DISCOVERING FIJI I Where Tailevu’s memories still live

FOR years, Tailevu Hotel stood as a familiar landmark in Korovou Town, carrying the character of a colonial-era hotel and serving as a stopping point for travellers passing through Tailevu North.

But there was a time when its future appeared uncertain.

The hotel had lost some of its spark, and many wondered whether the once-famous establishment had reached the end of its story.

Today, that story is taking a different turn.

With years of repairs, renovations and improvements, Tailevu Hotel has reclaimed its place as a popular stopover for visitors to Korovou Town, while also becoming a place where locals can enjoy a meal, have a drink and unwind after a long day.

Tailevu Hotel director Oliver Williams said the journey began with his parents, Warick Williams and Kuila Kaci of Ryda Limited, now known as Ryda Proprietary Limited (RPL).

In 1992, they bought the hotel from Gokal.

The property was run down at the time, Williams said, and the family began working on the building before leasing it to Mr Subash.

Later, they took the property back, repaired damages and continued operating the hotel.

That process of repairing, improving and maintaining the property has continued over the years.

Building back, one improvement at a time

The transformation of Tailevu Hotel did not happen overnight.

It unfolded through a series of improvements that gradually changed the property and helped restore its appeal.

Mains power was eventually supplied to the property, although electricity cuts meant the hotel still needed its generator.

The Niu extension was built between 1998 and 2000, providing the much-needed accommodation area.

More recently, the hotel continued to invest in the property.

A covered walkway to the Niu extension was built in 2020, followed by a new driveway in 2023.

Property fencing was completed in 2025.

The lounge has also undergone renovations between 2017 and 2026, while a few minor works continue around the hotel.

Each improvement represents another step in the hotel’s long journey from a run-down property to a more welcoming destination.

The changes are not simply about appearance. They reflect an effort to preserve a place with a long history while making it useful and comfortable for today’s visitors.

Where history meets everyday comfort

Walking into the dining area, the hotel’s colonial character is difficult to miss.

Beautiful colonial touches blend with warm wooden tones, giving the room a rustic and welcoming character.

A polished timber floor stretches through the centre of the room, reflecting natural light filtering through large windows dressed in soft white curtains. The ceiling, lined with closely fitted bamboo, adds an unmistakable Fiji character.

Wooden tables and chairs fill the room. Some are covered with crisp white tablecloths, while others feature colourful floral-patterned fabric that brings life to the space.

Framed photographs, artwork and traditional-looking wooden pieces decorate the walls, adding a sense of history and place.

There is an orderly simplicity to the room, but it does not feel formal.

Instead, it has an unhurried atmosphere, a place where timber, soft curtains and colourful table coverings come together to create a setting that feels familiar and distinctly Pacific.

Large windows also connect the dining space with the landscape outside, allowing a gentle breeze from the nearby river to move through the room.

For diners, the setting provides more than a place to eat.

It offers a chance to slow down and take in views towards Korovou Town while enjoying a meal.

Simple rooms, a place to rest

The accommodation at Tailevu Hotel follows the same practical approach.

The rooms are simple but relaxing.

Neatly made beds occupy much of the space, with crisp white sheets and pillows contrasting against dark bed frames. Small towel arrangements provide thoughtful touches.

Natural light enters through a small window above the kitchenette, casting a soft glow across the tiled floor.

A compact dining table and chairs sit against the wall beside a kettle and basic amenities, giving the room the feel of a self-contained retreat.

A ceiling fan and air-conditioning unit provide comfort in the tropical climate, while a dark wooden-framed sofa offers another place to sit.

The décor is modest rather than elaborate, but the rooms have a quiet sense of order and cleanliness.

They are designed less around luxury than rest, a comfortable base for visitors returning from a day of exploring, working or taking in the surroundings of Tailevu North.

A gathering place after dark

As evening arrives, another side of Tailevu Hotel comes alive.

Tucked alongside the dining area, the bar has an easy and welcoming character.

Framed in warm bamboo and set against polished wooden floors, it feels less like a formal watering hole and more like a familiar community corner.

Behind the bar, bottles and glasses fill the shelves. A deep red counter adds colour against the natural wood, while armchairs create space for conversation.

It is a place where locals can settle in after a long day, order a few drinks and let the evening unfold at its own pace.

The atmosphere is unhurried.

Workday stories can be exchanged over a drink, laughter can carry across the room, and familiar faces can relax in one another’s company.

The bar provides a natural transition from dinner into the evening and gives the hotel a social heart.

A taste of local hospitality

Food is another part of the hotel’s renewed appeal.

The dining area offers a relaxed setting for guests to experience local flavours and hospitality.

Meals are presented generously, with a home-style character that ranges from hearty mains and fresh accompaniments to traditional local dishes served with simple, comforting touches.

Colourful tablecloths neatly arranged plates, fresh salads and shared condiments reinforce the welcoming atmosphere.

Combined with the river breeze and views towards Korovou Town, the setting turns an ordinary meal into a chance to pause and appreciate the surroundings.

Whether guests are travelling through, meeting friends, sharing a family meal or simply taking a break, the dining room offers space to eat at their own pace.

A second chapter

Tailevu Hotel’s story is one of gradual renewal.

From the property acquired by Warick Williams and Kuila Kaci in 1992, through years of repairs and additions, to the more recent work on its walkway, driveway, fencing and lounge, the hotel has continued to evolve.

A few minor works are continuing around the property.

For a hotel that once appeared to have lost its spark, that ongoing work is significant.

The building has not simply been restored to what it was. It has been given another opportunity to serve the community and visitors to Korovou Town.

Today, Tailevu Hotel offers accommodation, meals and a bar where locals can unwind after a rough day.

Its timber, bamboo, colonial touches and relaxed Pacific atmosphere tell part of its history.

Its continuing improvements tell another.

After years of change, Tailevu Hotel is no longer simply a reminder of what it once was.

It is, once again, a place with people coming through its doors – stopping for a meal, settling into a room, meeting friends at the bar and taking in the view.