The Channel Islands seem to do things their own way, and that way differs from island to island, so even within the group there’s a diversity of culture and atmosphere, from car-free Sark and Herm, to tiny, peaceful Alderney, lively, historic Jersey, and beach-lined Guernsey. For our Gurus that’s one of the magical things about visiting the Channel Islands: they are so varied that you can island hop between them and have a whole world’s worth of experiences. The best places to stay on the Channel Islands range from remote converted manor houses with no car-access or phones, to island resorts, and fun city break picks.

The location of the Channel Islands, so close to France, and yet still, in some regards, so clearly a part of Britain, impacts the weather, and thus the landscape. The climate feels almost tropical compared to the rest of the UK, but you know you’re still in Britain, because the fog, and tides, still have an impact on travel. Guests can reasonably expect sunshine, and proper sand on the beaches, not just British shingle. The islands also have a wealth of colourful endemic plants, and some unique animals too.

The Channel Islands offer a wonderful Enid Blyton-style atmosphere for family holidays, with the opportunity to explore tiny islands, ruined castles, and the remains of German armaments from the occupation. The beaches deserve several mentions, as they’re wonderful on several islands, and there’s plenty of bucket-and-spade scenery too. The Channel Islands also offer a varied terrain for walkers, cyclists (not on Herm — cars and bikes are banned here), and sailors, included rugged and dramatic cliffs. The numerous historic sites date from prehistory up until the present day, and suggest a dramatic and interesting past, and the seafood is phenomenal — eating's not just for pleasure here, it's in the cuisine of the islands that the French-English cultural blend is possibly at its most interesting.

Don't forget that these islands are a magnet for visitors during the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee your room in one of the best places to stay in the Channel Islands, do your homework and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay on the Channel Islands

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 styles. There are two dining options, 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.
• The St Brelade's Bay Hotel is a grande dame of Jersey hotels, and has been offering luxurious seaside stays since the 19th century. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for incredible views, exemplary service, historic interiors and wonderful afternoon teas in the lush gardens. Just back from the beach, this hotel has uninterrupted views of the whole sweep of the bay, and many of the 74 rooms and suites have water views, and some balconies for enjoying them on. The restaurant menu changes nightly, which makes the half-board option very popular. There’s an outdoor pool in the garden, and an indoor pool in the spa and gym.

For an Island Escape

• Herm’s The White House Hotel is the real deal if you want to go off-grid! It's a place with no TVs, iPod docking stations, telephones, or anything like that. And it’s located on a car-free island. These 40 rooms and suites have a loyal fan-base, though, with many people coming back year on year, mostly because they love the laid-back atmosphere and feeling of escape. The rooms range from comfortable single rooms to large family suites. There’s a choice of places to eat: the informal Ship Inn pub and brasserie, or the fine dining Conservatory Restaurant. There’s a lovely pool and mature gardens, and, of course, the beautiful island beyond.
• In a peaceful spot on the even-quieter end of Sark, La Sablonnerie is a collection of 22 cottages and homes all decorated with a traditional, rural feel. You need a horse and carriage to transport you here, and it feels a bit like being taken back in time. The owner/manager wants it to be an oasis of good living and courtesy, and does her best to make sure this sentiment is in everything they do — from the home-grown food served in the restaurant, to the spectacular setting.
• The Farmhouse is another beautifully located island escape, with green and rural surroundings, and beautiful views — this time on Guernsey. 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 is there for days when you can't be bothered to go further afield! The 14 rooms and suites are spacious and airy, with exposed oak beams. We particularly like the fine dining restaurant and friendly service.
• Alderney’s The Blonde Hedgehog is a relatively new boutique hotel and restaurant, opened in 2020, in the quiet, cobbled centre of St. Anne. The hotel’s nine rooms and suites are spread across three buildings, one of which is The Blonde Hedgehog itself, while another is a luxurious three bedroom cottage. All are spacious and impeccably decorated. The restaurant specialises in locally sourced, farm-to-fork dishes, with some produce sourced as close as the hotel’s kitchen gardens.

For Ocean Views

• Le Fregate in St. Peter Port has 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.
• The Atlantic Hotel offers spectacular views over Jersey’s St. Ouen's Bay, as well as superb facilities — think tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and a gym. There’s a golf course just next door, walks aplenty, and the Ocean Restaurant, where you can expect great food with impressive views. There are just 50 rooms and suites, but they offer a good range of sizes and configurations.

For a Beach Break

• The Braye Beach Hotel is a contemporary hotel converted from a row of houses overlooking Alderney’s finest, sandy beach. As well as wonderful proximity to the beach, this 27 room hotel has a cinema and a games room — useful for the odd rainy day — and comfortable and welcoming lounges, complete with board games and jigsaws. There’s also a choice of dining options, with a steak restaurant and brasserie, or more relaxed fare and atmosphere in the hotel pub, which is the oldest pub on the island. Braye Beach is very family friendly, and just metres from the hotel.
• L'Horizon Hotel & Spa is a stylish beachfront hotel on St Brelade’s Bay. Whilst the hotel itself dates back to 1850, the rooms are smart and contemporary, and the hotel now offers a spa, indoor pool and excellent restaurant. Family suites, dedicated children’s menus and kids’ pool times make this a wonderful choice if travelling with little ones!

