21.00 All guests told to go to their rooms. Mattresses put in front of windows and furniture stacked up as instructed by hotel staff.

21.45 Hotel staff delivered two candles and matches.

22.00 Two cheese and ham sandwiches and two pieces of fruit delivered by hotel staff to all guests.

Friday, October 21

08.30 Phone call from reception staff, informing us that the storm would be over within the next half hour, and that a further call would confirm that guests could exit their rooms.

10.45 A further phone call from reception staff informed that the eye of the storm was heading directly for Playa Del Carmen and that under no circumstances were any of the guests to leave their rooms. Forewarned that there would be no power within the next thirty minutes.

11.00 Power went off. Hotel in complete darkness except for candles. Storm became progressively worse throughout the night. No further contact with reception. Remained in room. Could hear glass smashing, trees falling, cracks and bangs, screams from other guests - terrifying.

Saturday, October 22

06.00 Water flooded apartment soaking everything, including bed. Complete darkness - candles burnt out. Had to use mobile phones in an attempt to get light as we moved some dry bedding into the wardrobe, which was dry. Sat in wardrobe (7ft long x 2ft wide) in darkness.

10.00 Storm not as severe. Delivery of two sandwiches to door by hotel staff. Informed that the hurricane was 300 miles in width and moving at a speed of only 9km per hour. Told to remain in rooms until safe to emerge. Asked for more candles but refused due to fire hazard. Had to remain in wardrobe in an effort to stay dry.

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