Palais Royale looks like a banquet hall situated in a hotel lobby. I don't know how else to describe it; or how else to convey how disappointed I was to see the renovation to the iconic landmark and live music venue that once played host to legends such as Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and Count Bassie.

Since it was only open to the public between 12-4pm today, some friends and I made it our last stop on our tour of Doors Open Toronto. Our high expectations were quickly deflated the moment we stepped inside. There was no character to the space. No recognition that anything of any cultural or historical significance had happened there.

Don't believe me? See more photos:

Here is the main room on the first floor. This is what I meant by hotel lobby.

Also the main room. This is what I meant by banquet hall.

Here's the deck. This is the nicest part of the reno. Obviously still under construction, the deck will probably turn into a nice spot to watch the ducks play in Lake Ontario.

Palais Royale is at 1601 Lakeshore Boulevard West