B&B Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a hotel and a Bed & Breakfast?
A Bed and Breakfast is defined as a small property, offering 5 guest rooms or less. It may also have small cabins in addition to the main house. Typically the owner or host is the one who will welcome you personally and prepare your morning breakfast. A B&B is a fun and different place to stay; it's a home away from home.

Your lodging experience will be more personalized with the host sharing the common areas of their home and information about the local area you might not get in a hotel. A B&B provides a breakfast included in the room price that usually incorporates local specialties you would not normally receive from a hotel kitchen.

Concierge services, activity planning, drinks & snacks, local calls or use of fax machines or internet which are usually an extra charge in a resort hotel are often included free. However do not expect a 24 hour desk to attend to your needs or lift your bags. At a B&B your host does all the work with little or no staff.

What are the rooms like in a B&B?
Guest rooms in a B&B are typically delightful. The owner has usually put lots of care into choosing the atmosphere, furniture and décor of the rooms. You will find them more comfortable and cozy than a hotel room, and equally if not more, private.

At the Bamboo Orchid Cottage we have taken care to choose high quality beds and bedding you would not find except at the most luxurious class of hotels. Rooms feature custom made artisan beds, comfortable Sealy mattresses, Italian and other fine linens as well as original artwork. Most of the rooms have romantic fireplaces as well.

Will I have to share a bathroom down the hall?
Some B&B's offer shared baths and others offer private baths. It's is always a good question to ask when choosing a B&B.

At the Bamboo Orchid Cottage, ALL our bedrooms have private baths. In addition you will find the spa amenities you usually find in a better hotel such as fluffy towels, quality soaps, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryers. Our master bath features a whirlpool tub with aromatherapy amenities and heated towel rack.

Why do B&B's have specific check-in times?
Most B&B's have specific check-in and check-out times, and do not operate around the clock like a hotel. The owner or host of the property will personally greet you and show you what the property offers in the way of amenities. Some B&B personnel have other jobs, or will be the ones cleaning and preparing the rooms for your stay, which is why specific check-in times are requested. If you are unable to meet the check in time, due to a late arriving plane, let your host know (at 808-430-0159) so arrangements can be made well in advance to be there to let you in.

At Bamboo Orchid Cottage we are happy to greet you for check-in between 4:00PM and 6:00 PM, after our work-day. If you have a later arriving flight from Honolulu, please call ahead so we can arrange to let you in and show your room.


How do we obtain drinks or snacks, are there vending machines?
Most B&B's do not have vending machines but do offer free or honor system non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Some B&Bs allow access to the refrigerator, and others have a separate guest refrigerator. Always ask the host before putting anything into the kitchen refrigerator or taking something from the kitchen. Some B&Bs allow you to bring your own liquor, beer or wine- but always ask if that is allowed.

At the Bamboo Orchid Cottage we have a small tea and coffee station in the dining room, a small guest refrigerator in the hall, and some rooms have their own refrigerators. You are also welcome to bring your own wine, beer or liquor. Regrettably, for health reasons, guests are not permitted to use the kitchen facilities (oven, range, refrigerator, and mircrowave).

Are there TV's, Telephone and Internet access at a B&B?
This varies greatly from property to property and if these are important to you it is wise to ask.

At the Bamboo Orchid Cottage we have TV sets with VCR's/DVD's . A selection of movies is available in the living room that you may watch in your room. High speed Internet access is available using our wireless connector to plug in your laptop, or at the Lava Rock café just down the road. A telephone is available if you cannot receive cell service.  If you need to send or receive a fax, or make a copy, just let me know.

What is breakfast like in a B&B and when is it served?
All B&B's provide breakfast but this can vary greatly among properties from a light continental breakfast to a hot, sit down breakfast. County regulations dictate that only licensed restaurants are permitted to server hot breakfast.

At the Bamboo Orchid Cottage you will be treated to a lavish Gourmet European Style Continental Breakfast of cold cheeses, hard-boiled eggs, papaya boats and other fruit, and make-your-own island style waffles. Enjoy a variety of freshly ground Hawaiian espresso coffee drinks or our own gourmet teas. When you check in, your host will notify you what time breakfast is served. Because we are 30 miles away from major supermarkets, you are encouraged to bring your own speciality foods (rice or soy milk, gluten-free baked goods, etc).

How can I find out about area attractions and activities?
First, scan the links page on the website. We have listed worthwhile activities and attractions there. In our dining room you will find a book containing activity brochures, restaurant menus and a calendar of local events.
Your hostess is able to book activities and rental cars for you, often at a discount. These include guided culture and nature hikes, tours of lava tubes, or helicopter rides to see the active volcano. In addition she can recommend places for a picnic, beaches, day hikes, art or theatre activities, fun country markets or antiquing.

Does a B&B serve breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Depending on the state you live in a B&B may or may not serve other meals. In Hawaii a Bed and Breakfast may ONLY serve breakfast.

A complete listing of area restaurants, along with their menus is included in your room directory. Everything from pizza and sandwiches to Thai food or gourmet dining is available in Volcano, although most places do not serve past 9:00 pm. Some suggest reservations which your host is happy to do for you, while you go enjoy the park. Area restaurants are only 5 minute drive away. The town of Hilo, about 45 minutes away, also has a large selection of restaurants. If you plan to go see the lava at sunset or evening you might want to eat an early dinner, or take sandwiches with you.


Am I expected to tip at a B&B?
At a B&B, like any quality accommodation, the staff works hard to provide for your comfort. Tipping is not expected, but is always appreciated. We strive to provide great service and welcome your feedback.


What else should I know about customs unique to Hawaii?
Hawaiian custom, like Japanese custom, asks that you remove your shoes while in someone's home. It is a sign of respect and keeps the house cleaner too, as there is often plenty of sand, mud or red dirt in Hawaii. Shoes are left at the door.
In a basket, just inside the door we provide slippers or clean slipper socks that may be worn in the house. You may wish to bring a pair of your own house slippers. Or you are welcome to go barefoot, island style as we do.

Hawaiians love to give lei's .
This is one of our favorite customs! Lei-making in Hawaii is an art form and an expression of aloha. They are made of plants, flowers, nuts or shells. Lei's are given to welcome friends, as gifts at important ceremonies like birthdays or graduation, to a presenter at a lecture or just anytime as a gesture to make someone feel special.
If you are celebrating a special occasion I can arrange a lei greeting made of exotic flowers from one of our skilled island lei makers.

Hawaiian's love giving presents.
You may want to take some aloha home to your friends and loved ones. We offer a selection of gifts, chosen as to their uniqueness to our area of Hawaii. We also offer estate grown roasted and ground Volcano Sunrise and Pele's Lava Java coffee or our collection of Tropical herbal and Wellness teas in our gift showcase. You will find a complete gift brochure in your room. Volcano Village has several artist studios that can be visited by appointment, and a couple gift shops specializing in koa wood gifts, Hawaiian quilts and fabrics.
I am happy to assist you in shipping gifts home or to friends on the mainland, complete with gift wrapping.