Quite simply, Guernsey is beautiful! Its beaches are stunning, its historical landmarks impressive, and its capital, St. Peter Port, is a bustling harbour town with a mix of architectural styles, boutiques, bistros and restaurants that will satisfy most tastes. The best places to stay on Guernsey vary from bucket-and-spade hotels, to luxurious grande dames, and even a resort. And while many of them are in, or just outside of, lively and central St. Peter Port, our Gurus have recommendations all over the island, with some wonderful hideaways on their list too.

Guernsey is a wonderful destination if you’re seeking unspoiled beaches, world-class rock-pooling, coastal walking, unusual stories from history, or fantastic food. As well as a wealth of seafood landed every day, the island grows a wide variety of vegetables and fruit, and hosts an annual food festival in the autumn.

When it comes to stories from history, Guernsey offers tales dating back to 3500BCE, all the way up to Renoir, Victor Hugo, and the WWII German occupation. And more recently, the island was featured in the book, and subsequent film, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Don't miss Hauteville House, which was the home of author Victor Hugo during his 15 year self-imposed exile on Guernsey; it's a wonderfully eccentric spot that retains all of the original features and furnishings.The small, but fascinating, German Occupation Museum is also worth a look as are the beautiful Candie Gardens overlooking the harbour and family friendly Saumarez Park.

The Channel Islands are especially busy during the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Guernsey during July or August, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay on Guernsey

For a Special Occasion

• Converted from the Old Government House, this historic St. Peter Port property is Guernsey’s only five star hotel. It’s grand, with an impressive facade and equally impressive communal areas, plus 63 sumptuously dressed rooms and suites in a range of colours and levels of theatricality. The restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes, the pool and spa feel luxuriously secluded, and there’s an exclusive ‘old club’ atmosphere, which makes it feel special. Timeless class, close to the action of St. Peter Port.

For Water Views

• Le Fregate is another St. Peter Port option, with 22 rooms and suites — most with balconies offering harbour views across to Herm and Sark. The decor blends the 18th century architecture with contemporary comforts and design. There's also a notable restaurant, which proudly sources almost all of its ingredients locally.

For Families

• The Duke Of Richmond in St. Peter Port is a glamorous pick, with opulent details that include plush decor, a chic cocktail bar, and an elegant conservatory restaurant. But its well proportioned and arranged Family Suites, and kids’ entertainment provisions, mean our Gurus recommend it for families — as well as romantics. The fine dining restaurant has a special children's menu, and there are games and puzzles, as well as outdoor play equipment. You can also arrange to bring your pet. Adults and kids alike will appreciate the outdoor pool.

For an Island Resort

• St Pierre Park Hotel & Golf Resort is Guernsey’s only resort, a property set in sprawling glorious grounds just outside St. Peter Port, with facilities that will keep you busy every day. The nine hole golf course it an obvious one to mention (there's a driving range too), but there’s also a huge Clarins spa, a beauty salon, a gym with a fitness instructor, a children’s playground, and choice of places to drink and dine. The 130-odd rooms and suites come in a range of shapes and sizes, but we recommend pushing the boat out to the Master Suite level, where all the rooms have their private garden with hot tubs overlooking the resort’s lake.

For Peace and Elegance

• The Fermain Valley Hotel is a luxurious, 45 room hotel in a pretty, rural spot close to the east coast. Expect plenty of space, pastel colours, coastal artwork, big bathrooms and views over tranquil grounds. The three restaurants are note-worthy, plus there’s a lovely indoor pool, and a terrace-with-a-view. So it's a good choice for romantics as well as anyone looking for some peace.
• The Farmhouse is another beautifully located island escape, with green and rural surroundings, and beautiful views. Guests here can enjoy a central island position, which isn’t particularly close to the beach, but is equidistant from both coastlines — which means around half a mile from beaches on both sides of Guernsey. The hotel’s large, lagoon-style pool provides an outlet for any swimming emergency! The 14 rooms and suites are spacious and airy, with exposed oak beams. We particularly like the fine dining restaurant and friendly service.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer your own space, don't hesitate to visit our online partner, Booking.com. for a great selection of properties throughout the Channel Islands.

Travel Information

• Guernsey Airport offers connections to London, Exeter, Southampton, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff, among other mainland UK destinations. If you’re travelling from the airport to St. Peter’s Port you can catch bus numbers 71, 93, 94 and 95. Alternatively, you can arrive by ferry or car ferry from Poole, and via St. Helier, Jersey.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The Channel Islands enjoy more sunshine than most of the UK, while still remaining lush and green. They make an ideal beach break, especially if you’re interested in a bucket-and-spade holiday, and there are some wonderful walking opportunities. Because of their sandy beaches, the Channel Islands are a popular summer holiday destination, but there are lots of reasons to visit the Channel Islands in spring and early autumn too.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in the Channel Islands
• Consider one of the other Channel Islands — maybe the best places to stay on Jersey, Alderney, Sark or Herm
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.