The best hotels in Guernsey for the perfect Channel Island break
Where to stay on the lesser-known Channel Island that's just an hour from the UK
Sun-drenched beaches, a rich literary heritage and sparklingly fresh seafood – a Guernsey holiday is probably the closest you'll get to being abroad without leaving the country. Here's our pick of the best hotels in to stay in while you're there...
Moored 30 miles off the Normandy coast, Guernsey is not only the second largest of the Channel Islands, it's also one of the sunniest spots in the British Isles. Just nine miles long and three miles wide, this small but mighty island is blissfully easy to explore over a long weekend – not least, because you're never more than 10 minutes from a gorgeous beach.
Despite the Gallic road signs, surnames and Guernésiais patois, there's still something oh-so-British about life on Guernsey. Stay in the Duke of Richmond or Le Fregate hotels in St Peter Port, and explore Castle Cornet, the 800-year old defence tower which still fires a noon-day gun, and Hauteville House, the lavishly decorated home of Victor Hugo, the eccentric French author of Les Misérables.
Like neighbouring Jersey, Alderney and Sark, Guernsey was occupied by German troops during World War II. Book into The Farmhouse in St Saviour and you're within easy reach of the German Occupation Museum in Les Houards. It features an extensive collection of wartime memorabilia, including a 4-wheel enigma machine, a German tank turret and a life-size reconstruction of a wartime street in St Peter Port.
Of course, most folk come for the beautiful beaches. From the secluded coves of Petit Bot Bay to the surf beaches of Vazon Bay on the west coast, Guernsey has some of the best beaches in the British Isles.
From the swanky Old Government House in St Peter Port to the charming La Barbarie in St Martin, we've rounded up the best hotels in Guernsey to book right now. Whether you're looking for the best area to stay in Guernsey for a beach break, or you're in search of the best hotels in St Peter Port, we've got you covered.
The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, St Peter Port
Perched on St Ann's Place, a five-minute stroll from the quay for ferries to Herm, The Old Government House Hotel & Spa is the only five-star hotel on Guernsey. Known as the OGH, it was the original residence of the island's governors, bar a five-year occupancy by the Germans during World War II. Stacked with old-school charm – take a dip in the outdoor pool, relax in the spa or enjoy a complimentary sherry in the lounge – it's an easy place to do nothing for a few days.
There are more than 60 rooms and suites to choose from, all grandly decorated with fabric-covered walls, thick carpets and rich furnishings. Most rooms have sea views, while the suites add balconies and views over to Sark and Herm. Make time for breakfast, a leisurely buffet-style affair packed with glorious Guernsey goodies.
Duke of Richmond Hotel, St Peter Port
Overlooking the leafy expanse of Cambridge Park, the chintzy Duke of Richmond Hotel is only a hop and a skip from St Peter Port's main attractions. Take a peek at The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery in Candie Gardens or the German Naval Signals HQ, a museum set in a network of underground bunkers. The hotel's vibrant interior doesn't shy away from attention with safari-themed furnishings, Art Deco hints and artworks by Matisse, Picasso and Miro.
All the rooms are individually styled, with colourful fabrics and fancy wall coverings. We particularly like the suites which have private terraces and sea views. There's an outdoor pool open from May to September, plus there are summer barbecue nights and regular live music in the restaurant throughout the year.
Le Fregate, St Peter Port
On the hill overlooking the harbour in St Peter Port, La Fregate is sandwiched between the town's green lungs, Cambridge Park and Candie Gardens. Nice and central, the boutique hotel is well placed for exploring the town's many attractions, with Castle Cornet and Hugo's Hauteville House mere moments from the doorstep.
The plush rooms all have fabulous views over St Peter Port, but our favourites have private terraces with sea views over to Herm. Stay for lunch or dinner in the restaurant, which by day is flooded with natural light. Guernsey produce features widely across the menu, with local seafood like Herm oysters and Guernsey Chancre crab a real highlight.
The Farmhouse, St Saviour
At nine miles long and three miles wide, Guernsey is an easy island to explore in just a couple of days. A short hop from the airport in St Saviour is The Farmhouse, a former 15th-century farm turned super swish boutique hotel with an award-winning restaurant. It's close to the German Military Underground Hospital and the German Occupation Museum in Les Houards, which delves into the island's occupation history.
Stay in one of the Farmhouse's 14 rooms and suites, all delightfully decorated in warm, neutral tones and fancy bathrooms with underfloor heating. After exploring the island – we recommend hiring a bike from reception – relax over island-style dinner and drinks in the hotel's gorgeous restaurant.
Imperial Hotel, Rocquaine Bay
Squeezed between two beautiful beaches on the western tip of Guernsey, the Imperial Hotel makes a stylish seaside base for exploring this sun-drenched island. After rock-pooling in Portelet or building sandcastles on Rocquaine Bay, kick back with a local gin in one of the hotel's three bars. Or dine out on the local catch and a glass of chilled white served in the Imperial's gorgeous restaurant overlooking the sea.
The hotel has a delicious New England beach vibe – think breezy blues and whites, plenty of natural light and endless sea views. There are 16 bedrooms, each flooded with light and decorated in a nautical palette, the best have those smashing views of Le Manche.
