We spent 9 nights at the Lodge in August 2011 and it was one of the best resorts I've stayed so far. I must mention that the hotel was not fully booked. I am extremely demanding when it comes to service, decor and travel in general. Even if I wanted to find something negative about the resort I would fail. The staff was excellent, in few days of our stay most of staff referred to us by the last name including the swimming pool staff. The room was very cozy and comfortable. Each evening they had nightly entertainment. I loved the piano - Louis Armstrong songs and the fire place in the Great Hall room were perfect. Try to explore the Island. It might not seem to be welcoming at first but give it a day or two and I am sure you will fall in love with Lanai and it's unique atmosphere. I loved Garden of Gods which I reached by the bike alone. Don't recommend you to repeat the act. It took me 3.5 hours of riding the bike off road. Also there are no people around so might get slightly uncomfortable. I didn’t see anyone during my trip. The forest you have to pass on the way to the Garden of Gods is rather surreal too so get a partner for this trip! You can also take a ferry to Maui. I believe it was $120 per two people both ways. If you make it to Maui take the helicopter tour which takes you to Molokai - unforgettable experience. Make sure to explore the back gardens of the Lodge - the trees are unique and tranquility is impressive. Go for a walk at the evening and enjoy the small outdoor fire. The weather was perfect in August but it also suppose to be the warmest month. Even though I was happy to have a light jacket in the mornings. There is also a bus shuttle that runs on schedule to the sister resort on the beach. If I was to choose between the Lodge and the beach Four Seasons property I would definitely stay again at the Lodge if the purpose of my trip was to relax and spoil myself a bit. Also if you are trying to get away from someone’s kids on vacation - this is the place. During our stay we did not see a single kid at the Lodge!

We stayed 3 nights at the Lodge (Jan 25 - 27) and loved it. We spent 3 nights in Honolulu, then the 3 nights on Lanai, then 4 nights in Maui and we both agreed the time in Lanai was the best part of our trip. It is elegant, serene, friendly, and I feel that Lanai is more "authentically Hawaiian" than the other islands that are now much more commercialized.

When we arrived on Lanai, at first we were disappointed because on the ride from the Airport to the Lodge, the land is dry and arid and really not very pretty. I read where they get 4 inches of rain per year in the low lying areas. However, as you go up the hill to the Lodge, it starts getting "greener". The Lodge has beautiful grounds that allows for nice walks. Each day, we took the shuttle to Manelle Bay for the beautiful beach and pool there. One of the most beautiful beach settings I have seen. The beach here is listed as one of the top in Hawaii. There was great snorkeling there and all the beach chairs, pool chairs and snorkeling equipment are complimentary. There were probably 75 people there at the beach and at the pool - that's it- so you felt like you had the place to yourself. At first we thought perhaps we should have stayed at Manelle Bay, but ended up thinking we liked staying at the Lodge best. The only thing I did wrong was not stay longer. I was originally going to stay 6 days but some reservation agent told me there was nothing to do in Lanai so I would get bored, so I changed it to 3. (At that Lodge, they had a deal where you pay for 2 nights and get 3rd night free.) However, if you like a great beach, pool, beautiful surroundings, and to be pampered, you won't be bored.

We did not eat at either resort. I had read that the food was very expensive and not that great. So we ate dinner twice at the Lanai City Grill and it was excellent (but also not cheap) and one night at Pele's which was very good. We had breakfast at Blue Ginger in Lanai City which was okay but at least not expensive.

I would recommend this place because accommodations like this on another island in Hawaii would cost 3 times as much. When we moved to Maui, we were disappointed and wished we were back on Lanai. Maui is now very crowded and built up, plus our accomodations there were not nearly as nice as at the Lodge. We will definitely go back and stay longer.

If you are there on a Saturday, the locals gather in front of the Lanai Hotel where they sell their produce and different foods that they have prepared. It is a great place to get an authentically Hawaiian meal at a cheap price, plus it is fun to talk with the locals.

As far as I am concerned, the Lodge is the best value in Hawaii.

The perfect get away on the small intimate island of Lanai. A beautiful resort with luxury amenities, spectacular landscaping and lots to do both indoors and outdoors. The lobby is a great room with beautiful furnishings and fireplaces where you can enjoy a drink, take in some live entertainment or just hang out with friends. One of my favorite rooms is the Library which has big leather chairs or, if you prefer, a sofa in front of the fireplace. You can have a relaxing afternoon snuggled up with a blanket and good book. Can wait to return to The Lodge at Koele for my annual weekend get away.

Beautiful gardens and orchid house on premises. Very relaxing and comfortable. Excellent staff. always helpful when asked questions about other places to eat on the Island.