regional vice president of Princess Properties International Mr. Stephen Barker announced yesterday.

The hotels will be going through a series of expansion projects starting with renovations to the Hamilton Princess' 102 pool wing guest rooms.

"Some of the rooms will be completely refurbished while two-thirds of them will also be totally reconfigured by combining two rooms into one,'' Mr.

Barker said.

He added: "These two-room suites, which will be called Crown Rooms, will include a separate and generous living/seating area for relaxation, business, or children, large bedroom, spacious bath and separate shower and tub, and all the modern guest room amenities such as mini-bars, multiple telephones, data ports, etc.'' Mr. Barker also said due to the renovations the hotel will lose 34 rooms. "We are looking to further satisfy the needs of the upscale business traveller as well as the individual vacationer and families looking for more spacious guest accommodation,'' he said.

Construction is being carried out by Burland, Conyers and Marirea Ltd. along with architectural firm Barker and Linberg.

At the Southampton Princess, a new major attraction is being created over the next year with the environment programme, Dolphin Quest, which should provide a positive and unique experience for visitors to the Island, he said.

The hotel is anticipating that Dolphin Quest will draw new visitors to the Island as well as add to the experience of returning guests.

Major renovations at the Southampton Princess Hotel will include a reconfiguration of all 600 guest baths to bring them up to today's luxury standards, with separate shower and tub, double sinks and new vanities.

All of the suites at the Southampton Princess will also be redesigned and refurbished.

"We consistently spend between $5 million and $7 million each year on capital and renovation projects at the two Bermuda hotels,'' Mr. Barker said. "But this year, we will be spending over $10 million on a variety of projects. We believe that these enhancements will go a long way in furthering the strong reputation of our hotels, as well as Bermuda, as a desirable vacation and offshore business destination.''