Finding cheap hotels in Jersey has always been a challenge. Such a beautiful island with world class attractions, it can be tricky to stay within a tight budget when booking accommodation. Fortunately, once there, it can be reasonably affordable. Today we’ll have a look at how you can get there and still have some money in your pocket.
Why Go To Jersey?
I love Jersey. It’s a second home to me. I was born on the island and still have lots of family and friends there. We try to get back there every few years. If it wasn’t for Covid-19 we would have been back there this year. The island is very different to what people might imagine of a part of the United Kingdom. For a start, the language only changed to English around 1900. So most street signs, building names and points of interest are still in French. It is something that the Jersey folks are fiercely proud of.
In addition, there is a good amount of history on daily display, from Neolithic times through to World War 2. For keen walkers there are stunningly beautiful walks on the wild northern coasts. The bucket and spade brigade are not forgotten, with excellent beaches all around the island. If food and drink is your thing, then the restaurants of Jersey will keep you happy, no matter how long you stay.
What’s The Best Time To Go?
For me the best time to visit Europe is Summer. So that means June, July and August. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly the days are much longer during Summer. In Jersey the sun comes up at about 4.30am and feels like it doesn’t go down till after 9.00pm. I might be a bit hazy with the sundown time as I’ve normally had some beer by that time. But it is late. You get a lot of value with your holiday hours in Summer.
By contrast in Winter it feels as though you only get daylight from 8.00am till 5.00pm. We have traveled to Jersey as late as mid October and found the weather fairly mild. I’m certainly wearing a jumper, but it’s not unpleasant.
What Are The Attractions?
Here are a few of the islands attractions. Click on the attraction name to open a link to the official site. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at haw affordable they are when compared to other European sites.
Mont Orgueil Castle
This is a special place. Set high on a rocky outcrop looking out towards France. Which at the time was where the threat was coming from. On a clear day you can easily see the French coast. The current castle dates back about 800 years. Archeological examinations, however, indicate that the site has been used as a defensive position a lot longer than that.
Elizabeth Castle
Our kids love going to Elizabeth Castle. That’s partly due to the huge tidal movements and how they expose the castle at low tide. When the tide is high you have to ride in an amphibious vehicle to get to the castle. These used to be World War 2 era landing craft and were known as “Ducks”. In recent years I’ve noticed that the vessels have been upgraded.
At low tide there is a walkway leading to the castle and the kids love looking into the pools left by the receding tide, to see what’s in there. It’s always an adventure walking back. Generally speaking on a typical trip the the castle you will walk one way and take the boat the other way.
The castle itself is great fun to explore and there is a tour that can be taken which really adds a lot of value to the experience. Meet in the main square just before lunchtime and form up into ranks. From here you will march down to fire the midday gun. Good fun and entertaining banter from the guides.
La Hougue Bie Museum
This one is a bit more laid back and well worth a visit. Among other things it is a neolithic longhouse, and believed to be one of the 10 oldest building still in existence in the world.
Jersey War Tunnels
The Channel Islands were the only part of the United Kingdom to be occupied by the German forces during World War 2. The used to be known as the German Underground Hospital. Which is exactly what they were designed to be. Tunneled deep into the Jersey granite they were supposed to be a safe haven for the occupying German forces from the known threats of the day.
The exhibition has been carefully expanded to create an overall experience of the German occupation of Jersey, from both the points of view of the local population, as well os the German troops. This really is a must do experience.
There are several other things to see as well, including The Hampton County Life Museum, The Maritime Museum, The Living Legend and much more.
Transport
You really need a car in Jersey to make the most of the island. There is a bus service on the island and it does well to cover the main routes. But there are lots of little gems that are off the beaten track. I’m smiling as I say this because Jersey is 9 miles by 5 miles, so it’s not that big. To fair it does get a bit bigger at low tide. The size is very deceptive though and it can be quite a journey from one side to the other.
Jersey used to have a train service that ran from Gorey Village down to St Helier town then right along the southern coast. However for some reason it was removed. The German army thought they were doing Jersey a favor by reinstating it during the war, only for the Jersey folk to remove it again at the wars end. Many of the stations are still intact and where the tracks were are now excellent walking paths.
When parking in Jersey you will need to have a scratch ticket book. These can be bought from newsagents. Generally you need these when you are parking around the main touristy areas of the island. If the sign says 1 hour parking, just scratch the card to show the time of arrival and display in the front window. These are not required and normal shopping centers or pubs.
There are daily flights to Jersey from London. If you are planing to come from London then I have written a couple of posts covering the West End hotels, and Earls Court hotels.
