Bermuda's newest guest house opens today to meet demand from tourists who cannot get hotel rooms.

Kieran Campbell said although he hasn't advertised yet, Erith Guest House in Pomander Road, Paget, already has enough bookings to have a 30 percent occupancy rate purely through word of mouth.

He is confident the bookings at the eight room guest house will be even higher when he gets his website up next week and begins advertising.

Mr. Campbell, who works for restaurant and hotel supply importers D.E. Mortimer, is confident demand is high.

He decided to convert the house, add a swimming pool, and install air conditioning, microwaves, fridges, kettles and safes in all the bedrooms.

"Things are tough in the market at the moment, but without even advertising so far, we have had guests already who have booked through word of mouth," he said yesterday.

"With what I've seen over the last few years with all the hotels closing there is a huge demand for guests houses.

"Bermuda is expensive to get here and if visitors cannot afford the hotel rates, there is something a little less expensive.

"I already had the house, and it is on a great location. We are receiving bookings for the season and next week we will be 100 percent full. The Little Pomander has been good to use referring some guest to us."

Mr. Campbell will have a full-time housekeeper and will help guests in the evening when he finishes his day job.

The rates are $150 for a standard room, $160 for a superior, and $180 for a one bedroom suite.