Volcano Village Lodge

Mixed feelings. Lots of good things but two negatives. First, the room was cozy and the view of the ferns was lovely. The electric fireplace was cheery and warming (needed - it was wild weather). The proprietors sent important information after confirming texts were ok. Their coffee was real Kona. They were able to accommodate my request for a gluten free breakfast and were worried about me having the same thing two days in a row. I was delighted to have anything other than a meal bar. The quiche was tasty and they have both a microwave and a toaster oven to warm it up. The fresh fruit assortment was a treat. But the biggest drawback may not apply to the other rooms. I was in the room off reception. There was a door connecting it to reception for them to use. There was no door knob for me to go there. Worse, there was no lock! I was told the room cleaner would use it after making sure i was not in. And they are careful to make sure they are quiet in the morning to make sure guests are not disturbed. This they did. But on day two, very late afternoon, i was surprised to hear a key in the lock and see the door start to open. “Hello?”, i called. The door shut with a “sorry”. I was tired after hiking all day and was about to run a bath. This upset me. I sent a polite “***?” Text and was told they didn’t see me come in and were going to replace the TV. WHY? And so late in the day? It is unacceptable to rent a room that does not guarantee the security and privacy of guests. How about a chain lock like in hotels or a small slide lock? Less serious but one that effected my sleep. The pillows. Huge boulders. Heavy and rigid. I used a towel for my head/neck and pillows from the chairs as arm bolsters (shoulder injuries). Still, I did not sleep well either night and i am one blessed with the ability to sleep almost anywhere. Maybe it was the bed or the noise from the dehumidifier and fireplace fan (though i use earplugs). Maybe it was a nagging worry about the door. Maybe it was the wind or the volcano energy. Last complaint, plastic water bottles. I thought they were outlawed in the island. Don’t know the economic tradeoffs, but maybe large water dispensers instead? Maybe there was one in reception. IDK. I didn’t want to go out in the rain to walk around to the entrance There is a lot to recommend this place and i feel bad leaving unfavorable reviews to small businesses, but i will try another place next time.