Is the economy recovering? (Hilo, Honokaa: for sale, real estate, foreclosures)

[Jungjohann]

It's nothing to do with 'knocking' Hilo. It's just when you look at the picture perfect 'postcard' tourist destination, Hilo doesn't even come close. Personally, I like Hilo, had a house down there in the late 90's. But it never will be a major tourist destination.. And Volcano........................................... .....

Aloha

[whtviper1]

You don't get it Open, if Hilo or even the Big Island was as cool as you make it out to be then you wouldn't be debating record tourism numbers in Hawaii all the time and the lack thereof on the Big Island. I'm sure people aren't staying away because good ole me says so or if they are I'm in the wrong business. No need to be defensive if people stay away.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Unfortunately, lots of new small businesses does do indicate a better economy. Go back in a year and see how many of them are still open. That will tell you a lot more about the state of the economy.

[CyberCity]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

There isn't a single hotel/resort fit for tourists.

And that's a fact.

Heck, even as West side residents, there are times we think of going to Hilo for an event, but if it requires an overnight stay (such as for a late night ending to the event), it is not worth the huhu of finding a clean and fresh smelling place to stay. We've even stopped using a favorite medical clinic, because the decent overnight accommodations are too limited.

[Jungjohann]

Hilo Hawaiian is OK. Uncle Billys????????? Even my employees never liked staying there, but when the alternative is Waiakea Villas, suddenly Uncles looks pretty good.

Aloha

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Jungjohann

Hilo Hawaiian is OK.

I've stayed at the Hilo Hawaiian over 100 nights - I hate to disagree with an ok - but.....

The only thing I find redeeming about the hotel is the park next door - good for a run or a walk in the morning (if it isn't raining). A lot of the staff is friendly. It does have quick access into the main drag of Hilo for a bite to eat.

Other than that....

It is a time warp back in time when staying at the hotel - to say it needs a complete restoration is understatement.

The walls are windows are paper thin. This means the frogs are practically in your room - and, where the Hilo Hawaiian is - it is infested with them. From sundown and all night - it isn't pleasant.

The bedding mattresses seem like they are 10 or more years old - not comfortable.

The shower - well, if you like water pressure, you've come to the right place - it feels like it will take your skin off - and any hair you have.

The walls/flooring all have a early 70's feel - and not in a good way. It quite frankly is kind of a nasty shower area.

They finally replaced the TV's - except they put in the tiniest flat screens I've ever seen.

Internet is terrible.

The bar closes at 9:00 - it is one thing for Hilo to shut down, but jeez, a hotel bar?

The food is terrible and expensive. There is no lunch available except pre-packaged, not very good sandwiches.

No gift shop to buy things like water or soda - you better hope the machines are stocked.

It isn't as bad as a typical Motel 6 - but not much better.

I'll add - it is a hotel you'd expect in Bakerfield (sorry Bakerfield), but not fit for tourists. It is best as a 1 night hotel because it is to late to drive back to the Kona side. And 99% of my issues with Hilo are accomodations.

[Jungjohann]

And your alternative is???? Guess the point is that there are no first class hotels in Hilo for a reason. And doesn't the Hawaiian still have thursday night music?? guess it's been a while. Cause I guarantee you that the bar was open way past 900 o'clock then.

aloha

[Joliefille]

Got to agree with the rest. I travel to the BI monthly and fly into Hilo, rent a car, work and then drive to Kailua-Kona to sleep. Work more and fly out of Kona.

I'd prefer not to, but as a business traveler, I'm all about points, wifi and service.

[CyberCity]

Originally Posted by Jungjohann

Hilo Hawaiian is OK. Uncle Billys????????? Even my employees never liked staying there, but when the alternative is Waiakea Villas, suddenly Uncles looks pretty good.

Those are examples of the sad choices that keep us from staying over in Hilo! I don't demand fancy, or new, or a view. But I do demand a clean room (including bedspread and upholstery), fresh air, and not needing to wear my slippers 24/7 while in the room. The Hilo hotels are just plain creepy.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Jungjohann

And your alternative is???? Guess the point is that there are no first class hotels in Hilo for a reason. And doesn't the Hawaiian still have thursday night music?? guess it's been a while. Cause I guarantee you that the bar was open way past 900 o'clock then.

aloha

There really is no alternative - and that is one of the issues with Hilo, it is a pretty low bar in terms of hotels. They have music at the hotel quite often - but the bar is never open much past 9:00.

Some good news - there is supposed to be a remodel to rooms next Spring. And, if you read the blistering reviews on Tripadvisor (I'm tame compared to them), the GM takes the time respond to those reviews regardless of how negative.

Hilo is an easy target to pick on - but if they had 1 freaking decent hotel it would make a HUGE difference in getting tourists and repeat customers.