Uncle Billys Hilo Bay Hotel

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User Reviews for Uncle Billys Hilo Bay Hotel, Big Island

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May 29, 2008 by Judith from Keizer, OR
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• My room was clean, spacious w/ "funky" 1960's decor - BEAUTIFUL view - everything I needed and expected.
• Bathroom was clean - but needed minor repairs to tile and counter top.

“The room was excellent: quiet, with comfortable bed and outstanding service. It's not the Ritz - but if you are looking for the relaxed, easy-going Big Island hotel on Hilo bay. The family atmosphere is wonderful - the staff made me feel really welcome and, as a woman traveling alone, very safe. It was an easy place to kick back and enjoy Hawaii.”

Apr 18, 2008 by Fritz from Grass Valley, CA
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[7] • Location:[8]

• Good location.
• Parking.

“We planned on staying several more days, but didn't as parking was very difficult, the breakfast consisted of no cereals, ran out of fruit and the main dining area closed for breakfast. Coffee in room, but no sugar or creamer.”

Nov 20, 2007 by Shirley from Honolulu, HI
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[9] • Location:[7]

• Nice location looks.
• Lack of parking, bar patrons noisy.

“First time we came to see room with friends it was smelly 2nd floor room. Our room was better hotel could use newer furniture.”

Jul 27, 2007 by Karen from Nevada City, CA
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[2] • Staff:[7] • Location:[7]

• Staff and food.
• Old rooms that are in need of repair and paint.

“It's what I expected. They need to clean up their rooms but staff is friendly and helpful. No improvement needed there.”

Jan 4, 2007 by Jessica from Sunnyvale, CA
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[1] • Staff:[1] • Location:[5]

• Sea side location.
• Badly maintained dump with passion-less staff.

“Though the room was pre-paid, the front desk would not check us in unless we pay a much higher walk-in rate. (it's not his responsibility to verify reservations he said) he claimed that later their so-called confirmation department will then confirm my pre-paid reservation and refund the extra charges, not in next hour, not by next morning but sometime next week. Same story was experienced by another party checking in at the same time, and their reservation was booked through another big, well-known agency; we both had to call our agencies and had them made the front desk to check us in, and still we spent more then half hour standing there arguing with the rude staff. It's a fishy hotel, unfriendly signs every where calling unregistered guests trespassers and stating that they will charge for extra towels. Visible dirt and black grout in bathroom. Dirtiest ever kopi pond in the center, a mosquito heaven. Do not ruin your vacation by staying in this depressing old dump.”

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Dec 27, 2006 by Frank A. from Honolulu, HI
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• This was an excellent choice and price. We had an ocean view room and cold a/c.
• Interior hallways and room walls could use an upgrade but it was still clean.

“I think this hotel was perfect in it ambiance because so many places are making multi-million dollar renovations, additions or even rebuilding and that takes away from the history and old-school atmosphere that the islands are. If you want that go to side and lose the charm and history and drive farther to the National park. But, the island is huge and you would be wise to stay here in Hilo, relax, go to the farmers market and take the short drive to the National park, beaches, and saddle road to start up to the observatories. ”

Oct 19, 2006 by Suzie from Boulder, CO
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[3] • Staff:[5] • Location:[6]

• The superior Ocean View room was excellent.
• The "volcano Surprise" in the restaurant was super expensive and the "surprise" was the size- 2-3 bites!

“Bugs in lower rooms. Nice garden/ oceanfront. Expensive restaurant. Weak drinks. Good entertainment.”

Sep 21, 2006 by Lisa from Honolulu, HI
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[8]

• Friendly staff made our stay a pleasure.
• Not a very secure room because of the box air conditioner that could be removed and some one could enter though the hole.

“For the money it is a good deal. The windows and A/C unit are not very secure. Do not bring valuables that you want to not lose. Other than that there are no problems there.”

Aug 14, 2006 by Alain from Naperville, IL
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[1] • Staff:[1] • Location:[10]

• Nothing except price.
• Dirty, old, unfriendly.

“The hotel is old, dirty. The a/c is a window unit. When was the last time you had a window unit a/c in a real hotel. There is only about 20 parking spacing on site for more than 100 rooms and you have to find parking on the street. It costs 5 dollars to get extra towels. They ask for ID for every guest in the room, it's more strict than airport. The staffs are unfriendly and would not answer even some of the most basic questions. The bathroom sinks are so old that the finish was worn off years and years ago. The carpet is so dirty I wouldn't step on with my bare feet. The hallway smells mildew and they tried to cover it with some kind of chemical. The pool was so small that even kids don't want to use. The only nice thing about this 'hotel' is location and I can't deny the surrounding is excellent. But please remove this hotel from your offering.”

Aug 4, 2006 by Marsha from Santa Rosa, CA
Overall Rating: 2
Cleanliness:[3] • Staff:[2] • Location:[3]

• The location was convenient for airport travel.
• Attitude of staff, limited parking, long wait at restaurant, terrible rooms.

