Sonesta Beach Hotel general manager Stephan Amesoeder is leaving the hotel next week to take up the same position in New Orleans.

Mr. Amesoeder, who arrived on the Island in December, 2000, said the decision had been purely for business and family reasons and he had no problems with either Sonesta or Bermuda.

He will take up the position as general manager of Wyndham International's historic 220-room Bourbon Orleans in the heart of the French Quarter.

Before coming to Bermuda, Mr. Amesoeder spent 14 years in New Orleans working for the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

He told The Royal Gazette: "I just had a really good job offer and there were really no problems with Sonesta or Bermuda.

"It was a very difficult decision to make. I am a green card holder in the US and my oldest son is about to start school and sometimes you have to make a decision that puts your family before anything else.

"We are leaving with tears in one eye and happiness in the other because we have had a fantastic time here."

The hotel is still looking for a new general manager, added Mr. Amesoeder.

He returns to New Orleans next Wednesday and starts work the next day and will face a gruelling schedule: Super Bowl begins the next weekend followed by Mardi Gras.