Rupert Parker gets the family treatment at Biarritz Hotel Jersey in St Brelade’s Bay
If you dream of those English traditional bucket and spade holidays, on a wide sandy beach, running in and out of a gentle sea, then the Biarritz Hotel Jersey gets close. True it’s in the Channel Islands and we’re in 2023, but this 3-star family-owned hotel overlooking St Brelade’s Bay, one of the finest beaches in Jersey, fulfils that fantasy.
They call it a three-star hotel with four-star service and they’re not far wrong. Unlike faceless chain hotels, you soon feel like part of the family, and nothing is too much trouble. The tastefully decorated interiors exude a sense of elegance and comfort, and it really does feel like home. Particularly so as there’s no bar and the staff bring the drinks to your table.
The Biarritz Hotel Jersey has a total of 43 rooms plus one self-catering apartment. They include singles, doubles, family suites, and suites. Some have sea views and balconies. All of the rooms are decorated in a traditional style with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. A private pathway leads gently down through floral landscaped gardens direct to the sea.
We stayed in an Executive Premium Sea View Balcony Room with a comfortable king-size bed, desk, table and wicker chairs. There was plenty of space and panoramic views of St Brelade’s Bay from the large balcony. The sound of lapping waves lulled us into deep sleep. The bathroom had both a rain shower and a hand shower with good water pressure plus complimentary toiletries. Tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi are standard.
The sea view restaurant offers a daily changing evening menu, using local products, quantities are ample, and service is impeccable. You can purchase drinks from the staff, but you also bring your own wine or beer with no corkage charge. Breakfasts, of course, feature a mammoth “Full English”. The Café Biarritz, next to the restaurant offer snacks and hot and cold drinks during the day.
The large lounge with grand piano offers evening talks and films. Outside, there’s a spacious sun terrace fully equipped with loungers, overlooking the bay. There are also tables where you can enjoy your drinks whilst watching the sunset. Parking in the ample car park is free.
Since the sea is so close, water sports facilities including kayaking and windsurfing are readily available. A selection of bars and restaurants line the promenade and at the east end of the bay is the Fisherman’s Chapel, built in the 12th century. There are also a number of hiking and biking trails to explore the surrounding countryside.
Just above the hotel is the Jersey Lavender Farm which offers tours and lavender products. Further afield is the Corbiere Lighthouse built in 1862, accessible on foot by causeway at low tide. A good bus service connects the hotel to Jersey’s bustling capital of St Helier.
The Biarritz Hotel is perfect for weekend breaks or longer stays. Of course, it attracts families with children who want to enjoy a traditional seaside holiday, but it also works for singles and couples. And it’s not just for the summer – water sports are still available in spring and autumn and hiking and biking work all year round. But it’s also ideal for just flopping, staring out over the sea, sampling their imaginative menus and just feeling part of the family.
Tell Me More About The Biarritz Hotel Jersey, Channel Islands
Room rates for a night at the Biarritz Hotel Jersey start from £90 for a single, or £157 for a double, inclusive of breakfast and vat.
Biarritz Hotel Le Mont Sohier, St Brelade, Jersey JE3 8EA
T: +44 (0)1534 742239
