Tanorama

After reading the amazing review below, I decided to try the place out. On May 19, 2014 I pull into the parking lot and follow all directions to the tanning salon only to find out their tanning license has been revoked by the town of Burlington back on November 12, 2013. If they ever do re-​open, I would do my research before stepping foot into any of their tanning booths.

I first went to Tanorama since literally before I can remember. Obviously not tanning myself — that would be child abuse — rather, accompanying my mother. I spent many hours of my life in the waiting area reading the ever-​present tabloids on the table which was decades old in the ‘80s and talking with Joyce (the current owner who was then just an employee). I stopped going with my mother as a teenager as one does.
So when I came back to the area after over a decade away and wanted to start tanning myself, I didn’t really consider going anywhere else. Okay, so it’s like stepping into a time warp; the décor I remember from twenty years ago is exactly the same, right down to the payphone (which no longer works) and the magazines on the table. The only difference is choices of more modern booths as well as machines for leg and face tanning.
But don’t be fooled by the tacky image. The tanning booths are kept in an OCD-​level of pristine cleanliness from floor to ceiling and give a perfect tan (at least the more modern Superbooth and Cyclone that I use).
Joyce runs the entire operation entirely on her own and is the most friendly, helpful, and customer-​oriented business owner there is. Her 40+ years of tanning and 30+ of working in that very salon makes her guidance always spot-​on; I trust her advice on tanning more than I trust most doctors on health matters. Indeed, it’s health over money for her — she won’t let anyone use the machines more than every other day, tan enough to leave with burnt skin, etc. Whether one is a novice or experienced tanner, her extensive discussion with them prior to the first session and how they continue to react to the tanning defines the tanning schedule (regularity and minutes) Joyce will allow. She is also knowledgeable about health issues — I’m a celiac, and she took an active role in helping me seek out and try different bronzers and browners sans gluten as inexpensively as possible and I’ve heard her talk with other clients about their new medications.
If that was it, Tanorama would be a fantastic place to tan. But it isn’t. Joyce bends over backwards for her customers. She remembers everyone’s names (even years later), knows about and enquires to their lives; I’ve heard others say it’s almost like getting therapy with your tanning if you feel like talking and I’d agree with that assessment. Both appointments and walk-​ins are offered (though it’s nice to call on your way to let her know and to ensure availability) but I’ve seen her stay open late when someone calls just as she’s starting to close. I’ve ever seen her let regular clients settle up their bill next time.
There are only three reasons that this review is not five stars. One is the cost; I’m aware that the packages (per-​minute, blocks of sessions, and monthly) are not particularly competitive in comparison to other tanning salons in the area. Two is the very limited hours of 3−8pm Mondays & Wednesdays,; 11am-7:30pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 9am-​1pm on Saturdays; closed Sundays. The third is a very minor quibble, and is the lack of «value added extras»; beverages, bite-​size candy, and tanning lotions are pricey (the latter are available for half as much online) and the selection is limited as well as charging $ 1 each for the free sample packets of bronzers from wholesale lotion companies.
Tanorama may be a relic of days gone by when businesses were owned and operated by born-​and-​bred locals and didn’t have websites. But there is a reason those of us who go here are so loyal; absolutely no other tanning salon — perhaps no other business — has so much honesty, integrity, and personalised service. I would dare anyone to try to go to Tanorama and leave without a smile on their face and a new regular tanning salon.