Southampton Princess.

A changeover of reservations offices from the United States to Bermuda caused problems which led to many guests being transferred to other hotels around the Island.

The situation affected the hotel last week and could continue until the end of the month. It meant around ten per cent of guests at the 600-room resort had to be relocated to other accommodations.

General manager Norm Mastalir said guests had been sent to Elbow Beach, Sonesta and other properties, depending on the type of holiday they had booked.

The problem, he said, surrounded the changeover of their reservation system which resulted in some people being overbooked.

Differences between group booking forecasts from tour operators and actual guests arriving were to blame.

"Everybody had been advised ahead of time,'' he said. "We made alternative arrangements with other hotels and provided upgrades for visitors.

"No one had to change their holiday times.'' The hotel's sister property, the Hamilton Princess, escaped any problems as its reservations had already been in operation in Bermuda.

General manager of the Princess Michael Kaile said since their office was already in operation, they were able to expand to cope with the changeover.

In addition, the city hotel does less group business, avoiding difficulties with tour operators' arranged groups.

"We have been able to work pretty normally so far and we have helped the Southampton Princess out,'' Mr. Kaile said.