PHILIPSBURG--Major hotel properties on the island reported no serious damage from Hurricane Earl. Most of the properties only reported landscaping damage and debris that had been blown onto the premises by the strong winds.

Maho
The Sonesta Group maintains a detailed Hurricane Preparedness Plan, which went into effect as soon as the threat of the storm was announced. Staff and management at every property had already taken all precautions to keep guests safe, comfortable and well informed. As such, all went smoothly.

"The security and comfort of every guest and staff member had the absolute priority of our general managers and operation teams during Earl. All precautionary and prudent measures were taken to ensure their safety," said Sonesta Group spokesperson Andria Mitsakos.

"We are extremely grateful that we didn't suffer any structural damage from Earl and that all hotel guests and staff weathered the storm safely. Guests currently in-house at all of our resorts are in good spirits and we look forward to receiving new guests with future reservations.
Sonesta Maho Beach Hotel is open and operational. There is no major structural damage; landscaping and outdoor facilities suffered limited damage; loose debris is being cleaned up and disposed of at this time. The hotel remained open during the storm and accommodated guests. Sonesta Maho will take new arrivals as of September 2 at noon. The property remains open for current guests, with a few public areas and facilities closed for clean-up.

Great Bay Beach Hotel
Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort is open and operational. There was no major structural damage, just some water damage; landscaping and outdoor facilities suffered limited damage; loose debris is being cleaned up and disposed of at this time. The hotel remained open and accommodated guests. The resort is honouring all existing reservations from today through September 5, and will receive new arrivals as of September 5 at noon. Guests can still make reservations online for any stays beyond September.

Pelican
Pelican Resort Club and Pelican Marina Residences in St. Maarten reported relatively minor damages, mostly contained to the resorts' gardens and shrubbery.
Royal Resorts Caribbean (owners of Pelican) CEO Richard Corso remained on-site throughout the entire storm. He credits the hard work and preparedness of Pelican Resort's staff for protecting the resort and owners' interests and also ensuring the safety and comfort of guests.
Despite high winds and heavy rain, Pelican Resort's staff attended to the needs of its nearly 500 on-property owners and guests. The rain and flooding brought employee transportation to a halt, but by 6:00am workers arrived at the resort on foot and began the task of cleaning the grounds and readying the pools and beach.
During the storm the resorts maintained continuous power and AC through its generators. The TV signals and guest wireless services were virtually uninterrupted. As of Tuesday afternoon, the pools were opened and all services returned to normal.

Westin
The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa did not suffer any damage besides landscaping.
According to the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the smaller hotel properties and inns also came out of the storm fairly unscathed.