Visitors boost as first phase of $25m St George’s Club revamp completed
Developers have completed the first phase of renovations at the St George’s Club with the doors now open to members.
Hotelco Bermuda SGC, a sister company of Hotelco Bermuda Holding, the developer of the St Regis Bermuda Resort, has renovated 41 cottages and the main building, and expects the three-phase development to be completed by next year at a cost of $25m.
Phase two of the development has now begun and includes the renovation of the remaining 30 cottage units, expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The third phase will focus on the renovation of Blackbeard’s Beach House, which will continue to operate as a restaurant, and the old prison yard, which is now an open space.
Laura Purroy, general manager of Hotelco Bermuda Holding, said: “We have opened our doors in the first instance to our loyal St George´s Club members who were not able to use their weeks during 2020 and 2021. They are delighted to see their cottages fully and beautifully renovated.
“Progressively, the property will be available for local and transient guests. We will soon announce a promotional staycation offer for local guests to celebrate the partial opening of the hotel.
“We are proud to give back to St George’s its jewel hotel, which represents such a great tradition in this part of the island. It is exciting and rewarding to observe how the new hotels, including the St Regis Bermuda hotel with its Five Forts Golf Course, are contributing to the revival of this beautiful East End of Bermuda.”
Renovations at the complex include new fixtures, furnishings and equipment. The public areas in the main building and external works of the whole property have been completed, including the two swimming pools, fresh and residual water infrastructure, digital network for data, TV and phone, exterior lighting, roads and landscaping.
The hotel features 28 one-bedroom and 43 two-bedroom cottages which are all equipped with full kitchens, living rooms, washer dryers and balconies. The property also has two tennis courts and enjoys views over St George’s Harbour and the adjoining Five Forts Golf course.
George Dowling III, the Mayor of St George, said: “I am excited about the completion of the first phase of the St George's Club project. This is a huge addition to the ever-evolving renaissance of our living town. St George's is quickly moving to become a most comprehensive tourist destination. Two hotels up and running, a marina development on the way and shops available in addition to beaches. Congratulations to Hotelco on reaching a significant milestone."
Dennie O’Connor, a St George’s businessman, said: “We are excited to know that the St George’s Club is reopening with a bang. Many times we hear of operations closing down for good so to see this, we are beyond excited. It is already a beautiful property and the enhancements are exciting and rewarding for all businesses in St George’s. We have already seen an increase in the number of tourists thanks to the St Regis so we know this is just a continued step in the right direction.”
Marico Thomas, a businessman looking to open an establishment in St George’s, said: “It is wonderful news that the St George’s Club has reopened. The proximity of the club to the town means the shops and restaurants will benefit from pedestrian visitors who have the time for multiple leisurely strolls during their visit.
“Currently cruise visitors can be seen in the Towne but typically leave early to get back to their ship. The reintroduction of timeshare visitors will assist the later afternoon and evening business, which St George’s was once known for.
“I congratulate the St George’s Club on their reopening. I look forward to our restaurant contribution to the revitalisation of St George’s and look forward to the completion of the club’s remaining phases.“
In November 2020, Parliament passed a Bill to lease the closed East End resort to Hotelco Bermuda SGC for up to 262 years.
The St George’s Club Bill 2020 made provision for the protection of timeshare owners’ agreements, as well as public beach access.
Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, MP, said at the time that the hotel could be turned into a “teaching hotel”.
Ms Purroy said that there was no update on the plan, which would require approval from the Government.
The Government did not respond to questions about this by press time.
Need to
Know
2. Please respect the use of this community forum and its users.
3. Any poster that insults, threatens or verbally abuses another member, uses defamatory language, or deliberately disrupts discussions will be banned.
4. Users who violate the Terms of Service or any commenting rules will be banned.
5. Please stay on topic. "Trolling" to incite emotional responses and disrupt conversations will be deleted.
6. To understand further what is and isn't allowed and the actions we may take, please read our Terms of Service