Finding Cheap Hotels In Jersey
Cheap is a very subjective word. Our definitions may vary wildly, so I will put a figure on where I am pitching this post. In 2021 I am looking at $100AUD per person per night twin share. This converts roughly to $73 US or £54 GBP. Obviously this info will date but I’ll endeavor to keep it up to date.
The first 3 hotels on this list fit into this price and the others are just outside, but honorary mentions.
As always I have 3 criteria which all hotels I choose must meet. They must have breakfast available or the ability to make it myself. This saves me valuable time each morning. In this case all hotels have breakfast.
Parking must be available. As I mentioned earlier this post, you really need a car. And lastly, laundry facilities. I like to travel light so I do my washing every few days, and I don’t want to have to walk the streets looking for a launderette. These properties all meet these criteria. Hopefully one of them will suit your next holiday.
Cheers and happy travels
Hotel De Normandie
Havre Des Pas, Saint Helier Jersey, JE2 7PD, United Kingdom
In a great location on Havre des Pas, 8.9 km from Jersey Airport, Hotel De Normandie is across from the beautiful Bay of St Clement. It features free Wi-Fi in all rooms, an indoor swimming pool and a refurbished bar that serves full English breakfasts.
The bright and airy bedrooms each have a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee making facilites. Hotel De Normandie features a lounge with comfortable seating. Guests can also relax in the bath spa and swimming pool, or on the large terrace, which has wonderful sea views.
The restaurant serves a varied menu for evening dining, featuring local Jersey produce. The cozy bar features a range of beverages and fresh coffees, and there is also a snack bar. A packed lunch including a sandwich, fries, chocolate, biscuit, juice, water and a fruit is available for an extra fee.
Just a few meters from the sandy Bay of St Clement Beach, Hotel De Normandie is a short walk from Howard Davis Park.
Oaklands Lodge Hotel
La Rue De La Trinity, Saint Helier Jersey, JE3 5JN, United Kingdom
This small, quiet hotel is 1.6 km north of St Helier and surrounded by countryside. It has a pub, restaurant, a sunny patio, and is on a bus route to St Helier.
Oaklands Hotel is home to Red Rose Restaurant, which serves fresh local produce and is open for public functions and seasonal celebrations only.
The Blacksmith’s Arms pub is a cozy space with Real Ales, fine wines and a modern bar menu.
The comfortable bedrooms at Oaklands Lodge have a private bathroom, a TV and tea/coffee facilities.
Seawold Guest House
Route de la Haule, Beaumont,, St. Brelade, JE3 7BA, United Kingdom
On the south coast of St Helier, just across the road from St Aubin’s Bay, this guest house offers free Wi-Fi and free parking on site. Guests can relax in the spacious lounge or out on the sun terrace in warmer weather.
Rooms at Seawold Guest House are traditionally furnished, and each benefits from a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms also have an private bathroom.
The property doesn’t have a licensed bar, but guests are more than welcome to bring their own drinks and enjoy them on site.
Shops, pubs and restaurants are all within 5 minutes’ walk of Seawold Guest House, and the center of St Helier is less than 10 minutes’ drive away. The bistros of St Austin’s village harbor are also nearby.
Apollo Hotel
St. Saviour’s Road, Saint Helier Jersey, JE2 4GJ, United Kingdom
One of the most well-equipped hotels on Jersey, with 2 pools, 2 bars, 2 restaurants and free parking, Apollo Hotel is located at the heart of St. Helier.
The large, luxury outdoor swimming pool is built around the garden, and has a water slide.
Comfortable, spacious rooms each feature a TV, telephone, tea/coffee facilities and a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Some rooms look out onto the garden and pool.
The main restaurant and cocktail bar at the Apollo Hotel overlook the outdoor pool and garden. Viva Pizza is next to the indoor pool and serves pizzas and other meals in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Apollo Hotel is located very close to the center of St. Helier and its main shopping streets. The ferry port is a 5 minute drive away.
Merton Hotel
Belvedere, St. Saviour, JE4 9PG, United Kingdom
Just 10 minutes’ walk from St Helier, Merton Hotel features a water park with slides and a spa. There is free parking on site, and a choice of 5 restaurants.
Bedrooms at the Merton each have a private bathroom, tea and coffee facilities and a flat-screen TV with free 24-hour movies and free WiFi.
Merton Hotel has a unique Aquadome, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room and hot tub. There is also a surf machine, fitness center and tennis court.
Belvedere Restaurant serves cooked breakfasts and evening buffets, while Jersey Joe’s offers an American dining experience. There is also Bonetti’s Italian Brasserie, a sports bar and Star Room with live entertainment and a kids club.
The Merton is 10 minutes’ walk from St Helier and a 20-minute walk from St Helier Harbor.
Cheers and happy travels