This is a budget traveler’s kind of place, a little bit hotel, a little bit hostel. Private rooms have an empty fridge, microwave and TV; private hostel rooms have a full-size or bunk bed and shared bath. There’s a shared kitchen in all categories. Towels, bedding and lockers supplied. No phones (the two pay phones are just for décor), no a/c. Everyone gets a continental breakfast. Every time we review this place it has changed, although they seem to have refined their options a little more. The owner and people who run it are extremely nice and very proud of the place. When you visit, they don’t make it out to be more than it is, and really want to manage visitors’ expectations. But we have seen their website, and we gotta say, their photographer did a great job of making this place look lush, and in some ways it is just that. But in other ways it feels run down, old and dirty. This is the kind of place that you will either love or hate. It feels geared for people who enjoy a bit of “adventure” in their accommodations and don’t like to drop a lot of cash. Let’s talk about the indoor part first. The private rooms are small, utilitarian, and the bathrooms need updating and could be cleaner. The common area has a small library of books, a collection of board games and a TV, a good place to bond with other travelers. Outside they claim a workout area but the equipment is rusty and probably not used often. They also have a small volleyball net and badminton.
At night, the loud coqui frogs are a nuisance nearby—although some people enjoy the sound; others may find it deafening. This is a very old building, so expect some bugs. Rooms are 160–204 sq. ft. and cost $70–$120 for two people. Private hostel rooms are $60 with either a full or bunk beds. Private hostels have a 4-day max. Housekeeping will only go in if you put the sign on the door. Prices include taxes. This place is a moving target. The neighborhood is not the best.
100 Puueo St, Hilo