The nicely furnished room on the 9th floor looked out over the pool area. We had to shout to make ourselves heard at the reception desk and felt sorry for the young lady who helped us. Entering the lobby we were met by workers hammering away at the once beautiful water feature. This year we were in shock and disbelief at the state of this once cheerful, friendly place. Since its inception we have visited the hotel frequently including staying for my husband’s December birthdays.

A shadow of its former self, Pala hotel/casino is still undergoing major construction. There was no mention of my husband’s birthday which in the past was recognized with a Happy Birthday banner in the room and a small delicacy. After talking to the front desk person, who made no apologies but kept stating policy, someone appeared at the door with bathroom amentities. My husband emptied the trash down the hall and took the used towels to a maid who was cleaning check-out rooms, bringing back fresh ones. For a hotel of this stature this is unacceptable. Now for the piece de resistance: DIY housekeeping! We had not been advised that there would be no maid service unless we stayed for three nights. At night, noises from the nearby service elevator seemed amplified. Construction noise was ongoing with concrete being broken up by large equipment.

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