Big Island Spring Break trip stay was great!! This hotel is quiet and unassuming upon arrival. The Staff was amazing and very friendly!! Our room was clean and comfortable. Hot water was plentiful for showers. The grounds give off a very serene feeling with lots of fruit trees and shade. It's within walking distance to shops and restaurants. It's also very affordable for those on a budget. I loved the many original features of the 1900's that still remain. If you are looking for resort style or AC type amenities, then it may not be your cup of tea. I personally would trade all that for the hospitality and ALOHA that was given to us.
We honestly loved this place and would stay here again. The staff was warm, friendly, and helpful. It has an old Hawaii vibe, a decent breakfast, and is clean. Having said all that, anyone who rates this place a 5 must be on crack. The exterior is a dump and I'm guessing nobody has ever left this place remembering a nice hot shower. And there a dozen nickel and dime things they could do to make this a better experience - no stopper in the sink, no towel hooks, no shelf in the shower for soap, a bathroom door that wouldn't close, no second trash can in the bedroom, etc. Yeah, all picky things but so easy and inexpensive to resolve. So, I'm reluctantly giving the Wild Ginger a 3 - 2 for the service and 1 for the atmosphere. And they're pennies away from a 4.
To tell you the truth, when we pulled up, we would have thought it was deserted except for the cars parked there. It looks somewhat run down and the front grounds unkempt. When we walked in, it gave out a much better vibe. The front desk girl was friendly and explained that as an old hotel, the hot water would take a while to heat up but would do so and be very hot. We found out the next morning that after 10-15 minutes we still had cold water. The room was okay, but needed some fixing up and care.
My first visit to Hawaii from England with my friend started in Oahu where I was spoilt with modern hotels and nice weather, so imagine my horror when we arrived in the rain at Wild Ginger which from the outside looked old and tired. However, appearances can be very deceptive. It is an older colonial style building but it has a lot of character and charm. The rooms are clean, tidy and basic and housekeeping are available every day. The breakfast consisted of fruit, pastries, juice and coffee, and the staff could not be faulted and were always eager to help in any way they could. It is in a good location for the town of Hilo and the major routes around the island. Yes the property could do with updating, however the owners have only recently purchased it and are in the process of doing just that. We would definitely stay there again and would recommend it, especially if you want a true local hawaiian experience.…
Worst scam ever. Don’t be fooled! We left as soon as we could find another hotel with room. The whole place is falling apart, broken windows, no hot water, huge dead cockroaches, … Pictures speak louder than words…
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Wild Ginger Inn. It’s location is very convenient - you can even walk the 3 blocks to Downtown Hilo. It is an older property but that did not bother us - it is full of charm. If you're looking for a 5-star resort with all the amenities like air-conditioning and an exercise room, this is not it. But if you are seeking clean, comfortable lodging with Aloha spirit at a great rate - then you'll be glad you booked this Inn. From the Hawaiian music playing (quietly) in the lobby area to the decor to the plants throughout the property. Our room was comfortable and clean (daily housekeeping) and the included continental breakfast allowed us to get about our day. The owner was so friendly and welcoming, and provides tips on things to do and see. Lastly - take the time to admire the woodcarvings and Tiki in the common areas (we had the pleasure of talking with the artist - the proprietor’s husband).…
Excellent location five minutes walk over the bridge from Hilo old town. Traditional property with superb beds and plentiful breakfast of local fresh guitar and pastries. The host was engaging helpful and a brilliant fountain of tourism and local knowledge.
Quite an historic gem- early 1900’s! Sitting on the porch outside our room listening to frogs and rain- priceless. Common areas for continental breakfast with fresh fruit open and very sunny. The garden flowers and trees are a botanical delight! Upcoming renovations will major this a highly sought after locale.
Best value for folks wanting inexpensive lodging while exploring the East side of the Big Island. Has the feel of a youth hostel with beautiful vistas and a great lanai where you can hang out and enjoy a breakfast of bagels, croissants, fresh fruit, coffee and other goodies. The ceiling fan keeps you cool and the shower is nice and hot! The owners are onsite and Lee will guide you to the best places nearby, places tourists don’t always know to visit. Her husband, a native Hawaiian is an artist. The most beautiful sculptures, traditional Hawaiian totems and others, are on display. So, support the arts and enjoy the views, the breakfast and the casual friendliness of this very affordable lodging.
We loved the Wild Ginger! What a great little hotel. No-frills and full of the best historic charm. Lee was such a kind host, eager to suggest things to see and do, knew us all by name, and genuinely wanted to know how our days were. The room was simple enough (bed, fridge, chair, night stands, bathroom - no dresser) but sufficed for our needs. We loved sleeping with the windows open, falling asleep to the sound of frogs and waking up to the birds and sunrises. The lobby has plenty of seating, and we were pleasantly surprised to learn breakfast was included (fruit, coffee, pastries). Wild Ginger is in a quiet residential neighborhood, but close enough to walk into town. Wifi was a little spotty in our room, but strong in the lobby.
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