Managers at Elbow Beach today announced the closure of its main hotel on November 30 - which could stay empty for several years.

This morning General Manager Frank Stocek said it will be closing 60 percent of the resort's rooms and all of its food and beverages sector, resulting in the loss of approximately 160 jobs — half of which are held by Bermudians, spouses of Bermudians or those with Bermudian status.

Mr. Stocek said the current economic climate played a major factor in the owner’s decision to hold off on its master development plan for the 101-year-old resort and instead focus on a smaller upgrade and a more”intimate resort”.

Although, he added, they planned to go ahead with larger developments in three or four years.

The 98 suites and cottages will remain open while renovations to the main building are underway. It is expected a scaled-down version of the main building will open in March.

This will include a refurbished lobby and a new recreation room as well as the complete renovation of the free-standing Bermuda Room, which will be restored to its authentic 1908 design and become a luxurious meeting and banqueting venue for small groups, weddings and social functions.

The hotel will no longer run a food and beverages programme, leaving the MEF Group running the three dining options on the beach site property.

“After 101 years of grand hospitality, Elbow Beach is poised to offer guests the next level of luxury accommodation in Bermuda,” Mr. Stocek said. “Our recently renovated garden cottages and suites have been extremely well received by our guests, and they will be further enhanced while the renovation plans for our legendary main building are being developed.”

Are you affected by this? E-mail roklynch@royalgazette.bm.

For the full story see tomorrow's Royal Gazette.