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The Palms Cliff House Amenities
Fragrant gardens and a gentle waterfall border the inn. Above the waterfall, reachable by a lava-rock path, is a secluded hot tub. A lava-rock wall warns adults from straying too close to the 100-foot cliff 40 feet from the inn, but the hotel's insurance won't allow children under 12 as guests. Except for the parking area, the entire property is smoke-free. Adopting the Hawaiian tradition, the owners ban shoes from suites and public rooms, with benches situated for comfortable shoe removal. Staircases, not elevators, provide access to the second (top) floor. Telephones (with data ports) are provided only on request. No detail is overlooked: complimentary beach towels for guests visiting other parts of the island; umbrellas, jackets, and insect repellent for hiking; yoga classes and open-air massage on lanais upon request; private dinner service and cooking lessons upon request; a complimentary morning newspaper bound in a gold cord. For guests dining on take-out meals, there's a spacious, barefoot-friendly lounge with a refrigerator, tables, and rattan chairs.
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Features
What to expect: Combining 19th-century graciousness with 21st-century luxury, the inn attracts couples exploring the Big Island, business travelers seeking a respite from ordinary hotels, and residents of other Hawaiian islands craving a tranquil retreat. Amenity highlights: A complimentary barefoot breakfast on the open-air dining lanai (porch) is unforgettable. Bordered by white wood railings and white drapes gathered at supporting columns, the lanai has a 12-foot ceiling, soft carpeting, and wrought-iron furniture, with wood-topped tables and padded chairs. The ocean, birdsong, and the faint sounds of the Pacific thrashing against the cliffs 100 feet below provide a perfect background for the meal. The owners are skilled cooks in their enormous, granite-countertop dream kitchen. Coffee/tea service begins at 7:30 AM. Beautifully presented breakfasts follow at 8 AM, and include tropical juices, tropical fruits, perhaps warm muffins, and main dishes such as banana-macadamia pancakes or poi crepes with shiitake mushrooms, gruyere cheese, and white-truffle oil. Insider tip: Upon request, the owners arrange greenery-gathering excursions on the slopes of Mauna Kea led by an expert, who then instructs guests on making Hawaiian wreaths from the harvest.
Pizza Hawaii and Deli - A half-mile away, this place serves sandwiches, homemade bagels, and pizza. Hilo boasts many restaurants, including Café Pesto, which is recommended for its relaxed ambience and exceptionally creative menu.
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