This was our first time to the big island and just wanted a clean and quiet air conditioned room to lay our heads at night. We ended up with far more than we had expected. The staff were friendly and engaging......they could not have been more helpful. On Saturday evenings Doug Arnott puts on a customer appreciation for guests......with free pizza and beer (refundable deposit of $5 per person that you get back if you show up). Since it was the day before their 20th anniversary we had ice cream and cake for a mini celebration too. Having a chance to meet the other guests was a wonderful experience. We ended up hanging out with one of them the following Monday. We also got to meet Doug and hear his story of how he started the lodge . He has given way more back to Hilo than he has taken.
Lodge rates are more than reasonable and tour prices are far below the going rate of the other tour companies on the big island. My husband and I took the Mauna Kea Stargazing tour and loved every minute of it. Our guide Robert was very knowledgeable and we learned so much about astronomy during the stargazing portion (laser show). Robert truly made the experience one that will be forever in our memories - Thank you Robert !
The accommodations are modest but comfortable. They are located a couple miles from downtown Hilo, but we had a rental car so that was not an issue. The area where they are located was quiet and all you could hear were the sounds of birds and frogs. The air conditioned private room worked out well for us and the shared kitchen saved us a bundle of $$$ from having to go out for meals.
Thanks again everyone at Arnott's Lodge.....our stay with you all was peaceful and pleasant......you are more like friends than lodge staff!
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