Emergency generators kept lights on in the rooms and hallways. But the main switchboard was out of order from 5 p.m. well into the evening.

The hotel's general manager Mr. Pat Lupsha said staff and guests had to make calls by pay phone, while no in-coming calls could be taken.

A Bermuda Electric Light Company spokesman said at 8 p.m. last night that crews were still working on restoring power. There appeared to be an underground cable problem, she said.