HotelChatter

Bahamas
The Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbor, Abacos in the Bahamas says that there does not appear to be any serious damage to the resort. "Guests and staff remained safe, secure and dry during the massive hurricane that hovered over the resort yesterday," the resort said in a press release. There was some minor damage to the resort’s exterior and landscape, with some tree and solar panel damage but flights are expected to resume to and from Marsh Harbor by tomorrow. While clean-up continues, the resort will offer a limited menu and limited staff services but they are still open for business if anyone needs a place to stay in Abaco.

The Atlantis Resort also announced minimal damage to the resorts with mostly landscaping affected. Clean-up efforst are underway and most of the facilities should be open later today.

The One and Only Ocean Club sustained damage to their landscaping and grounds. Clean-up is expected to last through the weekend but the resort will begin accepting arrivals on Sunday, August 28.

New York
The Setai Fifth Avenue is actually offering those who brave the hurricane in NYC (and get around since mass transit is being shut down) a 30 percent discount off room rates from today through Monday, August 29th. That works out to be approximately $359 a night. Guest who book will also get to enjoy a complimentary “Dark and Stormy” cocktail at the hotel’s Bar on Fifth, which features nightly jazz. Call (212) 695-4005 to book, using the code “IRENE."

"Highlying" Hotels
Considering that Mayor Michael Bloomberg just issued a mandatory evacuation for all low-lying areas of New York City (including downtown's financial district), we're guessing that all the hotels uptown will make a killing this weekend. If you work at one of 'em, share with us what you're doing to accommodate the, um, flood, of guests.

Andaz Hotels
Andaz Wall Street has been evacuated per Bloomberg's orders but at Andaz Fifth Avenue they told us they are prepared with "water, emergency generator power/fuel, non-perishable foods, emergency lighting and communication systems." Outdoor furniture is being move and shutters will be closed. Managers and employees are actually staying overnight too so that the hotel can operate at the normal level of service. The hotel is not offering special hotel rates but if guests need to extend their stay they can do so at the same rate. The hotel, however, is waiving the normal cancellation fees for stranded travelers. In slightly sad news, a Sunday wedding at the hotel was cancelled but one is expected to go on tomorrow morning.

We learned via Twitter that The Surrey Hotel is handing out Irene goodie bags filled with "We are giving Surrey bags filled with magazines, Surrey waters, juice boxes, snacks, board games, etc." There's also going to be a champagne hour in the lobby.

Turks and Caicos
Ocean Club Resorts on Turks and Caicos report that all guests and staff are safe although there is some "minor cosmetic damage" to the resorts’ exterior and landscape. But most of the resorts were protected by the island’s Barrier Reef, the third largest in the world. Flights are to resume today and the Ocean Club will reopen on Sunday. However, the resorts' annual refurbishment closure will happen on September 19 with a reopening on October 14. Ocean Club West was due to close on August 29 but will now close today and reopen on September 23. And the resorts have decided not to accept any new reservations from August 28 through September 19. As a courtesy, Ocean Club Resorts is allowing guests to change travel dates or cancel reservations without incurring a penalty.

Miami Beach/Sunny Isles
Solé on the Ocean is offering guests who book rooms there complimentary breakfast as an "homage" to Irene. Also 5 percent of all room reservations will be donated to a hurricane relief fund.

Hilton Garden Inns
SIKE. Hilton Garden Inn has just reissued a new statement that says:

Given the progress of Hurricane Irene and the threat to areas within its path, some Hilton Garden Inn hotels are revising cancellation policies for existing reservations for travel throughout the weekend. In that event, reservations may be canceled at some properties without penalty or other charges incurred.

Hilton Garden Inn folks say anyone with a reservation at an HGI in the storm path can now cancel their reservations without penalty or other charges incurred. Guests can call 1-877-STAY-HGI, visit www.hgi.com, www.facebook.com/hiltongardeninn or www.twitter.com/HGI_Innsider for the most current information.

Atlantic City
As commenter @Markj mentioned below, all of 11 Atlantic City's casinos are closing as Hurricane Irene comes to the shore. NJ.com says it's the third time in the 33-year history of legalized gambling this has happened. No word on when they will reopen.

Washington, DC
The Jefferson Hotel is offering a Friends & Family rate to everyone today and tomorrow which starts at $282 a night. The hotel promises not only to keep the lights on but also that their restaurant The Greenhouse and lounge, Quill, will be open as well.

Got a hurricane hotel update of your own? Put it in comments below...email us...or tell us on Twitter!!

[Photo: NY Times]