For an Island Resort

• St Pierre Park Hotel & Golf Resort is Guernsey’s only resort, a sprawling property just outside St. Peter Port, with facilities that will keep you quite busy all day long. The nine hole golf course is an obvious one to mention — it also has a driving range — but there’s also a huge spa, a gym with a fitness instructor, a children’s playground, and choice of places to drink and dine. The 116 rooms and suites come in a range of shapes and sizes, but out Gurus recommend pushing the boat out to the Junior Suite level, where all the rooms have their own hot tubs.

For Families

• Sark’s Stocks Hotel is the perfect setting for relaxing in style. Originally built in 1741, and run as a hotel since 1895, this property has been refurbished to include all the mod cons – including a large outdoor pool and a gym converted from the stables. There’s plenty to do, from yoga classes and croquet, to birdwatching, tennis, art classes, and even a scuba course. But the picturesque and super peaceful surrounds also make this the perfect place for doing very little. The 23 rooms and suites include some ideal options for families, and the kids’ menu and private splash pool will also appeal to anyone travelling with little ones.
• The Duke Of Richmond in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, 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, ensure that we recommend it for families — as well as romantics. You can also arrange to bring your pet. Adults and kids alike will appreciate the large outdoor pool.

For Walkers

• The Chateau La Chaire is a tucked away treat: a converted manor house in Jersey’s National Park, with just 14 rooms and suites, and a fabulous restaurant. The decor is relatively simple, with neutral, classic colours, and dark-wood antiques — though with entirely up-to-date bathrooms. The woodland surrounds are just asking to be explored, and there are many walking trails leading right from the property. Arrive back to a meal at the excellent restaurant, which specialises in local produce, or relax on one of the pristine local beaches.
• The Fermain Valley Hotel is a luxurious, 45 room hotel in a pretty, rural spot close to the east coast of Guernsey. 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 or access to good walking — there's direct access to the island's infamous cliff paths.

For Romance

• Longueville Manor is a a striking fourteenth century manor house in St. Saviour, Jersey, surrounded by mature gardens including tennis courts, a croquet lawn and an outdoor pool. There’s also a charming terrace. Converted from a 1940s built manor house, Longueville is a relaxed, and relaxing place to stay, with 30 elegant rooms and suites, a spa and fitness facilities, and a fantastic restaurant. Interconnecting rooms, treasure hunts and specialised nature walks make this a great family-friendly choice, whilst luxurious suites also promise romantic bliss for couples.

For Island City Style

• The Royal Yacht is a super-sleek, large hotel in bustling St. Helier. It’s not just the number of rooms and suites that makes this a large hotel — there are 109 — it’s also the facilities like a huge indoor pool, impressive spa and gym, and several popular and buzzing restaurants. After work the hotel bar fills up with locals, and there’s often a DJ or live bands. 
• Also in St. Helier, The Club Hotel & Spa is a trendy choice, with a slightly Japanese feel to the minimalist contemporary decor, a cool bar, an impressive spa, and a superb restaurant. The bar is a good recommendation, even if you’re not staying in The Club Hotel, it’s known for its great cocktails and fun atmosphere.

For Great Value

• The Old Court House Inn is a boutique B&B in an historic building overlooking St Aubin’s Harbour, which is at the end of the long, tidal beach that runs between Jersey’s St. Helier and St. Brelade. While it’s now a cheery pub and guesthouse, this building was, originally, the courthouse — the courtroom is now the restaurant, and the Judge’s Chambers has become a private dining room. There are only eight rooms, our favourites boast views over the marina, all decorated with rustic charm and a collection of retro details. The pub and restaurant are both known for their seafood, with the restaurant offering some sophisticated dishes. Relaxed and friendly.
• Greenhills Country House Hotel provides a charming getaway in St. Peter’s Valley, in the verdant heart of Jersey. Guests here can relax in one of 33 individually decorated, characterful rooms; enjoy lazy afternoons by the pool; or explore the flower-filled gardens and winding country lanes on foot or by bicycle, before returning to the roaring fires of the farmhouse sitting room. 

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The Channel Islands are on the French side of the English Channel, so the shortest ferry routes are from Saint-Malo. From the UK the ferries leave from Poole and Southampton. The Channel Islands also have three airports: Guernsey Airport, Jersey Airport and Alderney Airport. Guernsey Airport has connections to a number of UK airports and to a handful of other European destinations. It’s located about five kilometres outside of St. Peter Port and there’s bus service between the airport and town. Jersey Airport is also well connected to the UK, and a number of European centres, but its service is more seasonal. It’s located in St. Peter, which is about seven miles outside of St. Helier, which is the largest centre, and there’s a bus service between the airport and Liberation Station in St. Helier, which is right by the ferry port too. Little Alderney has an airport too, Alderney Airport, which has connections to Southampton and Guernsey. If you want to travel between the islands there are plenty of ferries, but the timetables vary with the seasons and demand.
• 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 hugely popular summer holiday destination, but that’s partly to do with the school holidays, and there are lots of reason to visit the Channel Islands in spring and early autumn too. We recommend months with longer days, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the Channel Islands come the cooler months too, especially if you enjoy blustery clifftop walks.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Focus on one specific Channel Island. Maybe search just the best places to stay on Jersey, Alderney, Sark, Herm or Guernsey
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.