Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

We stayed here as part of our family/friend year-end vacation. Eight of us arrived at airport but unable to find a taxi or uber (took very long time). Called hotel front desk and they were very helpful in finding us a taxi. The property is gorgeously built and maintained. Check-in process was smooth. We have 4 rooms total. Rooms were kind of small and inside are somewhat dated. Some appliances were not working (like hairdryers, phone, etc). We had to request changing some of those during our stay. The highlight here is a free nice water bottle for each one of us. Outside of the room, everything was nice. Our boys loved the beach as we adults enjoyed tea and the scene. Food and services were a bit on the pricey side. But given the location and it was holiday season, I wouldn't complain. Tip: if you could go 10 mins to Kings or Queens Market, you can get good food with more reasonable price. Fitness center was well equipped and clean, though one might have to wait a few minutes if you go in early morning peak hours. Despite the outdated rooms, service was excellent throughout our stay. Boys love the free ice creams on the beach every afternoon. At time of our departure, front desk again helped us arranging taxi service when our reserved uber failed to show up on time. Uber services on Big Island was not very reliable by our experience during our stay. So if you need to get around, consider rent a car if possible.

Fantastic week at the Fairmont Orchid. Rooms are beautiful, with big bathrooms and both bathtub and shower. The balcony is also a very nice bonus. Staff is very welcoming and helpful. Beautiful location

from 1-10 we would give it a 6. Service was great, especially the pool guys for drinks...hotel and room were very clean...and great location. We have stayed 4-5 times over the last 15 years. The food this time was horrible....in fact, of the 5 nights there, we had room service 3 of them! Which was much better than the hotel food associated with both restaurants. The Japanese place used to be great....this time, a disaster. You know you are in trouble when they no longer have a sushi chef....working behind the counter! We tried the rolls and other sushi we ordered and it was all, except for the white rice in separate bowls, inedible. When the waitress came over and saw we were sending back 99% of our meal, she not once questioned how the food was...she just took it back...though we sure got charged for it! Candidly, i was surprised re the food as we have stayed at other Fairmonts (Napa, Maui) and the food has always been great. In fact, the waitress for breakfast even shared the numerous complaints re the Japanese restaurant!

Been to the Fairmont Orchid several times, one of my favorite places to stay, very relaxing. However, this week we had a large Crain truck outside our patio window with a loud generator running on and off during the day. This continued throughout the week…Had to keep our patio door closed most of the day and not able to enjoy the fresh air or relax in our room. I’m sure a one off, but still disappointing.

The service was superb. From the front desk staff to the housekeepers to the pool assistants, the spirit of aloha is alive and well at the Fairmont orchid. I was here for a medical conference. The food was excellent and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.