You have probably found Arnott’s as you are looking for a good price, and we are often the lowest of the well-rated Hotels in Hilo.
There is a reason for this, as we are a small operation two miles from the nearest “Big Hotel” in an uncrowded coastal area and residential neighborhood, away from the center of town, and we do not charge “Resort Fees” nor do we charge for parking, so right there you are saving money.
Another important saving that we pass on to you is that, like the rest of America, it is hard to find staff, especially for late hours. As security is more important after 9pm than check-ins, we focus on a Security Person rather than a Front Desk clerk with computer skills, so you can sleep knowing we do have someone watching out for your safety.
This has created a situation where it is increasingly difficult to check anybody in after 9 p.m. and it is increasingly unfair to those here in a timely manner to have lights, noise..beeping car locks and etc. going on all night.
So with all these weather cancellations and delayed flights what are YOU to do…??
Our first recommendation is buy Travel Insurance, it is worth its weight in gold.
Next, if you have a flight that arrives in Kona after 6:00pm get a room in Kona for your first night rather than plan to make the drive to Hilo that late. It is hazardous to drive 7000ft up and back down again on a dark remote road in the evening and/or middle of the night. For Hilo flights, book to arrive at the airport by 8:00pm.
For both Hilo and Kona make sure you have your transport set up well in advance. Rental cars are almost always sold out (we have a limited supply on the island) and Uber and Lyft charge very high rates around aircraft arrival times and have often gone home for late or delayed flights, leaving people stranded at the airport overnight.
Next, a good travel tip for any Hotel: Have a VALID Credit Card and all your paperwork ducks in a row and your check in will be easy.
The credit card needs to be in the name of the person checking in and agree with a valid Passport or drivers license or other government-issued photo ID.
If you are using a debit card or a prepaid cash card, we will process a $200-$250 Incidental deposit that will be refunded upon room inspection after 9am …DO NOT plan on using a debit card if you are leaving early as your room needs to be inspected for cigarette or drug smells, stains and/or breakages before a deposit can be refunded. There will not be any staff available to make this inspection before 9 a.m. Be aware that recreational drugs may be legalized for private use in YOUR private home….but we will charge you heavily for use in our Hotel. The same principle applies if you are giving a Cash deposit; we cannot inspect before 9am.
If you are running a few minutes late you absolutely must establish contact with our front desk by TEXTING 808 339 0921.
We always strive to do our best for our guests, but please be aware that we are not staffed 24/7. Please make your plans to arrive during our posted check-in hours accordingly. Communicating your estimated arrival time is a great help to us and always appreciated.
