David Place, United Kingdom | (888) 616-5829
One of Jersey's oldest hotels, it has a lovely restored Victorian facade
Set on an attractive street a short walk from St. Helier center
Some rooms have four-poster beds and open to balconies
Excellent fine-dining restaurant features a menu of British specialties
Cozy bar has an old school ambience and locally brewed ales
Free on-site parking (but it fits a max of 16 cars)
Free access to a local fitness facility
Free Wi-Fi
Interiors feel old-fashioned in parts
Some rooms suffer from creaky floorboards
Small and airless gym
The Best Western Royal Hotel is a mid-range, 89-room property dating
back to the mid-19th century -- making it one of the island's oldest hotels. While interiors are well-maintained, decor can feel a little old-fashioned in places, and some room furnishings, including carpets, are on the dated side. The hotel's restaurant, however, with wood floors and white tablecloths, is fresh and contemporary and one of the best in the area. Set just on the outskirts of the town center also means that the hotel is within walking distance of St. Helier's attractions. Overall, rooms are pleasant enough and, when considered with the rates, good value. Wi-Fi is free.
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Scene
One of Jersey's longest established hotels with an elegantly-restored facade -- but the old-fashioned interiors can feel dated
The Best Western Royal Hotel's elegantly imposing, restored Victorian facade dates back to around the 1840s -- when this property first opened as a hotel. One of the oldest purpose-built hotels on the island of Jersey, it has been through several name changes, only settling on the Royal Hotel in 1966; it was most recently purchased by the Morvan hotel group in 2005. Although retaining some elements of the original period flavor, interiors have been rendered largely in the style of
the generic chain-hotel with an old-fashioned ambience that feels more dated than particularly charming. The lobby has glowing chandeliers and a whitewashed wood front desk. The hotel restaurant has been very tastefully renovated and the old school atmosphere of the bar provides a cozy space to unwind with an evening drink. Clientele lean towards older couples, while the hotel also attracts plenty of repeat business guests. The overall atmosphere is a bit dated, though some areas (like the restaurant) are surprisingly fresh and inviting.
Location
Set on a typically attractive street, a short walk from central St. Helier
The hotel is located on an attractive, though fairly narrow, street within easy walking distance of the center of St. Helier and its numerous bars, restaurants, and shops. The town's main central shopping area of King Street and Queen Street are both around 10 minutes away on foot, as is the charming Central Market which dates back to the mid 19th century. The St. Helier waterfront -- with its old harbor,
marina, and museum -- is a brisk 15-minute stroll from the hotel or a five-minute taxi ride.
Rooms
Pleasant and clean rooms, though with some dated furnishings
Although the hotel's 89 rooms are generally pleasant and feel freshly renovated and clean, the decor can also feel a little old-fashioned in some, with dated furnishings and mismatched fabrics. Good standard in-room amenities, however, include free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, and (at least 22-inch) flat-screen TVs; while some rooms include four-poster beds and open up to balconies or terraces. Suites also include lounge areas with kitchenettes and some have bathrooms with huge tubs. Room
size can vary quite a lot and, while well soundproofed from street noises, loud creaking floorboards have been reported in some rooms. Some rooms are fresh and contemporary with updated carpets and linens; while others have dated carpets and simply functional, but not particularly attractive, furniture.
Features
Excellent fine-dining restaurant and cozy pub with locally brewed ales
The hotel's Seasons Restaurant is a real highlight and stands out as one of the best in the area, providing fine British dining from local ingredients in smart, contemporary surroundings with wood floors and white tablecloths. The Bar 27 also offers hearty fare and a good selection of locally brewed ales in a cozy, welcoming environment with charming tartan carpets. Guests have use of a small, if not particularly pleasant, subterranean gym, as well as free access to leisure facilities at several local hotels. Drivers also have use of a secure parking lot on-site, free of charge (for up to 16 vehicles). Wi-Fi is free.
