With the closure of Elbow Beach Hotel's main building for the next several years, many people have been left wondering what does this mean for much touted hotel developments across the Island.

Last Wednesday, when the announcement was made that 160 people would loose their job as a result of Elbow's partial-closure, Premier Ewart Brown said he was saddened by the news but optimistic.

A press statement indicated that the Premier believed the hotel was in "dire need of upgrading" and added that he was "expressing optimism on the future".

"The rooms that will replace the old-style accommodations in the old building will make a welcome addition to the improved product that will come when other hotels are developed," he said. "Elbow Beach will then be able to compete with brands like Park Hyatt, Four Seasons and St. Regis."

The press statement added that Elbow Beach will neighbour the proposed Four Seasons to be developed at the site of Coral Beach/Horizons.

Here, The Royal Gazette takes a look at the progress of the hotel developments Dr. Brown mentioned as well as six other properties across the Island:

Ariel Sands, Devonshire

After closing its doors indefinitely in January, the owners attempted to find an investor to redevelop the property. In March executive director John T. O' Brien told The Royal Gazette its original investor had backed out of the deal because of the deteriorating financial climate and the company was looking for new investors. Since then no new investors have been publicly named.

The Royal Gazette has been unable to contact Mr. O'Brien.

Grand Atlantic Resort and Residents, South Shore, Warwick

In 2007 it was announced that a nine-storey, 706-bed hotel would be built at the former Golden Hind site.

A Special Development Order was passed outlining that Government and landowners Atlantic Development were to build a 100-room hotel and 125 affordable homes in a public-private partnership.

It added that the 125 two and three-bedroom condos would be built in four phases, while the hotel was constructed on a neighbouring site, with a projected completion date by 2013.

St. Regis. Hamilton

In November 2007 the Corporation of Hamilton signed a deal to develop a five-star Ritz Carlton on the site of the Par-La-Ville car park.

However, in June Premier Ewart Brown announced the exclusive five-star hotel and residence development would now be a St. Regis.

The St. Regis Bermuda will feature 140 rooms and suites and 80 serviced residences, and will be located on the corner of Par-la-Ville Road and Church Street, overlooking the park.

A spokeswoman for the overseas developers said the ground breaking will take place between July and December next year and the foundation will be laid sometime in 2011. The hotel will be opened by September 30, 2013, at the latest. She added that they were confident with their financing.

Coral Beach Club and Horizons, South Shore, Paget

Owners are waiting for the Draft Plan Tribunal to decide on an appeal against the Development Applications Board's refusal of planning permission for the Four Seasons Hotel in Paget.

The plans include a 150-room hotel, 60 fractional ownership villas, 20 residential units, a spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, pools and conference centre to be located at the properties. The developers did not respond to a request for comment.

Former Wyndham/Sonesta property, Southampton

In January 2008, developers Scout Real Estate Capital announced plans for a $300 million resort called Southampton Beach Resort.

Last week the company declined to comment on rumours it was looking for a quick sell-off of the property and did not respond to a request for an update.

Coco Reef Hotel, South Shore

In January 2008 Coco Reefs Hotel was granted a Special Development Order to build 66 apartments on Government owned property.

In March this year Coco Reef Resorts Ltd. owner John Jefferis said he planned to break ground on the 66 new lease back Coca Villas cottages in December.

Mr. Jefferis did not respond to a request for an update.

Stonehaven Development Condominium Hotel, Hamilton

The 81-unit apart-hotel at the corner of Court Street and Reid Street will house 42 'hotel condominiums', 39 'residences', plus a restaurant and spa.

The development — on the site of the former Canadian Hotel — was granted a Special Development Order in 2008.

Owner Ted Powell said they were still working on financing the project and talking with prospective hotel brands. There is no date in place for breaking ground on the project.

Former Club Med, St. George's

In June Dr. Brown told a PLP Town Hall meeting in St. George's financing for the five-star Park Hyatt hotel at the former Club Med site would be signed in July.

"Financing is at an advanced stage. Final documents [are] to be signed in July.

"That will secure all of the funding both from the investment side and the debt side. These documents will be signed next month."

Developer Carl Bazarian did not respond to a request for an update as to whether financing had been secured or a start date for the project.

Morgan's Point, Southampton

Government agreed to a land-swap with developers to swap Southlands for the Morgan's Point property in April 2008.

Originally the Jumeirah hotel group was attached to the project.

In March, a Jumeirah spokeswoman said the ultra-luxury Dubai-based chain had signed an agreement to manage a new hotel in the US Virgin Islands, but not in Bermuda.

But she added: "Jumeirah was appointed in 2007 to manage the first five-star resort to be built in Bermuda in 35 years. Since then, the developers, along with the Government authorities, have been looking at a new opportunity on a different site. We continue to be committed to Jumeirah's resort in Bermuda."

Attempts to reach developer Craig Christensen for an update were unsuccessful.