Arlene approached.

Many properties had begun preparations days ago when the first warnings of the storm's approach came.

And last night as its predicted route indicated a wide berth, passing at its closest at 3 a.m. today, hotel guests were warned of precautions being taken for their safety.

The hotels' action plan came as some of the weekly cruise ships left the Island early to avoid the rough weather.

Tourism department officials had joined the hotels in reviewing their disaster plan, preparing for the worst case scenario.

Hotels mount storm watch Most were keeping a watching brief on the storm before taking any action.

It is understood some US customers had called with fears over the storm and there were likely to be some cancellations.

Elbow Beach general manager Bill Shoaf said all guests had received a letter to their rooms, advising them of the situation and what to do if a storm hit.

They were told to stay indoors if the storm materialised.

In addition, the hotel was busy reviewing its hurricane emergency equipment in case of need and staff were preparing to take indoors all beach furnishings.

"We are just going around battening down the hatches and picking up loose debris,'' he said.

Acting Director of Tourism Cherie Whitter said some hotels had reported calls from guests about to fly to Bermuda, concerned about the storm and the significance of it.

She said their concern often followed TV coverage in the US, particularly when Bermuda was used by weather forecasters as a reference point for any Atlantic storm.

Tourism staff were on a state of alert, she said, and staff would be on call during the night should any emergencies arise.

Staff at the Canadian Pacific Hamilton Princess were last night monitoring storm updates in order to determine the state of readiness.

Meetings were scheduled to determine whether staff would go on a state of full alert or awareness.

And at the Harmony Club, president Billy Griffith said they had not issued any warnings to guests, but were listening to the broadcast media for updates through the night.

TOURISM TOU