Westerly hotel fixed & open after Irene - Providence Eyewitness News

WESTERLY, R.I. (WPRI) - Just days after it was pounded by Tropical Storm Irene's wind and surf, a Westerly hotel has reopened in time for the holiday weekend.

The Andrea Hotel, near Misquamicut Beach, was devastated by Sunday's storm.

Hotel manager Todd Findeisen says the floors were covered with sand, the outside bar was in ruins, and windows were thrown to the ground.

"The power of Mother Nature, it was really impressive," Findeisen said.

Just days later, the carpets are clean, the patio has been cleared and the windows have been replaced.

Findeisen credits a lot of hard work by his staff.

"Monday, we had a crew of about 40 dedicated employees work 8 a.m. Monday till probably midnight," Findeisen said.

Regulars from nearby Connecticut were not afraid to come back to the hotel this year, despite what it looked like earlier in the week.

"We're having an amazing Labor Day Weekend because of all their hard work," said hotel guest Sandy Hanclik, "It's absolutely perfect." perfect.

Findeisen estimates this will cost him tens of thousands of dollars in lost income and repairs and says it will be at least two more weeks until everything is completely fixed.

In the meantime, the hotel is completely booked for the holiday weekend.