SOUTHAMPTON, Bermuda ---Sonesta International Hotels will end its
42-year relationship with Bermuda May 15 when Wyndham Hotels &
Resorts hoists its flag over the 400-room former Sonesta Resort
Bermuda. The resort will be known as the Wyndham Southampton
Bermuda Resort.
The property has been closed since September due to damage
suffered in Hurricane Fabian and has been undergoing a $38 million
renovation program.
"The owner was battered by insurance problems, had to lay off
staff and wanted to reposition the property," according to a
Sonesta representative. "We are sad to be leaving Bermuda, but we
are proud of our contributions there and we wish the owner and
Wyndham the greatest success."
Boston-based businessman Cliff Schorer bought the property last
year -- prior to the hurricane -- from Aetna Life Insurance.
Sonesta, with 26 properties worldwide, including six in the
U.S., seven in Peru, four in Italy, eight in Egypt and one opening
in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this spring, "is always on the lookout for
new properties and locations," a spokesman said. "We do want to add
more U.S. cities."
The Bermuda resort will mark Wyndham's re-entry into that
market. The firm managed another property there "years ago, but it
did not carry the Wyndham name," according to a Wyndham
spokesman.
To contact reporter Gay Nagle Myers, send e-mail to [email protected].