Post #438035 by JenTiki on Thu, Mar 5, 2009 2:22 PM

No, it really is that bright in the dining areas. These pictures also show two of the major mistakes the Fairmont made in the recent "renovation." First, that red print fabric on the back wall of the first picture looks much more Southwestern than tiki up close. Second, in repairing the tattered ceiling, they removed the faux-liage that hid the rain pipes, and didn't bother to replace it with anything, leaving the metal pipes that create the rainstorm clearly visible from below. The third huge mistake, not shown in these pics, is the large red glass (or plexi) panels that now hide the inoperable waterfall behind the bar. Some of us were told by management before the renovation, that repairing the waterfall was one of the projects to be included. Sadly, that was not the case.


The Fairmont has been slowly, but steadily killing the Tonga Room for over a decade. I already miss what the Tonga Room once was, but I cannot say I will miss what it has become. I know that probably puts me in a minority here (although I suspect there is a substantial silent contingent that agrees), but that's just the way I feel. I think if we're really going to fight to save it, we should also be fighting to restore the glory it has lost over the past 10-20 years. I just don't see the point in saving something that continues to be a bigger disappointment with each visit. There are my two cents. I'm sure some of you will think it's worth even less.