Jersey Hotels Guide

Jersey hotels range from the quirky and individual to the palatial and grand. They include sumptuous retreats and spartan historical monuments and provide an ideal backdrop to explore this enchanting island.

Jersey is perched in the Gulf of St. Malo, with the long arm of France's Cotentin peninsula clearly visible on the horizon. As the largest and most southerly of the Channel Islands, Jersey has maintained a unique Anglo-Norman culture. Part of this is a rich gastronomic legacy, from Jersey potatoes to the famous creamy milk of the Jersey cow. The seafood cuisine is as magnificent as one would expect from a nine by five mile island with gorgeous fishing harbours and a long maritime tradition.

The riches of Jersey unfold in a series of first class beaches, ranging from the sheer magic of a secluded bay like Beauport to the dramatic and vast surf of St Ouen's,which stretches for a full five miles along the west coast. There are numerous sights, from the majestic and iconic castle at Gorey to the lonely and romantic ruins of Grosnez. From the dramatic and harrowing story of the German occupation of 1940-45 at the Jersey War Tunnels to the pioneering conservation efforts of the Durrell Wildlife Trust, the island offers many essential attractions. Last but by no means least, there is the unique capital town of St Helier itself, with its vistas of Elizabeth Castle, a fort that guards the sandy curve of St. Aubin's Bay.

From the stunning lighthouse at Corbiere Point in the extreme south west of the island, to the tourist sands of St.Brelade overlooked by its historic church, the island of Jersey appeals to anyone who appreciates natural beauty and an unspoilt coastline.

As the island is so compact, it can be easily navigated using a Jersey hire car, although the narrowness of the roads and the maximum speed limit of 40mph make driving a gentler experience than on the UK mainland. There is also a fine bus system that connects the island through a network of blue buses, but the last train line was deemed obsolete and pulled up in the 1950s. Nevertheless the close proximity of every destination - even Jersey airport is only 4.6 miles north west of St Helier - means that location is not necessarily the pivotal factor in choosing a hotel. Each hotel has to compete on its own merits. So where to stay?

Read on for descriptions of some of the hotels in or near St Helier. Please note that these are personal recommendations only and will be neither comprehensive nor unbiased.

Longueville Manor has a well-deserved reputation as one of Jersey's finest hotels. This impressive 13th century Norman manor house offers exquisite levels of comfort, but is actually located in one of the less attractive parishes. Still, the lack of stunning sea views is hardly like to bother you once you have checked into such a fine destination.

The Pomme d'Or boasts an impressive location overlooking Liberation Square and the famous eponymous sculpture. It is ideally placed for access to the central business district and the town centre.The hotel's previous celebrated occupants include the famous French writer Victor Hugo. The German officers also requisitioned the hotel to serve as barracks during the terrible Occupation of 1940-45.The carvery is of very high quality and diners have lovely views of Albert Harbour. In short, this is a historic and perfectly positioned hotel - but the rooms in my view appear fairly similar in design to any business hotel worldwide. Maybe this is what the target market wants, but I feel the opportunity to add a little extra local individuality and flavour has not been fully grasped.

The Jersey Grand Hotel is the five star jewel of the Esplanade and some rooms offer spectacular views of Elizabeth Castle, the impressive fortress that guards the vast bay of St. Aubin. It offers corporate function facilities and a spa and has recently been refurbished. it also can offer a superb venue for a Jersey wedding reception.

The Royal Yacht is perfectly positioned near the old Weighbridge and the Jersey Museum.The Sirocco restaurant is a quintessentially Jersey dining experience, offering high quality dinners and a refined yet contemporary ambience.

The Jersey Inn is a funky and revamped newcomer which offers modern rooms and a plethora of entertainment upgrades and lifestyle adds. From the psychedelic cow paintings in the restaurant to the sumptuous interior furnishings, this hotel has carved out a youthful niche and been awarded the Gold Award from Visit Britain. The only downside is that the Queens Road is not exactly the most glamorous part of town and is a good 15 minute walk from the town centre proper. Plus,parking can be a challenge although the staff did valet park for us on request.

The Radisson Blu Waterfront is architecturally controversial,since it is pink, cuboid and has no balconies. It is adjacent to the modernist Waterfront cinema and water park development on the reclaimed land near the ferry terminal. However don't let this put you off,for the Radisson Blu is an absolute gem. The views from rooms that face St Aubin's Bay or the harbour are truly spectacular. The photograph above of Elizabeth Marina looking out towards Elizabeth Castle was taken from a suite at the Radisson Blu and surely speaks for itself. What more could you want from a quality hotel?

Jersey Heritage offers a host of exotic and historic destinations to spend the night. Some of these really do entail "roughing it" with little or no luxury - and in the case of Seymour Tower, a chemical toilet. Others are high quality hotel rooms on unsurpassed locations such as staying on the tidal islet and national treasure that is Elizabeth Castle.

One of the unique and compelling features of Jersey is that the island literally doubles in size at low tides. With one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, the sea retreats by 12 metres between tides. A vast and hidden undersea kingdom is revealed, and tourists can take organised "moonwalks" on this rocky terrain before the sea surges in again and drowns the world. The tide rushes in faster than a man can run, and so unescorted walks on the exposed sea bed are highly dangerous and require a trained guide.

Nonetheless, in 1782 the recent French invasion led the British Army to construct Seymour Tower, which is joined to the mainland at low tide but at high tide is stranded two miles offshore, right in the middle of the open sea. Six people can stay here overnight (with a guide, bunk beds and chemical toilet) for a mere £350 a night. A highly unusual experience!

Archirondel Tower sits on the shoreline in the beautiful northern parish of St.Martin, and offers a less adventurous but truly picturesque camping opportunity. Archirondel is one of the finest little sandy bays in Jersey and is ideal for relaxing in the warm summer months. It also benefits from a friendly and informal beach cafe.

Those seeking a much higher degree of luxury, but also in peaceful and unspoilt natural surroundings, could do worse than the fine Greenhills Hotel which sits snug and secluded in the green parish of St. Peter. This is doubtless one of the most serene country hotels on the island of Jersey.

So one nine by five mile island offers a huge diversity of choices. Wherever you stay though, the beaches,history and culture of this exceptional tourist destination lie on your doorstep.

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