The closure of the 40-year-old Lantana Colony Club has left its staff in shock and at a loss for what they will do on Monday.

And some guests expressed more concern for staff than for themselves in the hours after the shock announcement of the closure.

Irish visitor Sandra Sherlock, a two-time visitor, said she was shocked and disappointed and wished she had had prior notice.

"I feel very sorry for the staff,'' she said. "They are the best reason for coming to Bermuda. Such short notice for very loyal staff is a very hard blow.'' Ms Sherlock added she was disappointed the announcement came in the middle of her vacation and accepted it was early and final arrangements had not been made.

New Yorker Jordan Berlin agreed with Ms Sherlock about sorrow for the staff and added: "We love the ambience here in comparison with the larger hotels.'' He added: "I knew something was up when I didn't see the senior management people coming to the tables like in the past.'' Mr. Berlin said his family's vacation was not affected by the announcement as they would be leaving today.

Bartender Ivoe Powell, who has worked at Lantana for more than 30 years, said all the staff were shocked and he had no indication the bombshell was coming.

About relations with the management, Mr. Powell said: "We always got along.

We had differences of opinion with them but they have been good to us.'' Dining room captain Darnell Joell had nothing but praise for the cottage colony.

He added: "It's kind of sad. The guests say its one of the few places left in Bermuda where they are treated like family.'' "It seems in the industry it's not how you treat people but dollars and cents. Lantana is different from other hotels in Bermuda.'' Mr. Joell added: "Being here was the place to be.'' Hotel industry veteran Ann Wingood said she had just rejoined Lantana's dining room in April after being made redundant at Elbow Beach Hotel late last year.

She said: "They treat their staff beautifully. They give 100 percent support to staff. But because of my situation I am prepared for this.'' Ms Wingood added that she was concerned for guest workers!? "I can drive home. They cannot,'' she added.

One man, who declined to give his name, said he had recently arrived and was sorry for the owners.

"For the time I have been here they have tried their best,'' he said before adding he did not know what he would do after the hotel closes.

A woman said she was very disappointed at the announcement on two counts.

"First because I'm out of a job. Two, I've grown with Lantana.''