Hotel Rumoured to be Closing for Critical Maintenance, but Sources Say Work Will be Done in Phases, Instead

Whispers are circulating that one of the major tourism properties will be closing for 12 months, from September this year, in order to address and correct perennial maintenance challenges, including an infestation of mold, while others say that those plans have changed.

Those reporting the rumour tell REAL News they are inclined to believe, as the hotel’s problems have been often highlighted, by both staff and visitors, with many of the latter airing their complaints on social media.

But other persons have assured our Newsroom that the initially planned closure has been shelved, and, instead, the maintenance issues will be corrected in phases.

Apparently, there were concerns that a closure would span the entire 2026-27 Winter Season, which would have seriously affected the hotel’s employees, suppliers, and service providers.

There is a sense of insecurity in the industry, given that, only weeks ago, it received an unexpected blow from JetBlue.  The carrier announced it would be wrapping up its service to Antigua and Barbuda in September and shutting down all operations here by October 31.

That news was broken by the airline, itself, with no notice to stakeholders from Minister of Tourism and Aviation Charles Fernandez or the Tourism Authority.

Meanwhile, vendors, taxi drivers, and tour operators say they are bracing for yet another possible drop in business as neighbouring St. Kitts readies itself for home-porting operations, servicing P&O Cruises, from next year.

Despite the expansion and renovations taking place at the St. John’s cruise terminal, local operators say the state of St. John’s City and the island’s poor infrastructure are a growing disincentive for tourists and even visiting nationals.