Volcano House

Despite the location and novelty of staying in the park, this place is just plain shabby. The small room and tattered furniture with old carpet is a rip off at well over $300 a night. Plus you still have to pay admission to the park ($30 a car- senior discount park passes are available). Really akin to a cheap motel interior. The lobby is also shabby, and quite different from the lodges at most national parks. Location is what it is… so two stars. Note- it was misty the night we stayed, so we didn’t even have the view… not their fault. I was a bit embarrassed to see so many international tourists seeing this “ lodge” in this condition

How many places in the world allow you to stay on the edge of a volcano? There's no other location like it. The trail around the crater is right out of the backdoor. But, you may need to adjust your expectations. I was prepared for the lack of elevator. I was prepared to lug suitcase up/down stairs (I did feel bad for the lady who took it upstairs for me, so I brought it down myself). I was sort of prepared for no air conditioning although my room was pretty warm when I arrived. I was prepared for no TV and dated furnishings. I was prepared for no real view from my deluxe room with a view. What I wasn't prepared for was 50 to 60 moths and giant mosquito hawk flies in the room that night. They were a real nuisance. The front desk said these flies cannot be helped. On a positive note, I had an excellent dinner and breakfast in the restaurant. I only stayed one night. This hotel is expensive. I would recommend for one night because of the incredible location but I would not plan a long stay. There is a wonderful gift shop.

OMG, the view of the volcano rim is incredible! This is a historic hotel so the rooms are on the cozy side. Very clean and comfortable. This is a beloved hotel. The food at the restaurant was excellent as well. We ate a hearty breakfast buffet everyday before going on our adventures. The fresh fish at dinner was spectacular as well. Being in the heart of Volcanoes National Park, the location cannot be beat. Easy access to trails and drives around the park. We drove the entire length of Chain of Craters Road all the way to the Arch and it was amazing! It felt like walking on another planet. The Thurston lava tube was neat too. It was much cooler temps up in the mountains vs how hot it was at Kona and Hilo towns. There's no A/C but we didn't need any. We just cracked the windows open and let the fresh mountain air breeze in.

This hotel keeps the front doors wide open despite chilly weather. Our first night there we went into the bar and it was chilly. The outside temperature was in the high fifty’s and it was damp and breezy. Then we decided to iced to eat in the adjoining restaurant. I asked the hostess why the door was open and she didn’t have an answer. I told her it was very chilly and she sat us away from the draft. But my husband still had to go to the room and get his coat. We noticed another couple and the man had a jacket on and was shivering. The woman had on a jacket and had the hood on her head. Several employees wore jackets. I went to the front desk and asked why the doors were wide open and she said “fresh air.” I told her I had been miserable the whole evening in the bar and eating dinner, so she closed the doors. The next night we ate in the fancier restaurant and it was further away from the wide open doors. It was 58 degrees outside. We couldn’t enjoy sitting at the bar or being in the lobby due to the discomfort. Perhaps the locals are used to this, but their guests are not. Also, I can’t eat gluten and each restaurant only offered one gluten sensitive menu item, which was discouraging. We have visited and stayed in several national park lodges and have never had such temperature discomfort. Also, I don’t usually have such difficulty seeking gluten free/sensitive options in a “nice” restaurant.

Lunch average. Boring dining room, but a great view of the crater. Order green salad, which was ... green ... with a few other things. Specified gluten free, but it came with croutons on the top. Also tomato bisque with cheese toast points---this was amazingly good. We don't know what it is like for dinner, but for lunch it is for the tourists, and lots of them. No feeling of teamwork and no feeling of wanting to be working there.

Nice little hotel with friendly staff. If you book a crater view room, you can wake up seeing the huge crater of Kilauea. The food in the restaurant was good and the variety is ok for a few days. Staying in this area for a few days is definitely worth it if you are at least ready to do some hikes.

This hotel is well located in the park, but the decor and amenities do not match the price. It is very tired in decor, not always clean, and rooms are in need of repairs and updating. I cannot recommend this hotel. It is a shame since it is an historic property right in the national park. Major renovation is needed. Uncle George's Lounge had bad service and average food. We ate elsewhere. Find another spot in Volcano Village.