'Je ne fait aucune apologie'

As rants go, the filmed bit used for this post, is not very clever but it serves a perfect segway to me post this morn.

One would think that 'hostel' would alert the traveller that he or she is booking into a budget accommodation.  It is not a full service hotel.  One would think...

Oft, the hostel is rung up from airport and asked when the 'free shuttle bus' will pick up.  OR, where is the 'free parking'.  Never mind the queries as to the time the 'free breakfast' will appear in the morn.

If the filmed bit was watched, you pick up on the chap being gobsmacked at the high cost of 'room service' but toward the end, he tells of the 'extra' charge for INTERNET, parking and phone service.  Truth be told, booking into a hotel can be a real strain on the pocketbook.

The Hilo Bay Hostel is located in the Downtown area of Hilo.  Stands to reason that there will be some inner city noise.  Brochure clearly tells the location of.  Brochure also tells of the dorm and private rooms.  With the exception of one room, all guests must use the public loo and shower.  They are located down the hall from bed.

The kitchen, whilst well appointed, is no gourmet kitchen, it is what it is.  One shares.

In many ways, the charge for a dorm bed or private bed is a real bargain.  The price is inclusive of tax and includes free wifi, linen,loads of hot water and a safe and clean place to use as place of rest whilst on holiday.

Mind, that does not even come close to explaining the 'staff attention' paid to each and every guest at hostel.

As you have no doubt gathered from the heading of the post, this old geezer is no apologist, nor is one required to be for The Big Kahuna, Terry or paid staff members.  Being very 'au fait' with the 'behind the scenes' activities of all mentioned, it falls to MOI to point out a few things missed.

Too oft, long hours are kept to ensure that arriving guests are pleased with their reception.  Furniture is repaired, floors cleaned, the list is endless.  There is 'no charge' for the endless 'inside' information passed on to guests, or a limit placed on number of questions allowed for tour guidance.  ALOHA is in the air and all guests come away knowing what 'ohana' can mean.

The Hilo Bay Hostel is what it is.  In the words of 'Lonely Planet'; "Simply the best..."  To the guests who book in with expectations beyond what is offered in the brochure, there are 'aucune apologie'...