feeling that the hotel has finally gotten what it deserves -- a spectacular five-star restoration appropriate to its unique location, traditions and atmosphere.

"When the new owners bought the hotel last June from the Moores family, who had owned it since 1947, their conclusion was that they wanted to make it clearly the very best hotel property on the Island. The broad specifications were that the quality of the accommodations and public rooms would exceed those of a Ritz Carlton,'' said managing director Mr. John Jefferis.

"The feeling is that if you have very clearly the best resort property in a given destination, and promote that property at an attractive rate, you will be the most successful of those resort properties. We have a significant advantage here, in that the property itself is one of the finest in the world.

"The owners feel the image of Bermuda, its record and general ambiance, and its safety, is worthy of an internationally-acclaimed five-star hotel.'' An impressive 43 percent of the Elbow Beach Hotel's visitors are repeat guests, and it was vital that people who had been coming to the hotel year after year not feel that it had now become something cold and unfamiliar.

"One of the most important things during the redevelopment was that the last thing we wanted was a glitzy hotel that didn't incorporate the traditions of the Elbow Beach. The intention was to retain the Elbow Beach atmosphere and character and build upon that with the new development. What we wanted was old-world elegance and style, but with every modern convenience.'' One of the things regular Elbow Beach guests will find unchanged is the cedar-panelled shopping mall and cedar staircases, and many other things about the hotel will be familiar.

"Our repeat visitors will find here what they have always enjoyed about the hotel, but it will be enhanced, with a feeling of a more elegantly-appointed and luxurious property,'' said Mr. Jefferis.

One asset that will give the hotel an unmistakable air of quality is antique furniture in select positions around the hotel, along with the remarkable multi-million dollar art collection that will be added to as time goes by.

Many paintings are already on display in the hotel suites and public areas, and more are on their way.

"We feel that hotels such as this need to offer something more,'' said Mr.

Jefferis. "It's a large collection -- we are looking at more pieces to buy, and are considering acquiring some sculptures and possibly statues for the gardens.'' Mr. Charles Lee made all the critical design decisions for the renovations.

SERVICE AND STYLE -- Hand-cut crystal chandeliers grace the hotel's spacious elegant new lobby.