The photos on your website did not reflect actual conditions. The property was in terrible shape. I had windows in my room that had major gaps and could not open and close, probably because the building is not structurally sound. The grounds were not maintained. The “ocean view” was obstructed due to plant overgrowth. I canceled two of my three nights and was told I would not be charged but they did anyway. I am very disappointed that Orbitz would feature this property.
The windows would not close.
The friendly service provided by the sweet ladies at the front office belied the condition of this hotel. Water never really got hot and had little flow. Rooms and bath had nowhere to place our things. The loud coqui frogs will likely overrun this place soon and it will be even harder to get get to sleep. We paid for three nights, but left after the first night.
Check in was a disaster. Key was NOT left where specified. Took an additional 1 hour 15 minutes to get ahold of hotel staff only to get a key to a different room. The sheets appeared to not have been changed so I reversed the bedspread and slept on top. All in all I would rate this experience a 2 out of 10.
We pulled up and the building looked abandoned. We didn't stay. The eaves were rotting off, a main structural beam in the lobby was rotton on both ends, rails were rotten and painted over. Parking lot was dirty and un maintained. Homeless were less than a block away. I felt unsafe as well as the building was unsafe. The only cool thing was the M1088 military truck in the parking lot.
Tried very hard to overlook the potholes in the driveway and the broken eaves on the outside. But the garden was overgrown, debris on the roof visible from the stairs the uneven flooring, tiny room and ritual to get hot water killed whatever charm others saw. It may have been a beaute decades ago not now. Didn't stay.
Moldy, rustty, paint peeling place. No hot water. Sounds of animals scurrying around in the walls and ceilings. Not a good experience!
Very old property. No amenities. Felt like the floor of room was not level. No TV..no coffee in room. You get what you pay for.
The hotel is a nice older traditional Hawaiian accommodation that is the right place if you are looking for a pleasant quiet stay in Hilo. The rooms are clean and comfortable. No TV present that would distract you from reading your book or listening to the tropical rain. The covered porch with comfortable furniture lets you sit outside and enjoy the view of the garden. But watch out for slippery floors caused by the rain. The breakfast is simple but it fills your belly. The staff is not paying attention to the breakfast buffet and you have to ask for dishes and knives or refills of creamer for the coffee. The water dispenser was also running empty while girls sitting at reception were playing on their phones. The dirty dishes were piling up and there was no good place to put them. The bathroom is outdated but functional, although it took 20 minutes to get hot water. Location is a short walk from the center. The outside of the building is uninviting and rough looking. If you don’t mind the poor breakfast service and lack of attention from the girls working there, it is a nice place to stay in Hilo.
Old fashioned historic hotel beside a beautiful jungle ravine with peek a boo views of Hilo bay. Rustic, simple, affordable lodging. Excellent breakfast included. Easy walk to downtown Hilo.
friendly staff. good price for lodging near volcano national park
Lee and her husband are the most amazing hotel owners. Our experience in staying at this property will always prompt us for a recurring trip to the big island. Lee spent about half of an hour with us for check-in, and her guide for us was so rewarding for our trip of few days.
Great rustic little inn. Close walk to town. There is not a need for it, but no a/c if that matters to you. It cools off nicely and you can hear the wildlife with windows open.
A nice unique historical hotel. Has that old-Hawaiian feel. Staff (Lee) was very energetic, friendly, and helpful. Free continental breakfast was excellent. The facility was old and kind of run down. Overgrown plants and grass. Rooms had a cabin-like feel. Internet didn't work (we were at the end of the hall), but wasn't an issue for us. Room wasn't dirty, but hard to feel clean when facility is old. Overall, we enjoyed our stay. It's not your chain "vanilla" hotel. We weren't looking for that. Just know what to expect when staying here.
Family-run hostel-style hotel. Older property with small rooms. The owners are very helpful and the common areas really make the place. We stayed here for a few nights while on family vacation and were able to enjoy Hilo for a few days without paying exorbitant prices.
Staying at the Wild Ginger was like stepping back into an earlier time in Hilo. The rich history and ambiance of the hotel provided for a very pleasant stay. The owners of the hotel Lee and Jason were fantastic. They are both so friendly and helpful. My partner and I absolutely loved the grounds with its various trees including many varieties of citrus. I had never picked a tangerine right off a tree but I can't say that anymore! As mentioned in other reviews, if you are looking to stay at resort you would not be happy at the Wild Ginger. However, if you want to immerse yourself in a "real" Hawaiian experience this is the place for you. We enjoyed being able to walk right down the street to the many shops and restaurants in town. This was definitely an excellent choice in hotels for our vacation and we will be back. All the best to Lee and Jason and thank you again for a fabulous stay!