St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, St Peter Port
The Channel Islands benefit from the most sunshine in all of the British Isles. And where better place to enjoy it than at this superb summer resort? Set in 35 acres of gardens, St Pierre Park Hotel is close to the town centre but has everything you need for a relaxing holiday. Play a round on the nine-hole golf course, soothe away stress in the spa or enjoy a game of croquet on the lawn. And on the rare days the sun's not shining on Guernsey, there's an indoor heated pool, gym and exercise studio to keep you busy.
There are 131 rooms, all simply decorated in soft tones, and all have balconies or terraces, most with garden or lake views. Dine out on delights like hand-dived Guernsey scallops or locally caught mackerel in the elegant Victor Hugo restaurant.
La Barbarie, St Martin
Hidden away in a wooded valley a short stroll from the sandy Saint's Bay, widely regarded as one of Guernsey's most beautiful, La Barbarie is a four-star hotel housed in a 16th-century priory. Once a quaint little place, a refurbishment has brought in a more contemporary ambience yet it's still a welcoming and comfortable base for exploring the island. And if you want to have some down time, there's a heated outdoor pool in the garden.
There are 38 rooms, all decorated in muted tones with polished wood furnishings, with some boasting views over the pool. The restaurant is a popular spot, not least thanks to the seafood summer bonanza which sees locally caught lobster, scallop and Guernsey Chancre crab on the menu.
Fermain Valley Hotel, St Peter Port
Tucked away in the leafy fringes of Fermain Bay, the charming Fermain Valley Hotel sits on a clifftop on the outskirts of St Peter Port and is within easy reach of Hauteville House, Castle Cornet and the harbour for ferries to the other islands. The hotel has a trio of restaurants, including the Rock Garden Steakhouse, Mexican food at Búho and the Ocean Restaurant, famous for its al fresco terrace and signature crab crumpets.
There are 49 rooms and suites, all decorated in an easy neutral palette, many with private terraces and sea views. Our favourites are the four Tree House rooms, tucked away in wooded gardens, which all come with yoga mats and cosy outdoor seating areas under the trees.
Le Pommier, Kings Mills
One of the joys of a holiday in Guernsey is the opportunity to stay in some of the gorgeous Gallic farmhouses, like Le Pommier on the west coast. Built in 1712, the stone-built farmhouse is now a beautiful boutique hotel set in five acres of gardens and makes an ideal base for exploring the bountiful beaches of the west coast. It's a scenic 10-minute stroll to Cobo Beach, alternatively, relax by the outdoor pool or take a wander around the landscaped gardens.
There are 29 rooms and suites, all decorated in a contemporary style; think cool greys, silvers and driftwood panelling. Some have modern four-poster beds and plush velvet furnishings, while our favourites come with private terraces overlooking the gardens. Don't miss a leisurely breakfast in the restaurant.
Hotel de Havelet, St Peter Port
Perched on a hill overlooking St Peter Port, Hotel de Havelet is moments from Hauteville House, home of Victor Hugo, and has a spectacular view over Castle Cornet and the neighbouring island of Herm. A grand Georgian house surrounded by sub-tropical gardens, the hotel has a swish spa with an indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms, plus a gorgeous terrace with those views, perfect for a sundowner or two.
There are 34 rooms and one suite, all spacious and warmly decorated in contemporary tones. Our favourites have views of the lovely palm-fringed gardens. And you don't need to go far to sample Guernsey's fantastic home-grown produce: housed in the hotel's converted coach house is the Copenhagen Bar and Grill, and the Wellington Boot, which has glorious views over the bay.
The Peninsula Hotel, Vale
Perched on the rugged northwest coast of Guernsey, the Peninsula Hotel is a bright, contemporary spot moments from a beautiful sandy beach. Behind its austere facade, the interiors have chic botanical appeal with living walls and hanging greenery. After podding around the island's glorious west coast, relax over a Guernsey gin in the chic Bar Du Nord, named after the RNLI lifeboat on display in the grounds, or stay for dinner in the smart restaurant.
There are 97 rooms and suites, all beautifully styled in a bright and breezy fashion, and very much evoking its seaside location. Make the most of it by booking one of the 32 sea view rooms, which overlook Grande Harve Bay. And if you want to bring the kids, the family rooms are spacious and comfortable for a family of four.
Cobo Bay Hotel, Castel
Serving up some of the finest sea views on the whole of Guernsey, Cobo Bay Hotel is a charming, family-run boutique hotel overlooking its namesake bay. A short wander from Cobo village and the beach, and an easy three miles from St Peter Port, it's within reach of the island's most famous attractions, including Hauteville House, the colourful and eccentric home of Victor Hugo during his time in exile on the island.
All the rooms are light, airy and warmly decorated, some with furnished balconies and sweeping sea views. And you don't need to go far to sample some of the island's finest produce. The Cobo Bay restaurant specialises in fresh seafood and shellfish, caught a stone's throw from the hotel and brought straight to the kitchen, including heavenly Guernsey scallops, crab and lobster.
Duke of Normandie, St Peter Port
Set in the heart of St Peter Port, the gorgeous custard-coloured Duke of Normandie is moments from Candie Gardens, the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery, and Victor Hugo's Hauteville House, making it a great base for exploring the island capital. After busy day of culture and beach-hopping, settle down in the Pickled Pig, the Duke's gorgeous gastro pub which serves homely delights such as homemade pie and Guernsey mash.
All of the 40 rooms and suites have a comfortable modern appeal; think muted colours and plush fabrics. Our favourites are the spacious suites, which have kitchenettes and Nespresso machines. The Duke's proper Guernsey breakfast will set you for a further day of exploring this glorious island.
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