Robbrecht Troost Pottery

Hotel Description

Okay, so here’s the thing about Robbrecht Troost Pottery – I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect when I first booked this place. I mean, the name alone had me curious, and with a 9.5 rating, I figured there had to be something special going on here, even if it’s technically just a 3-star spot.

The moment you walk in, you get it. This isn’t your typical hotel at all – it’s actually connected to a working pottery studio, and you can smell that earthy clay scent mixed with something that reminds me of my grandmother’s house, in the best possible way. The owner (I’m pretty sure it was Robbrecht himself) greeted me at check-in, and he’s got these paint-stained fingers and this genuine enthusiasm about both his pottery and his guests that you just don’t find at chain hotels. The rooms are… well, they’re not fancy, but they’re thoughtfully done. Each one has handmade ceramic touches – the bathroom sink, some decorative pieces, even the light switches have these custom ceramic plates around them. You know what really got me though? The morning coffee cups are all different, each one clearly made by hand, and somehow drinking your first coffee of the day from something with actual character just starts everything off right.

What I loved most was how quiet it gets in the evenings – you can actually hear the potter’s wheel going sometimes if you’re near the courtyard, which sounds weird but is oddly soothing. The beds are comfortable enough (nothing spectacular, but I’ve definitely slept worse), and the whole place has this authentic, lived-in feeling that makes you want to slow down a bit. I actually ended up staying an extra night just because I got into this rhythm of watching the pottery work in the mornings with my coffee. The WiFi’s solid, parking’s easy – no street hunting or expensive garages to deal with. I mean, it’s not going to wow you with a fancy lobby or room service, but if you’re looking for somewhere with actual personality and want to feel like you’re staying somewhere that matters to the person running it, this is your spot. Plus, honestly, where else can you say you slept above a pottery studio and left with a handmade mug as a genuine souvenir?

Rooms

• One-Bedroom House with 2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Suzanne from United States (9/10)

  Location outside Pahoa was beautiful and calm; distinct from Hilo. There was easy access to downtown Pahoa and it was an easy drive to Hilo. The grounds were lovely and the interior unique. The kitchen facilities were as expected. There was an excellent guide book that we found very useful in guiding our travels. As I started doing pottery in retirement, I appreciated that the owner, a potter, showed me his kiln and lovely pots. One of them came home with me.

• Vydehi from United States (9/10)

  The place was perfect for the people wanting to stay in the place to enjoy Hawaiian life style and not expecting all luxuries. The place was very clean and organized. Host was very friendly and let us go around the grounds and also gave a little tour of the pottery workshop upon my request.

• Malcolm from United States (10/10)

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• Donald from United States (10/10)

  Beautiful yard that felt like our own oasis.
  Great neighborhood for morning or evening strolls.

• Wenting from United States (10/10)

  Robert’s place is in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by tropical vegetation(Ofc everywhere in Hilo you can hear the frogs). We intentionally stayed away from busy urban area of Hilo so this is perfect for us. It is on the way to the volcanoes National park so if you are like us that visit the park quite a bit then it is a great location. The host is an artist who has a pottery workshop on site so we got to see some of his work. He and his wife are very friendly and accommodating. Would love to stay with them if we come back 🙂

• Alessandra from Italy (8/10)

  The place is very nice, the house is cozy and Robbrecht,the owner, very helpful,nice and always ready to help you if needed. He is really a good person.

• Michelle from United States (10/10)

  Everything was Exceptional and the best accommodations I’ve stayed at thus far during my travels for both business and personal. The hosts were kind and gracious and my ohana house was clean, safe, Quiet and peaceful. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. Couldn’t have asked for more!!
  Thank you very much Robert and Aya! I will definitely stay there during my travels in the future!

• Minecroft from United States (10/10)

  This is sooo much better than a hotel… one bedroom with all amenities, a garden and a great host!

• Guido from Portugal (10/10)

  Nice host, cottage located in a quiet neighborhood not too far from Hilo and Volcano National Park.

• Rudy from United States (10/10)

  Host was extremely kind, open and helpful.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities