After Hurricane Irma began wreaking havoc in the Caribbean last Wednesday, Travel Agent decided to compile a comprehensive report on Caribbean hotel damage assessments.
Here are the most updated versions of those hotel reports.
Anguilla
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla announced on its Facebook page that the resort is currently under annual closure and no guests are on site.
“Our excellent team of employees have secured the property, doing everything conceivable to prepare for this storm,” according to the statement.
According to a statement issued by the Anguilla Tourist Board, "From all preliminary reports it appears that the major resorts are relatively intact, although many private residences sustained some damage."
Belmond Cap Juluca was closed for the season. It announced on its Facebook page on Friday that "cleanup has begun on property."
The Anguilla Tourist Board is reporting that Carimar Beach Club’s management and staff are fine and Carimar is standing strong.
According to the statement, the property’s garden was damaged along with a few doors and windows. The hotel has still not announced a re-opening date.
CeBlue Villas & Beach Resort is also reporting that its staff is safe and the resort had no guests as it was already closed for the season.
The resort has begun the clean up process as the damages sustained are repairable and they look forward to welcoming guests for the season.
Fountain Anguilla is reporting that a few of the units suffered some damage from debris hitting the windows and they are currently assessing the clean-up and repair. They anticipate being open for the season.
CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and The Reef by CuisinArt were significantly affected, and their engineers are presently assessing the full extent of the damage, according to the tourist board.
“The ownership and management are steadfastly committed to restoring, rebuilding and reopening, as well as doing everything possible to help and support their employees through this most difficult time,” according to the statement.
Upon preliminary review there appears to be no major structural damage to Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort, according to the tourist board.
The team is now assessing the extent of the clean up required in greater detail and once this is completed they will advise on their proposed reopening date, according to the statement.
Quintessence Boutique Resort sustained "a fair amount of damage," but nothing that can’t be repaired; however the proposed November 1 opening will be delayed, according to the tourist board.
Zemi Beach House had closed to guests in advance of the hurricane. The property held strong during the storm so they will be able to welcome guests back before long, although the timing is still uncertain, as they are still assessing the situation, according to the tourist board.
Antigua
According to the CTO, close to 2,000 of the country’s hotel room stock will be available by the end of October for the start of the peak winter season following traditional summer upgrades and renovations throughout resorts.
Sandals Resorts International announced that an initial review of Sandals Grande Antigua suggests that the resort "sustained superficial damage," but a complete assessment will take place as soon as possible.
Due to the impact of Irma and the close proximity to the previously announced closure for resort maintenance, Sandals Grande Antigua will remain closed in the interim and will reopen on the previously scheduled date of December 20. Guests with upcoming travel plans are asked to please call 1-800-SANDALS to reschedule.
According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Curtain Bluff emerged from the storm without any damage, and all staff and their families are unharmed. The clean up of the property has begun and communications will soon be restored.
Carlisle Bay issued a statement announcing the resort was closed for hurricane season when the storm hit and did not sustain any significant damage. All staff are safe as well. The resort will open as planned on Oct. 15.
Guests at Galley Bay have been reported safe while an in-depth assessment of the property is scheduled to take place on Sept. 21.
According to the CTO, Cocos Hotel reported no long term damage while Hermitage Bay was “a little waterlogged from the swells, otherwise all is well.”
Jumby Bay Island reports no structural damage to any of the resort or homes. A landscaping clean-up will be needed, however. Jumby Bay Island is currently closed as part of its annual maintenance program,so no guests were on the island when Hurricane Irma passed. The reopening remains on schedule for October 9.
Keyonna Beach Resort reports no long term damage and Pineapple Beach Club has reported that all guests are safe. Pineapple Beach Club is set to welcome guests on Sept. 14.
The St. James Club reports that all guests are safe and is scheduled to welcome guests on Sept. 14. Verandah guests have also been reported safe. That hotel will re-open as scheduled on Oct. 14 after renovations. Blue Waters Resort and Spa will be opening on September 21, according to the CTO.
The Bahamas
Sandals Resorts International reports that its Fowl Cay property on Great Exuma had already been closed for maintenance, so there was no impact to guests.
The company also reported that Sandals Royal Bahamian, located in Nassau, "has escaped Hurricane Irma unscathed."
"Sandals Emerald Bay, located in Great Exuma, Bahamas, was also spared the worst of Hurricane Irma’s path and sustained no damage following the storm," according to the statement. "Guests and staff at both resorts are safe and comfortable and other than some minor tidying, the resorts are open and ready to welcome guests. For more information, guests are encouraged to call 1-800-SANDALS."
According to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, other hotels and resorts that are set to welcome guests include Atlantis, Paradise Island, Warwick Paradise Island, the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar (scheduled to re-open on Tuesday, Sept. 12) and Melia Nassau Beach Resort.
Breezes Resort & Spa - Bahamas issued a statement announcing no damages following Hurricane Irma.
“We are fortunate to share that Nassau and Breezes Resort and Spa - Bahamas escaped the wrath of Hurricane Irma,” says Zein Issa-Nakash, vice president of marketing for Breezes Bahamas, in the statement. “The resort was unaffected by the storm and we are open for business as usual. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this storm.”
Barbuda
Barbuda's hotel infrastructure was damaged severely, but with less than 100 hotel rooms the overall effect on tourism as a whole is minimal, according to the CTO.
Although other media outlets have speculated that it has, Travel Agent wasn’t able to confirm whether Paradise Found Nobu resort, which actor Robert De Niro partially owns, was seriously damaged. With that said, it is very likely since the island has reported that roughly 90 percent of its structures were destroyed.
In a statement obtained by the New York Daily News, De Niro said, “We are beyond saddened to learn of the devastation in Barbuda caused from Hurricane Irma and look forward to working with the Paradise Found Nobu team, the Barbuda Council, GOAB and the entire Barbuda community to successfully rebuild what nature has taken away from us.”
The British Virgin Islands
On its Facebook page, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Autograph Collection announced, “We are relieved to report that all guests and associates who are on island are safe. If you are a family member of someone who is at the resort, please message us your name, email address and the name of the person/family about whom you are inquiring. Our operations team will then be able to give you updates on our evacuation plans.”
According to its Facebook page, Rosewood Little Dix Bay is currently closed for renovation and therefore no guests were present at the resort. The management team was relocated to the safest possible place prior to the storm.
According to Peter Island Resort & Spa’s Facebook page, “The worst of the storm has passed and we are pleased to report that all of our guests and on-island staff are safe and sound. Updates will be provided as we receive them.”
The Bitter End Yacht Club also announced on its Facebook page that its “crew on the ground at BEYC is safe. We are deeply saddened by the events that have taken place in the last 24 hours and our hearts and thoughts are with our friends and neighbors surrounding the North Sound, on Virgin Gorda, the entire BVI community, everyone in the Caribbean effected by Irma.”
According to the CTO, the Sugar Mill Hotel has suffered some damage but so far it appears manageable. The restaurant is expected to open as planned on Oct. 12 with the rest of the hotel slated to open on Oct. 14.
Cuba
Although no specific hotel information was provided, the CTO released a statement announcing that Havana has experienced major flooding, power has been knocked and widespread wind damage has impacted the area. According to the CTO, "Ten people have died in Cuba, according to state television reports issued on Monday."
Dominican Republic
Riu Hotels, which has six hotels in Punta Cana, is reporting that all hotel guests and company associates are fine. There was wind and rainfall, but the hurricane caused only minor material damage to the company’s Punta Cana hotels. All Riu hotels in Punta Cana are operating normal services.
The two Riu hotels in Puerto Plata have not suffered any significant damage. The Riu Bachata and the Riu Merengue was slated to be fully operation and running last Friday.
Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort, located in Punta Cana, reports that the hotel “remains 100 percent operational as no severe damage was done to the resort.”
Additionally, the Barcelo Hotel Group confirmed that all of the brand’s resorts in the Dominican Republic are 100 percent operational, according a written release.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana issued a statement Monday morning reporting that it is fully operational and welcoming guests.
According to the statement, the property sustained no damage following Hurricane Irma and has been open since Friday.
“Guests are enjoying themselves and conditions are wonderful,” according to the statement.
The CTO reports that the Viva Wyndham Playa Dorada is open and operating.
A representative of AMResorts told Travel Agent that all AMResorts properties in the Dominican Republic experienced no damage and are fully operational.
Haiti
According to the CTO, Haiti was relatively unscathed. All services remain in operation and the country continues to welcome visitors, according to the CTO.
Moulin Sur Mer reports it was not affected by Hurricane Irma, according to the CTO.
Puerto Rico
According to a statement released by the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, the hotel sustained minimal damage and is currently open.
“We expect to be operating at full-service levels by the end of this weekend with the exception of the golf courses,” according to the statement. “We will continue to assess damage and take any necessary steps to ensure safe operations for our guests and associates. Our thoughts remain with those devastated by this storm and those who remain in its path. If you have questions pertaining to an upcoming reservation, please contact us at 787-888-6000.”
According to the CTO, the Condado Plaza Hilton received minor damage.
El Conquistador Resort is operational. Las Casitas Village will re-open when electricity is restored, according to the CTO.
El San Juan Hotel is reporting that it received minimal damage and will re-open as soon as power is restored.
Hotel El Convento also escaped damage and was set to re-open on Sept. 11.
Hyatt House San Juan, Hyatt Place Bayamon, Hyatt Place Manati, Hyatt Place San Juan City Center and Hyatt Residence Club Dorado are all open and operating, according to the CTO.
InterContinental San Juan, Rincon Beach and the San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel all report no damage with all hotels fully operational.
Wyndham Garden at Palmas del Mar also reports that it is open and operating.
St. Barts
Popular celebrity hot spot The Eden Rock Hotel - St. Barths has announced on its website that the hotel's slated re-opening date of early October is now postponed due to damage sustained from Hurricane Irma.
"The hurricane Irma has caused serious damage across the small island," according to the statement. "At this stage, it is too early to report the magnitude of the event on the property buildings and facilities."
The good news is no staff or guests were hurt. The property was closed for annual maintenance, so there were no guests in residence.
According to a statement on the hotel’s website, “Communication between St. Barts and the Metropole has not been restored yet. Further updates will follow this release. The scheduled re-opening in early October has now been postponed until further notice.”
St. Kitts and Nevis
According to the CTO, St. Kitts and Nevis sustained minimal damage overall and both St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport and Nevis' Vance W. Amory International Airport have re-opened.
Hotels in St. Kitts reported no structural damage. In Nevis, the Four Seasons Resort Nevis reports no damage while Hermitage Inn reported minor debris, but no structural damage, according to the CTO.
The Great House and Cottages at Nisbett Plantation Beach Club are in excellent condition, but there was damage to the Sea Breeze Beach Bar, the decking and the beach.
St. Maarten and St. Martin
Sonesta Hotels reported last week that all three of its hotels on St. Maarten - Sonesta Maho Beach Resort Casino & Spa, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort and Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino - were seriously damaged.
Due to the damage the resorts suffered, all further reservations from now through the end of 2017 will be cancelled, Sonesta announced in the statement.
All pre-paid reservations from now through the end of 2017 will be refunded as soon as the company restores operations, pending future updates and situation assessments.
Sonesta Hotels recently issued a statement announced that all if its guests on St. Maarten were evacuated from the destination on Saturday, September 9.
According to the statement, the last group left on a Sunwing aircraft to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
“We are overwhelmed with emotion knowing that these heroic individuals will be reunited with their family and friends soon. We respect their confidence in our entire team during this extremely difficult time,” according to the statement.
The CTO is reporting that Beach Plaza has been badly damaged. Belair Beach Hotel sustained damage and “it will take time to repair,” according to the CTO. Phone service and Internet is still down at Belair Beach.
The CTO is reporting that 70 percent of the Esmeralda Resort has been destroyed.
Hotel Mercure was reported as simply “damaged.” La Vista Hotel reports that the beach building is relatively in decent shape. The roof tiles came off, but the roof itself in still there. There was also some water damage and missing doors and windows.
Oyster Bay Beach Resort is reporting significant damage. Princess Heights is reporting minor damage.
Riu Palace St. Martin is reporting that its infrastructure was “severely affected,” according to the CTO, but all guests and employees are fine.
Summit Resort Hotel reports that it will remain closed, “due to extensive damages.”
Westin Dawn Beach has also suffered significant damage.·
Turks and Caicos
In an official statement issued to Sandals Resorts International’s travel partners, Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart said, “After a thorough assessment of the work that needs to be done, Beaches Turks and Caicos will be pleased to accept guests beginning December 14. The red carpet will be rolled out and Beaches Turks & Caicos will be better than ever.”
Guests with upcoming travel plans are asked to please call 1-800-BEACHES to reschedule.
The CTO is also reporting that the Gansevoort Turks and Caicos is taking November bookings
The Somerset on Grace Bay will be closed for at least two months, according to the CTO.
According to a statement issued by Club Med Turkoise, "As we have not been able to make a full assessment of the resort and the infrastructure on the island has not been restored, we will delay the arrival of new guests from now through Saturday, September 30, 2017. We will contact all guests scheduled to arrive to work with them on alternate holiday plans.”
The Turks and Caicos Collection, which represents three luxury hotels in the destination, issued a statement saying its properties are all fine.
“All guests and staff of our three resorts, Blue Haven Resort, Alexandra Resort and Beach House are reported safe and unharmed,” according to the statement. “Given the damage sustained on island, all guests are remaining on property pending further instructions from the authorities on the conditions of roads, electrical service and the status of Providenciales International Airport (PLS), which is currently closed. The resorts have sufficient supplies, food and water to care for all guests in the interim.”
The Sands, The Palms and the Shore Club on Long Bay Beach resorts sustained no major structural damages during the storm, only extensive landscaping and some water damage, according to representatives of all three hotels. Currently, The Sands will reopen on September 23 while The Palms and The Shore Club will reopen on September 30.
According to the CTO, Seven Stars Resort & Spa is open for business.
According to a statement release by Grace Bay Resorts, “Grace Bay Club is now scheduled to reopen on September 30—one day earlier than previously announced. West Bay Club remains scheduled to reopen October 1. We continue to work tirelessly to restore each property to superior condition for our guests.”
U.S. Virgin Islands
On St. Croix, The Buccaneer is open for business. While facilities are in good shape, there may be some limitation of services over the next few days, according to the CTO.
Club Comanche Hotel St. Croix and Hotel Caravelle Hotel on the Cay are open and accepting guests.
On St. John, CTO says Caneel Bay experienced a complete power outage and the hotel’s team is assessing the damage.
The Westin St. John Resort Villas reports that the resort and the surrounding areas experienced some damage and overall impact is being assessed, according to the CTO.
On St. Thomas, the CTO reports that Bluebeard's Castle Resort sustained major damage.
Marriott Frenchman's Reef is advising that those planning to visit the hotel should check the news for the most current information. The resort is waiving hotel cancellation and change fees for specific arrival dates. Customers should call 800-228-9290 for more information about their reservations.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas issued a similar statement urging those planning to visit the hotel should check the news for the most current information and amend their travel plans accordingly. The resort is waiving hotel cancellation and change fees for specific arrival dates. Customers should call 800-228-9290 for more information about their reservations.
The Secret Harbour Beach Resort is reporting no major structural damage to the buildings. The generator is still working.
According to the CTO, Sugar Bay Resort & Spa is still assessing the damage while Windward Passage is slated to close for six months.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is reporting on its Facebook page that the hotel "was so very lucky compared to many other properties." The hotel says it has "high expectations to begin taking guests again November 12."
Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for more Hurricane Irma updates and be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.
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