Hotels across the Island were bracing themselves today while guests from the low-lying Wyndham are being evacuated to the nearby Fairmont Southampton on higher ground.

Frank Stocek, general manager at Elbow Beach, said he was keeping his fingers crossed that the resort?s strengthened beachside would survive its first major test since Fabian.

The beachfront restaurant area was completely gutted in 2003 ? and is now facing the force of Florence. It has been entirely rebuilt with two foot thick, 6,000 pound per square inch re-enforced concrete. A two-inch thick aluminium panel is covering Mickey?s, while Lido has strong acrylic material over its windows ? designed to offer protection against gusts of up to 175 mph.

?We are as ready as we are ever going to be and have taken serious measures,? said Mr. Stocek. ?Let?s see if they work.? Speaking today just before 11.30 a.m., he added: ?We are prepared.

?We are putting up the last sheets of plywood on the veranda bar and moving the last of our guests into the main building.?

He said 130 rooms were occupied, with the guests who had left the Island ahead of the hurricane leaving 100 rooms empty in peak season.

Elsewhere, resident manager at 9 Beaches, David Dodwell Jr., said its trademark cabanas on stilts are built to withstand wind ? and stood up to Hurricane Fabian. However, contingency plans are in place to move guests out and into the main building if necessary. The restaurant and foyer area have been transformed into a makeshift living area with sleeping bags, water and food at the ready. Meanwhile, the bar is fully stocked. ?We?re going to have a hurricane party tonight? said Mr. Dodwell. Cambridge Beaches chief Michael Winfield, however, said the resort had not experienced any difficulties. ?We?re putting everything in motion and getting everything secured.? He said that guests in the cottages may be moved into the main house if necessary, but added: ?They are firm, good cottages.?

Barb Jones, rooms division manager at The Reefs, said she had not been outside to check the beach, although she said she would not be surprised if it had been washed away. ?All the guests are safe,? she added. ?We are fully prepared.?

Hamilton hotels were doing a roaring trade as Islanders booked themselves in to endure Florence in comfort and avoid the potential of being stuck in homes without power.