I believe even at its full capacity you would still feel like you have the place to yourself. I'd highly recommend going here....

We found Hawai'i, and especially Volcano, very expensive and it didn't live up to expectations so therefor it's kind of hard to write a review. However, when we don't think about the price the Rainforest Retrait is a nice place to stay.

We stayed in the Sanctuary Cottage. It's different, nice, but not at it best yet. The idea is great. It's an wooden cottage with lots of windows and in primary forest. The room, not very big, is full with things. However it's too full, so there wasn't room for the bags. We had to remember jumping over them at night in the dark, when going to the bathroom. It would be better if the'd loose the to chairs (higher than table) and one of the side tables. As crowded as the room was, we missed a chair at the terrace, there's only one.

Hygienic logistic needs a bit of creativity. One would expect water in the bathroom, but there isn't. There's just a toilet and a cupboard for your thing. Brushing your theeth can be done at the kitchen unit in the room, shaving is hard as there is no mirror. The shower is outside. You can let a curtain down for some privacy, there are other cabins hidden in the forrest, but our curious neighbour could still see us. We didn't care about him, hope he had a nice time spying, but I can imagine not everybody liking this. There's also a hot tub outside, it's very hot so you can only stay for a short time but it's nice, we enjoyed it during rain and that was nice.

During day the cottage is cleaned but not every day (at least during our stay), but they do change the food every day. You can choise some things for breakfast and they'll provid them for you, which is nice.

Further the cabin is complete with flashlights, candles, wifi, tc (didn't use) and all kind of 'zen-things' (didn't use either).

My Husband and I spent two nights in the "Serenity Cottage" at the Volcano Rainforest Retreat. Every day we hiked in Volcano National Park and then came back to soak in the open air Japanese soaking tub. Heavenly! Serenity is the smallest of the cottages. It is only one room done in a quasi japenese style: glass encased octatgon with a bed, coffee table with two chairs, small kitchenette and a toilet behind a japenese sliding screen. There is an outdoors porch with two chairs. The shower and tub are in a open air pergula a few steps away. Although there are other cottages close by, they are shrouded in the forest and you feel quite private. There are screens to drop for privacy but after the first day we just left everything open. The owners are very nice and not intrusive. We plan to go back the next time we find ourselves on the Big Islan.