Lori I.
Yelp
There are 3 hotels in Hilo: Hilo Hawaiian, Doubletree (Grand Naniloa), and SCP Hilo. I've stayed at all three so when you compare SCP against the other 2 hotels, it falls short.
However, I don't think it's fair to compare this hotel to the others because this property was formerly a motel type of place that's been recently upgraded. It's a small boutique hotel and it's fine. You have a two story walk up in one (Hukilau) section, and then just a one story building with a pool in the middle (kinda gives a Melrose Place, the tv show, vibe). No elevators, valet, bell boys, spa or room service here. Everything is pretty much self serve, which was fine for what we needed.
PARKING
You can park on the street along the pond, or there's a lot in the back. Do not park on the street closest to the koi pond in the area that has "no parking" signs.
CHECK IN
Staff is super helpful and friendly. Complimentary coffee at front desk.
Water filter/dispenser is available in lobby.
Lobby is nice and peaceful with hammock chairs overlooking the koi pond.
POOL
When we went, there was a raging kids birthday party at the pool with tons of kids and people. I don't know if they rented it out as a venue or if all those people were actually hotel guests, but they had a table with food and snacks and cake and everything. It was super loud and if you get a room surrounding the pool, you will hear it. I saw one lady complaining that her room was not a "peaceful room" as described on the website. She was furious and it was hilarious watching her. FYI This is not the Ritz Carlton! There's going to be some daytime noise if you're around the pool.
NOISE
Speaking of noise. Look at the map, this hotel is next to .... the airport. Hilo is not a big airport but big planes with engines fly here, starting around 5:55a or so lol. If you want a really quiet room, the Doubletree Grand Naniloa has ocean front suites for $$$$ that are super quiet, you can't even hear the coqui frogs in that room. Or just get earplugs and anticipate the noise. Or just wake up when that first plane comes in and go outside and walk, it's such a pretty area of Hilo.
FITNESS CENTER
It's a small room with 2 peloton bikes and dumbbell weights plus an area to work out. No treadmill or machines. It's okay. If you want to run just go outside and run the loop.
RESORT FEE $10
I wouldn't call this a resort. But there is a $10 daily fee for all the amenities which I think is fair. Parking, coffee, water, paddleboard rental, pool, use of the gym, lounge areas.
ROOMS
The rooms are small but have enough. Ours had 2 full size beds, a desk, a refrigerator, and a bathroom. All the essentials for an overnight stay. No complaints. Pillow was kind of wimpy but I slept.
RESTAURANTS
There's a restaurant next to this place called Coconut Grill, but we walked to Ken's Pancake House. There are a few eateries within walking distance but you really do need a car to see Hilo.
Would I stay here again? Yes. Just adjust your expectations of this place and it's a great location and the place itself is newly upgraded. If you want a big hotel, this is not it, but if you want a smaller boutique hotel, this place is great.