Dolphin Bay Hilo

It feels good here

I would generally agree with the reviewer below that a 1950s style old motel doesnt deserve 5 stars... BUT.... i think this place was wonderful - so clean and comfortable - a little outdoor sitting area amongst all the lush 'jungle' plants, the singing birds etc etc-- i have stayed in many places from top hotels down, and this place is where i have felt the most comfortable - the whole place has a 'feel good' atmosphere and i soooo loved it i stayed until the very last minute for checkout..

yes - the furnishings are older style-- but i felt so 'cared for' here - lovely little touches like fresh flowers around the place. lovely lovely.

i would definitely recommend this motel and will stay here again.

The absolute best

This is a superb small inn, very simple accommodations but clean, comfortable and with beautiful garden views/access from your patio. This is definitely the kind of place to stay if you want a quiet respite from it all. We had birds singing and orchids blooming right outside our front door! Located in a residential neighborhood just a few blocks from downtown Hilo, this inn is a delight. John and Julia were helpful and gave great directions and suggestions for activities and dining. And the grounds here are marvelously beautiful. We brought out 15-month-old daughter and she was treated like royalty. We'll be back.

Nice but No Air Conditioning!

The gardens are gorgeous, the people are wonderful, but we were there in May 2004 and it was HOT and HUMID and there is NO AIR CONDITIONING in this B&B. It is like an old fashioned two-story motel. The walls are cinderblock, very basic, the photos are accurate. It was clean and no mold/mildew. Fresh picked bananas and papayas for breakfast. Jillions of birds wake you up at 4:30 am--my husband said he thought he was in Zimbabwe! Walking distance to Farmer's Market with tropical flower arrangements for $5-10 that would be $100+ on the Mainland, and a hundred vendors, plus shops and restaurants. But if you like to be cool--especially to sleep at night, you might want to think twice.

Comfortable, Great Value

You can't give 5 stars to a Hawaii Hotel that doesn't have in room phones, has outdated furnishings, odd japanese style soaking tubs, and is not near the ocean. With that being stated, Dolphin Bay delivers with everything that they've got! We loved it there. We will stay there every time we visit Hilo. In spite of the negatives, I recommend it to everyone, especially families on a budget. It is clean and friendly.

Interesting, a must stay for Hilo

The Dolphin Bay is an interesting little place where the people are so warm and accommodating, you can't help but love it. Our apartment was as described, sort of a 50's sort of place with vases of fresh flowers in every room. We loved the place and we loved the owners

Like coming home.

We live in Japan but the Big Island is our home. When we go home we spend the first and the last night at the Dolphin Bay. Prior to moving to Japan I managed in Hotels (S/SF, H/Hono, and other Big Names) none had anything on the Dolphin Bay. HOSPITALITY is priceless. #1 in my book. In a good hotel, size doesn't matter. Dan_in_Japan

Alexander families Dolphin Bay Hotel in Hilo,Hi

Warmth and ambience of the hotel and the Alexander Family together with the quiet setting makes this place a MUST STAY. Been there several times for relaxation and business.

Just a lovely place

We stayed here when doing business in Hilo, because of the kitchenettes and good rates, but we're going back for the sheer pleasure of it. It's just a lovely small place, still run by the family who built it and the tropical jungle garden behind it. Immaculately clean, spacious rooms (for Hilo), and full of the small thoughtful touches you'd expect at a good B&B. It's very quiet and caters to the thoughtful eco-tourist crowd. Do ask for a room with a lanai so you can enjoy the beautiful gardens. It's a short walk to the old downtown, easy for what shopping and nightlife old Hilo offers. We especially liked walking to the Hilo farmers' market (Weds. and Sat. mornings), buying tropical veggies, and cooking them up in our kitchenette using the utensils we picked up from the nearby Chinese grocery. Dolphin Bay is a great place to get a sense of Hilo's gentle local charm, and even feel like part of the place.

The very best in state

My wife and I agree that the Dolphin Bay is the very best hotel in the state of Hawaii! John, the host and owner, is not only one great guy, but can help guests have a great time in Hilo. A must.

Small hotel gem //// plenty aloha spirit!

This is where we stay when in Hilo..... always.

PROS:

Dolphin Bay is small, quiet, exceptionally clean (no mildew carpet smells here... unlike many of the larger hotels in Hilo). Off the beaten path. Lovely gardens (lot's of orchids and exotic tropical plants). The free coffee, muffins and fruit (large box of papaya... stalks of bannanas... take what you need), are a nice in the morning. Not to mention the abundant fresh tropical flowers in all the rooms. I believe all rooms have fully equipped kitchens (better ask when making your reservation if this is a plus for you), giving the impression that this must have been a tidy, two story apartment complex (built in the early 60's I'd guess).

The proprietor, John Alexander, is a wonderful and enthusiastic source of information regarding Big Island sights, adventures, food, beaches, botanicals, and volcanos. In fact, if you are coming to the Big Island to see lava, I most strongly recommend staying here, simply to get the latest update from John on where and when to view lava flows.

Extremely convenient location. Easy walk to quaint, downtown Hilo, with it's farmers market (the Saturday market in Hilo is the best place to find your been-traveling-to-Hawaii goods), art and craft galleries, unique restaurants, and "old Hawaii" charm.

CONS:

Despite the name, Dolphin Bay is not on a bay... or the ocean. No water views from any of the lanias.

But it's an easy walk to the water (3 blocks). No telephones in rooms. But you can bring your laptop to the lobby and download your email, and of course, there is a phone in the lobby.