The second phase of a massive $90 million renovation at the iconic Hamilton Princess started today.

And among the additions to the hotel will be a new restaurant directed by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Other renovations will include modernisation of the Gazebo wing’s guestrooms, a new-look central courtyard and a facelift for the Heritage Court restaurant and bar.

Mr Samuelsson’s new restaurant will be located in what is now the Gazebo Room and will be one of the largest on the Island, with 3,000 square feet inside and a 1,500 square feet verandah overlooking the hotel marina.

The new restaurant will feature seating for 180, including 30 seats at the bar and a private dining area.

It will also feature an open-plan kitchen designed by the Marcus Samuelsson Group with a wood fire barbecue — the only one of its kind on the Island.

The courtyard will be lowered five feet and the existing steps removed to improve views of the harbour and bring it in line with disabled access rules.

Outdoor seating for Heritage Court will also be introduced, while pergolas will be added to create an outdoor terrace in the courtyard centre.

And an entertainment area suitable for private events will overlook the Harbour.

Hamilton Princess general manager Allan Federer said: “The first phase went extremely well and we were happy to see guests and locals enjoying the upgrades to the property this summer.

“The second phase will bring about sensational changes, which will not only add value to the hotel, but will also add to Bermuda’s product as a whole.”

Harley’s Restaurant will stay open throughout the renovations and began serving breakfast, lunch and dinner yesterday and the new 1609 restaurant will stay open over the winter.

The pop-up restaurant run by Mr Samuelsson has been transformed into a bar called Intermission and also opened yesterday.

Meeting space will be unavailable during the renovations, but will reopen next year and the second phase of improvements is expected to be finished by next summer.

Phase three of the renovations — including upgrades to the spa, gym, lobby, lap pool and a new retail corridor — will begin in the winter of next year.