This was our third trip to the Big Island and this time we wanted to visit the volcano. We didn't want to waste a day driving back and forth across the island so we checked out Tripadvisor for a place to stay in Hilo. We chose the Orchid Tree based on the reviews. We weren't disappointed. We followed the driving directions to a home in a quaint neighborhood. The owners, Steve and Su, rent out two rooms of their home. Our room was huge (much larger than a master suite in a home), upscale and well appointed. The setting with the decks, yard and pool were lovely. The two highlights were Steve and the breakfast. Steve was both friendly and helpful in where to go and what to see in the area. (Visit the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Gardens up the road - it was better than the gardens in Kauai.) You could tell that he truly enjoys being a host, meeting and talking with his guests. The breakfast included a feature item, e.g. waffles and a giant fruit tray with pineapple, papaya, mango, etc. along with some exotics like dragon fruit - not to be missed. I was surprised at the low price of our two nights stay - I even told Steve we would have paid much, much more to stay at his lovely B & B.

Quite simply perfect. Only a few minutes walk from the beach, we stayed in the stand-alone unit. The finish of the unit was something like you would expect in a top boutique hotel, local hardwood floors and finish, amazing bathroom, beautiful hardwood bed, small private patio/deck. The communal area is a large covered deck with lots of seating and areas to hang out. All of this is complemented by the host who is a genuinely great guy who really cares that you enjoy your stay in Hilo. Breakfast really lives up to the photos posted on trip advisor, the best of our two week stay around the island. While the accommodation isn't cheap, and was the most we paid for a B&B, it was still the best value due to the quality and how welcome and relaxed we felt. I would recommend to anyone - our 4-year old boy fell in love with Steve the owner who loaned him some toy cars and a boogie board the day we arrived! We didn't want to leave....

My boyfriend and I decided to drive to Hilo from Kona. Our stay was not planed, we came in and called the same day. luckily there was one room available and Steve was absolutely pleasant. Such an amazing place, very clean and has everything you need. Beautiful pool and jacuzzi. ABSOLUTELY Wonderful service, delicious breakdast and beautiful view. I recommend this place to everyone! and whenever I visit Hilo again I will only stay at the orchid tree.

I stayed at this B&B in 2003 (before I became a Trip advisor). The host was quite gracious and welcoming. The property inviting and near a great bit of the beach. One of THE best parts of the stay was waking up to one of the most healthy and plentiful breakfasts filled with native fruit. It was such a delight! It's nice to read the reviews almost 10 years later and see that the business has expanded and the service continues to be top-notch. Bravo!