Testimonials
As other travelers have noted, this cute spot is a great location but not for a light sleeper. It’s open to the outdoors. It’s also very close to a busy(ish)... read more road so there are normal “city noises” like traffic or music from Pineapples. If you want to be walking distance in a cute indoor/outdoor space and you’re easy going with sleep and noise, this is a great space! We felt like we were in Thailand or at a southeast Asian hostel 🙂
The host is very nice and we enjoyed our stay.
February 6, 2020
The location, host, and beauty of the room and environment were so perfect. The noise at night from the restaurant and parking lot behind the property (which are beyond... read more the control of the host) made sleeping difficult.
February 24, 2020
Aloha! We were on a counter-clockwise driving tour from Kona, three weeks after Hawaii had reopened for tourist travel following closure due to the COVID pandemic. We had chosen Lotus... read more Garden wanting a location in town, rather than the big hotels by Reeds Bay, and are glad we did. After a night in Volcano, we spend one night in the Botanica Apartment. It’s location is perfect for sauntering around town to shop, nibble and gaze at gallery art. Megan and Jasper, our hosts, were friendly and attentive, establishing communication beforehand and providing tips for our stay. We made advance dinner reservations at Pineapples, cater-corner from Lotus, and it exceeded expectations, featuring the first live music that we’d seen since pre-COVID. Breakfast at The Booch Bar was outstanding. We hope to return to Hilo and Lotus Garden to indulge at Kula Shave Ice and the lovely farmers market adjacent. Mahalo!
November 7, 2020
The lotus garden is such a lovely gem tucked away in Hilo town. Ideally located so many local attractions are within walking distance. Megan was such a welcoming host, even... read more delivering freshly ground coffee and a French press to the door each morning. The space itself is stylish and comfortable. I personally loved the light sway of the suspended bed at night - like rocking to sleep in a hammock. Soaking in the claw foot tub with a glass of wine was the perfect way to relax at the end of the day. Mahalo!
November 24, 2020
You can’t beat the location. We walked everywhere right from the front door. Other reviewers mentioned that it’s noisy during the day... that is true, it’s right on a busy... read more street, but it dies down in the evening. I love how airy the place was, with the high windows and the Buddha statues. The king bed was very comfortable and there is a lot of open shelf space. The farmers market is a few hundred feet away, so we got fresh fruit for breakfast every morning. It was SWEET (literally and figuratively). The tea station was my favorite. I really like the Murphy’s and Alba products that were ours to use. It was a great place to stay and I would return. Thank you!
December 3, 2020
December 7, 2020
We loved everything about this place! A surprising little tropical oasis right in town. We’ve been to Hilo many times & would never have guessed this place existed. We arrived... read more early in the day with our 8 month old & Megan was very sweet & offered us a beautiful space we could be in with our baby until our room was ready.
The outdoor shower is such a treat. The water feature is gorgeous and blocks out the street noise well. We will be back!
August 24, 2020
The place is amazing and better than I expected. Location is very convinrent. I highly recommend it.
November 26, 2020
I stayed here four years ago in the large "white" room upstairs. It was nice to come back to Megan's place again and try a different room/building. ... read more I love the colors and style of old buildings turned bright, splashy, and stylish.
January 29, 2020
Great location for nightlife and farmer market. Easy to walk everywhere in Hilo. Lots of shopping. It’s a hidden gem most of the locals do not know about. We enjoyed... read more our stay. The only time we needed a car was to get to a beach area to swim; otherwise everything else could be done by foot which was important to me in getting that local feeling in this little community.
July 23, 2022
The whole process was perfect! From check in to check out. The apartment was very clean and had its own entrance to downtown Hilo. The shower is also really cool.... read more Megan and the team displays a very positive attitude and willingness to help. Megan gave me some really cool suggestions to visit. Was only there a day, but checked out a few suggestions and was beyond satisfied. Will be on this side of the Island again soon, and hope I get to stay here again!
October 12, 2020
This place is beautiful and well located in downtown Hilo. Super comfortable with lots of space to stretch out and relax and it’s surrounded by a garden oasis. We didn’t... read more get to meet Megan as she was out of town but Jasper gave us great local tips and even dropped off a french press with all the fixings on our first morning there. Could not recommend this place more. We hope to stay here again sometime.
February 7, 2020
Very convenient, and super chill spot in the middle of Hilo. Megan was quick in response from pre-booking questions, up through our time at the Lotus Garden Botanical Apartment. She... read more gave us tips on some cool hiking spots off the beaten trail, and good spots for local dining.
Parking was easy on the street right next to the apartment.
Fresh coffee delivered to the apartment at 7am was an amazing touch!
We loved the laid-back vibe. There is a mosquito net provided to go over the bed, since there are open air rafters to outside, but we didn't see any insects our whole time there.
Some city noise, but nothing bad or disturbing by any means, and we were there on a Saturday night. I think a cat (?) jumps on the metal roof sometimes which was startling at first but pretty hilarious.
Overall a really convenient and chill spot, and we'd definitely stay again!
February 25, 2020
Wow. Where do I start? This was such a special place in a peaceful town with lovely hosts. We are so lucky to have stayed here! The Mauna is one... read more of a few thoughtfully designed cottages in Megan’s Lotus Garden. We enjoyed the serene landscaping, incredible handcrafted touches and warm hospitality. I can’t say enough great things about this place and hope to have the chance to return again.
February 21, 2020
Megan’s place was nicely decorated and well equipped (kudos for the stove). It is ideally placed in Hilo still very quiet and peaceful thanks to the fountains. Megan was extremely... read more nice to us and we really had a great time there so I would recommend the place for all that.
Two small issues with the post though: (1) it is listed with parking on premises but you actually need to park in the street (2) there’s an extra fee you need to pay, it is technically written in the listing, however easy to miss and it virtually make the place look more affordable.
April 8, 2021
Megan and Jasper have created a serene and beautiful oasis…in the middle of downtown Hilo. Flowers, foliage, kois, and fountains galore. This is definitely a hidden gem where we will... read more return to.
August 22, 2021
It is set in a very comfortable spot with beautiful surroundings. It really gives you a good feeling of Hawaii and a very romantic feel if you are with your... read more mate.
October 15, 2020
Great space, perfect location. Megan was a great host and the space has a great location in the heart of town. I’ve stayed in Hilo a few times and have... read more never found a spot to stay that’s so central to downtown—very convenient. It’s kind of a little oasis in the middle of town, as the hidden courtyard gives it some serious jungle bungalow vibes. Definitely recommend!
December 3, 2020
Great location- within walking distance to everything you could want. The place is very clean and comfortable. Loved the outdoor shower!
November 16, 2020
This bnb was the perfect place in Hilo. Very close to shopping and restaurants and the bay. The space was colorful and quaint - felt like home. Megan was so... read more accommodating. Thank you for a wonderful stay and we hope to be back in the future!
December 24, 2021