The Savoy Jersey

The Savoy Jersey is situated on landscaped grounds with manicured hedges, gardens, and trees, and housed in a Victorian house built in 1840. The building retains some of its architectural features, like the winding central staircase and light-filled lobby atrium, but the interiors are mostly done in a handsome, modern style. Guests enter to an attractive lobby with hardwood floors, a chandelier, and seated reception desk. An elegant guest lounge is done in rich reds and burgundies, and features a fireplace and comfortable sofas. With all of its intimate spaces, and somewhat secluded location, the hotel has a refined vibe, and there's enough to do on-site to keep its guests occupied for at least an afternoon. The hotel draws mostly leisure travelers to its well-furnished rooms, dining, pool, and rates that are a bit more affordable than hotels closer to the waterfront. 

The Savoy Jersey is north of central St. Helier, in a residential area along fairly busy Rouge Bouillon Road. There's not a lot of commercial activity in the area other than a supermarket that's a few minutes' walk away, and it's not the best location for access to the waterfront, beach, and major attractions. The Maritime Museum, Aquasplash, the waterfront, and ferries to Elizabeth Castle, Poole, and Portsmouth are all about a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the hotel. Just to the east of the waterfront (the same distance from the hotel) is the area with St. Helier Beach, Liberation Square, the bus station, Royal Square, and the Jersey Museum. Fort Regent is also a five-minute drive, while the La Hougue Bie neolithic site is eight minutes away by car. Expect a 10-minute drive to the Jersey War Tunnels. Jersey Airport is also 10 minutes away by car.

Rooms and suites at The Savoy Jersey feature dark-wood furnishings and plush beds with thick mattresses, mattress toppers, and Egyptian cotton sheets. Warm beige, tan, and brown tones come together to create an upscale homey look, and some rooms add olive green and/or red to the mix. The bland Impressionistic art on the walls is a little underwhelming, but otherwise the look is classic, even if details like carpeting are starting to look tired to some guests. At 194 square feet (18 square meters), some rooms are a bit small and views of the immediate area or walls aren't inspiring. A few rooms have balconies. Rooms are generally quiet, but some get a bit of noise from neighboring rooms or the street. Rooms do not have air-conditioning, but heat is rarely a significant factor in Jersey, and fans can be requested. Standard features include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles with coffee, tea, and free biscuits replenished daily. Rooms do not have minibars, but suites have mini-fridges in their sitting areas. Bathrooms are generally spacious, but some have limited counter space around the sink. All come with hairdryers and bathrobes plus showers or shower/tub combos. Upmarket toiletries are also provided.

There are a number of features that help keep guests busy when they're hanging out on-site. The hotel features a mid-sized outdoor freeform pool and adjacent hot tub, bordered by a deck with sun loungers, tables, and chairs. The pool is open in warm weather, and there's also a fitness center. The good-quality breakfast (for a fee) features hot eggs, cold cuts, cheeses, cereal, bread, and fruit. The restaurant serves British and international cuisine with local Jersey produce. Vegetarian options are available, and the hotel offers 24-hour room service and an afternoon tea and Sunday lunch on the outdoor deck. The Savoy is one of the few St. Helier hotels to have a jazz bar, with live music on weekends. The bar has a huge selection of gins, and also has an extensive cocktail list. A lobby computer is available, but Wi-Fi is free. Unlike many hotels in the city, the hotel charges a fee for parking.