“Staff rude, had attitude when we arrived as party of grandma, mother, daughter, said didn't know about the child; rude when asked for n/s room and told we would have to take what was provided. Still cleaning rooms at 6:00 pm. No hot water, blow dryer broken; Restaurant holds you hostage 30 minutes between salad and entree (saw this happen w/another party also); limited parking, may end up on nearby streets; overall, we are very easy going, but this hotel made us feel uncomfortable from the moment we arrived. How it manages two stars is beyond me!”

Jul 31, 2006 by Arleen from Grass Valley, CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[8] • Location:[10]

• Quaint, old Hawaiian charm.
• N/A.

“We were there 4 nights. Great location; friendly, accommodating staff. We were on the 3rd floor and could overlook the bay from our lanai. Grounds are very tropical and beautiful. The interior needs a little refurbishing -- but it is comfortable and clean. When Hurricane Denial was approaching and we were told we needed to change our itinerary, it couldn't be done. What good is saving a couple of dollars (the rate is available thru other venues anyway), when you have no cancellation options --- even in a potential disaster situation!!!!????”

Jul 20, 2006 by Greg from Kailua Kona, HI
Overall Rating: 2
Cleanliness:[1] • Staff:[1] • Location:[5]

• Happy to check-out.
• Inadequate parking.

“Rate this hotel a D- for dump. Needs major renovation and improvements to amenities Staff was surly (Len) The manager reversed the charges the following day, however, overall experience was quite unpleasant.”

Jul 5, 2006 by Arwinder from Suwanee, GA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[9]

• Excellent rates, nightly entertainment.
• Very little parking available.

“This hotel meets the needs of people who are looking for a place to sleep the night and spend the day in volcanoes and parks. Excellent location and staff.”

Jun 28, 2006 by Dan from Weston, FL
Overall Rating: 2
Cleanliness:[2] • Staff:[7] • Location:[8]

• Location.
• This hotel feels like a place you rent out on an hourly basis.

“The shower head did not work, there were pubic hairs in the bathroom, bed was real springy, very little parking available to guests, but the view was nice.”

Jun 8, 2006 by Maka from Kailua Kona, HI
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[8] • Location:[7]

• Friendly staff, great location and price is good!
• Air conditioning unit needed to be fixed. The room got stuffy at times.

“We stayed overnight. The staff was excellent from checking in to check out. The room we stayed in was spacious. My children had a blast, they enjoyed the hotel. The only problem we had was the air conditioner didn't work to well. It needed to be replaced. Other than that we enjoyed our stay and will stay there again.”

May 30, 2006 by Cheryl from Everett, WA
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[1] • Location:[4]

• Easy to locate and accessible to the city center and beach area.
• No parking.

“Never stayed as business office of hotel did not enter our reservation at the hotel (dated 5/24/2006 ) into there reservation system until 5/25/2006! Told us that they did not have A reservation for us when we were to check in. Now we are having issues with them to have our monies refunded, so far this is on day six with no resolve will now call bank to begin credit card dispute with master card.”

May 30, 2006 by Ww from Miller, MO
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[6] • Location:[7]

• Beautiful views, close to airport.
• NO PLACE TO PARK.

“Great place for the price. Not a fancy hotel. If you are just looking for a place to sleep while visiting the island, at a good price then this is for you. Downside was very little parking available.”

May 28, 2006 by Malinda from Ramsey, MN
Overall Rating: 2
Cleanliness:[2] • Staff:[5] • Location:[7]

• Had on site restaurant.
• Poorly maintained in desperate need of repairs & updates.

“This was suppose to be a 2 star hotel. Although it had a restaurant on site, this does not mean hotel management should neglect the actual hotel building and rooms! The bathroom was disgusting; the floor tiles were coming apart and mold and mildew was everything. The carpet several stains. The bed mattress coils were worn out; you lie down to sleep and you sink about 6inches into the bed! I kept my shoes on the whole time I was in the room. We were there May 2006.”

May 26, 2006 by Pat from Benicia, CA
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[8] • Location:[9]

• Quick access to second floor; bath ADA compliant, nice staff.
• Old, needs renovating.

“The daily charge was $9 over my base price of $85 so didn't save a whole lot. The peek-a-boo view of the ocean was substantial.”

May 22, 2006 by Manuel from Berkeley, CA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• Friendly staff.
• Lack of parking.

“I will visit again. However, it is not for the pool.”

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Amenities at Uncle Billys Hilo Bay Hotel, Big Island

24-hour front desk Air Conditioned Balcony Bath Tub Bay View Cable TV Car Rental Desk Coffeemaker Conference Facilities Continental Breakfast Elevators FAX Family Plan Free Parking Game Room

Gift Shop Hairdryer In Room Iron / Ironing Board Ironing Board Kitchenette Lounge Maid Service Microwave Ocean View Pool Refrigerator Restaurant Telephone Wakeup Service Wheel Chair Access