But for the dark clouds cast by Hurricane Edouard, by most accounts the summer of '96 appears to be closing out on a high note.

Island hotel and cottage operators yesterday told The Royal Gazette bookings for the Labour Day Weekend are up or unchanged over last year, while some establishments reported they were even turning away business.

Staff at the Rosemont Guest Apartments said they had a few vacancies for the final August weekend but expected a surge of last minute customers.

"We're doing really well because we're so close to Hamilton. We get a lot of business people and regulars so we think we'll have good weekend,'' a spokesperson said.

The Ariel Sands Beach Club Jason Powell had nothing but good news to report as well.

"Labour Day is usually very busy. We have few rooms -- not many -- and I expect them to fill in.

"The trend is towards last minute customers from the whole east coast flying in on the spur of the moment,'' he indicated, but admitted concern Hurricane Edouard could change all that.

"We've definitely had a few phone calls, mostly people worrying about their deposits. What is unmeasurable is how Edouard will affect the last minute customers,'' he said.

Edouard notwithstanding, airline prices and seat sales, said Mr. Powell, are a significant inducement for the North American family looking for one last blast of Bermudian summer.

"Usually when the kids go back to school the airlines get into a price war.

There's one on right now,'' he said.

A spokesperson at American Airlines confirmed as much, telling The Royal Gazette round-trip tickets to New York could be had for $220, plus taxes. The sale un fortunately, ended earlier this week.

American Airlines reported heavy inbound traffic for Bermuda over the long weekend, with two flights daily out of New York packed solid over Thursday and Friday as well as fully booked outbound flights on Monday and Tuesday.

"We're full up, booked solid,'' said Egon Jensen of Marley Beach Cottages.

"It's not unusual, it's the end of children's holidays and it's the last weekend for the family to get together.'' As of yesterday no one had cancelled their stay at the south shore cottage colony.

Canada Villa's Christine Barritt likewise reported all five rooms of her St.

John's Road guest house were fully booked for the long weekend.

"Last year it was a lot more last minute and we had still had a couple rooms open but this year people have phoned ahead and I have no rooms open.'' And the threat of Edouard hasn't put a dent in her weekend plans either.

"Nobody's worried yet or even called. I guess they're not watching the weather channel,'' she said.

The story is different however for the Island's larger establishments.

Occupancy rates at the Hamilton Princess and Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort are projected to run about 60 percent, staff reported.

"We've already had a few individuals cancel because of the hurricane,'' said Peter Komposch of the Hamilton Princess.

"It's also an election year in the US and you can feel it down here,'' he said.

Marlene Burgess at the Marriott said they're 57 percent booked but are expecting "to be bombarded'' with calls about Edouard in the next couple of days. As of yesterday however no one had called to cancel their reservations.