Fairmont Orchid Hawaii

This was my first stay at a Fairmont hotel and it was great. The hotel room was nice ;we were lucky to be upgraded to ocean view;, maybe with the exception of the TV ;tube and not flat screen, which nowadays I consider standard for such a hotel. The pool was nice and the private beach was great as well. The hotel is classy, exclusive and secluded, which makes you feel even more special. Dinner at their Brown's restaurant was very good ;at the expected price;, with a great view on the ocean and very romantic great for a honeymooners;. If you want to feel pampered and luxurious, this is the place to go. Look for good deals, though ;had a 3 nights, pay 2 deal including breakfast, at half the price I expected and was willing to pay, probably because they had a convention going on.

Type:Area Attractions Distance: Requires transportation

Volcano

If on Big Island, I definetely recommend to visit the volcano. It's a day trip though (10 hours). Be prepared to drive. But to see an active volcano up close is incredible. There are different options: By plane/ helicopter (probably most expensive but most impressive view, possibly lava flowing), by boat (probably can also see lava flowing into the ocean, probably best in the evening/ night time) or hiking (least view but still impressive).

We stayed at The Fairmont Orchid for our honeymoon and were pampered by their staff, Everything we could think of was readily available and the quality of service was superior to any hotel we had ever stayed at. There are multiple restaurants on the property and many offer early bird specials for three course meals. We ate at Brown's the first night at their Sunset Dinner and it was remarkable. Sitting at our linen clad table by the beach and watching the sunset as we are served impeccable food was the best way to start our romantic week. There were other couples as well as families around and it is definitely conducive to whatever your needs may be. The staff there go out of their way to make sure your stay is what you want it to be. We are already planning to go back there on our fifth anniversary and renew our vows on the beach there.

View of the pool and lagoon w/ ocean in the background was postcard perfect! Hotel itself was beautiful and the staff was friendly and helpful. If you don't mind being away from town (30 to 45 min), then this place is great from the crowds. Mattresses were softer than what we like but room was very clean and updated. Kids had a great time snorkeling - felt safe and protected in their lagoon. Food is expensive and not really worth the $. Ordered burger and salad by the pool for $25 - burger was good, salad pathetic w/ 1 cherry tomato and 4 slices of cucumbers. Best deal was at their deli but it closed at 3 everyday. Breakfast buffet was nothing special - hard to swallow $100 for breakfast (2 adults and 2 kids [had to pay adult price for 1 kid since she was older than 12). Drink prices were outrageous $4 glass of Coke; $14 for one glass of a hard liquor like bourbon or a plain martini. Tiny refrigerator in room kept drinks cold (bought soda and water from grocery store that you can take the hotel shuttle to and from). Store has a great selection of food like sandwiches, sushi, pizza, fried chicken, etc. Stopped there every morning and loaded up our cooler (folded flat in suitcase and is easier to carry your food/drinks w/ shoulder strap rather than those styro foam ones) as we headed out to explore the island everyday. Costco is less than 10 minutes south of airport so got things there as well - got complete snorkel gear there for everyone that was good quality and cost less than if you had to rent and you get to keep it afterwards! Overall enjoyed the trip and plan to go back.

Lovely property with gardens, waterfalls, jungle paths, sea turtles on beach and whales swimming by in plain site. Outstanding service oriented staff (special acknowledgement for the concierge team that helped us book amazing excursions that were just our style). Try a massage oceanside at sunset -heavenly. Downsides: ocean view room was a little tired and food throughout hotel very expensive.

I have traveled extensively around the world and the Fairmont Orchid is my favorite resort. The attention to detail is iimpressive and the grounds are perfect. The Fairmont has two perfect crescent white sand beaches. Great snorkling right in front of the hotel. Both the pool bar and the beach bar could not be better. I really have nothing negative to say about the Fairmont. The food can be pricey but it is good - very good. There is a deli at the hotel with many homemade items that is more affordable than the other restaurants. The views are incredible. I have not stayed at the Four Seasons nearby, but this hotel is an incredible property and I very highly recommend it.