Radisson almost back up to normal after last night’s clashes

By Tom Westcott.

Tripoli, 8 November 2013:

From early this morning staff at the Radisson Blu Mahari Hotel were assessing the damage the building sustained in last night’s clashes and, by 10 am, repairs were well underway.

When fighting started last night at 9.45 pm to the east of the Radisson, within ten minutes guests were being taken down to the staff canteen and the spa in the basement of the building. “It seemed the safest area we could think of,” a staff member told the Libya Herald. He added that guests were able to return to their rooms after the fighting had drawn to a close after 1 am. No-one was injured in the hotel.

Although it does not appear to have been specifically targeted, the front of the building was hit by gunfire from passing vehicle-mounted anti-aircraft guns and light weapons. Some damage was caused to the front of the hotel and windows were shattered on the mezzanine and grounds floors.

Although the hotel saw a number of early departures, guests praised staff for their efficient response to the incident and especially for keeping guests updated with what was happening outside. [/restrict]