It was a traditional Hawaiian lodging. That said, no amenities in the room, just a sheet on the bed, no blanket. There was a refrigerator in the room, which we used. There was a film crew using the location so it took away from the peaceful ambiance of the hotel. Staff were pleasant and helpful
Hilo Farmers Market is a short stroll from Wild Ginger Hotel, and other popular attractions like Kaumana Caves County Park are within a 10-minute drive. This 18-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, free self parking, and express check-out.
Free continental breakfast is included with your stay and awaits you each morning from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
At Wild Ginger Hotel, guests have access to free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and express check-out. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. Front-desk staff can help with luggage storage, and provide local restaurant recommendations. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, a garden, and a picnic area.
The photos on your website did not reflect actual conditions. The property was in terrible shape. I had windows in my room that had major gaps and could not open and close, probably because the building is not structurally sound. The grounds were not maintained. The “ocean view” was obstructed due to plant overgrowth. I canceled two of my three nights and was told I would not be charged but they did anyway. I am very disappointed that Orbitz would feature this property.
The windows would not close.
Aloha Clair, we checked the room after your stay and the windows closed just fine. The building is old so it does take a little more effort than new windows to close. However the windows close just fine. We hope you find happiness with the rest of your stay on our beautiful island. Mahalo
The friendly service provided by the sweet ladies at the front office belied the condition of this hotel. Water never really got hot and had little flow. Rooms and bath had nowhere to place our things. The loud coqui frogs will likely overrun this place soon and it will be even harder to get get to sleep. We paid for three nights, but left after the first night.
Check in was a disaster. Key was NOT left where specified. Took an additional 1 hour 15 minutes to get ahold of hotel staff only to get a key to a different room. The sheets appeared to not have been changed so I reversed the bedspread and slept on top. All in all I would rate this experience a 2 out of 10.
Aloha, as you can tell from all other reviews this experience is not the norm. We love our guest and do the best we can every day. If something was missed, we sincerely apologize. Safe travels and Mahalo for staying with us.
We pulled up and the building looked abandoned. We didn't stay. The eaves were rotting off, a main structural beam in the lobby was rotton on both ends, rails were rotten and painted over. Parking lot was dirty and un maintained. Homeless were less than a block away. I felt unsafe as well as the building was unsafe. The only cool thing was the M1088 military truck in the parking lot.
Aloha, Please note that our building is historic and was built in 1911. So of course it will show its age in places but it’s very well built and safe. Most guest appreciate its charm and enjoy the history. As coincidence would have, it just passed a series of inspections a few days ago as we are planning a big remodel. Regarding homelessness, you find that everywhere in Hawaii. We’re sorry that bothers you so much and it makes you feel unsafe but it’s found everywhere. Even our largest hotels on this side, (Hilo Hawaiian, Grand Naniloa) struggle with homelessness. You’ll find homelessness outside those properties all the time. However, you will rarely find it outside our property as we’re smaller and easily monitored. You also mentioned in your review our building looked abandoned. Our hotel is fully booked most days of the year. The only time it looks empty is between 11am and 4pm when most of our amazing guests are out and about enjoying the marvels of our beautiful island. We love our guest and there is so much joy and beauty here at the Wild Ginger. We’re sorry you didn’t see it our give us a chance to share it with you.Safe travels !
Tried very hard to overlook the potholes in the driveway and the broken eaves on the outside. But the garden was overgrown, debris on the roof visible from the stairs the uneven flooring, tiny room and ritual to get hot water killed whatever charm others saw. It may have been a beaute decades ago not now. Didn't stay.
Moldy, rustty, paint peeling place. No hot water. Sounds of animals scurrying around in the walls and ceilings. Not a good experience!
Very old property. No amenities. Felt like the floor of room was not level. No TV..no coffee in room. You get what you pay for.
Aloha, we’re sorry you didn’t receive experience you wanted. Next time, please let us know…we would’ve happily sent housekeeping to your room again or switched you to a different room. Many of your comments are an inaccurate. For example, the building is structurally sound It was fortified under a year ago. In regards to the insulation… The building is single-wall construction like most of the buildings built in its era. There isn’t room for insulation, nor is there a need for it as we have near perfect weather, year-round. In regards to the ocean view, we have many beautiful large trees and a lush garden. We prefer our tropical jungle vibe over unobstructed ocean views. Yes, we do have a last-minute cancellation policy, which is standard for the island. The reason we have a cancellation policy is because when you make a reservation, we hold your room, preventing others from booking that room. If you change your mind, the last minute the hotel doesn’t have time to allow the room to book to another party. I’m assuming because you were charged, you felt the need to write a negative review. Again, we’re sorry that you felt you needed to hurt us to feel better. Regardless, we hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation. Just remember you’re in Hawaii not the mainland.