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A Brief History:

Historic image above shows a carriage at the Jersey harbour awaiting the arrival of guests

The Best Western Royal hotel has long been one of St Helier’s principal hotels. Its town centre location and impressive physical structure have helped it to remain one of the most successful hotels in Jersey.

The precise date of the founding of this hotel is not known but it was probably in 1842. The Royal is one of the longest established hotels on the Island of Jersey. Its first owner was Mr. Elias Bree, who had previously kept a hotel in La rue de Derriere (King Street).

During the course of its existence it has had various names:

David Place 1800s

  • Bree’s Boarding House (1859) 
  • The Stopford Hotel (1875)
  • The Royal (Stopford) Hotel (1891)
  • Bree’s Royal Hotel (1896)
  • The Royal Hotel (1966)

Older references to a Royal Hotel do exist. In a Guide described as a “Summer Stroll through the Island of Jersey” (2nd edition) 1811, there is mention of a Royal Hotel in Jersey, but no clue is given as to where it is situated.

A brochure compiled by the proprietor of the hotel about the year 1894 commences:

“The Hotel is situated in the healthiest part of St. Helier and is replete with every comfort.”

Royal Hotel vestibule

“Its Public Rooms, which cover an area of 6,000 square feet, are unsurpassed by any Hotel in the Channel Islands and comprise of spacious Entrance Hall and Lounge, noble Dining Room, Drawing, Reading, Smoking, Billiard and Commercial Rooms." 

“There is a dark room for photographers”.

A whole page in this brochure is devoted to “Places of Interest” which, seventy years ago included The Manor House of Samares, Mont Orgueil (Castle), St. Catherine’s Bay, The Princes Tower (demolished in 1923), the grounds of La Chaire at Rozel, St. Ouen’s Manor, The Pinnacle Rock and Plemont Caves.

The brochure contains only two comments by visitors, one of which is reproduced:

Mr. C.H. Wood writes in ‘Argosy’ “We at once decided upon the Bree’s Royal Hotel, and in no way regretted the choice, for it was well placed, quiet and comfortable and moderate in its charges ….”

The management has found, contained within a Press Cuttings Book, menu cards of Dinners dating from the last century that have been held at the Royal. Some of these menu cards are in respect of notable local events.

  1. The Jersey Evening Post held a dinner on December 21st 1926, for Mr and Mrs. W.E. Guiton (the proprietors of the newspaper), on the occasion of the celebration of Mr and Mrs Guiton’s Diamond Wedding on December 17th 1926.
  2. A complimentary dinner and presentation was given to Mr J.E. Pinel, the Constable of St. Helier, on April 11th 1913, while a similar dinner was given at the same hotel for him on the occasion of his being elected to the Magisterial Bench in 1924.
  3. The inaugural dinner of the Jersey Rotary Club took place here on February 20th 1924.

This menu book contains much information that could be of use to local historians regarding the social, political and commercial matters of the Island’s economy.

Royal Hotel old colour early 1900s

The exterior frontage of the hotel has been restored in keeping with its form when it was Bree’s Royal Hotel. This frontage is of architectural merit and has been designated as such by the local planning department of the States of Jersey. This ensures that the building is protected for future generations.

Today, Morvan Hotels, a long established local hotel company, has taken ownership of the hotel, having purchased the property in 2005. Recently, extensive modernisation and refurbishment of the interior has taken place in order that comfort levels meet the demands of modern times.

A firm favourite with holidaymakers and business travellers alike, the Best Western Royal Hotel proudly offers the more discerning guest a traditional yet comfortable atmosphere that we believe is difficult to find anywhere else in the Channel Islands.

We entered through the car park and up very dated stairs to the new reception area. Staff were very helpful but our impression was of a slightly tired hotel. This continued in the corridor to our bedroom - first floor with a balcony and sea view. The room was spotless, as was the bathroom, but both could do with updating....
Staff in this hotel were wonderful - polite, courteous, professional, and very, very, very helpful. The room and bathroom were very clean. Breakfasts - Full and Continental - had plenty of choice. With a central location - a short walk into St Helier. Guests had the use of the swimming pool and spa at the twin hotel Monteray.
Had a wonderful week at the hotel. We had an apartment. Swimming pool and gardens were fabulous. Apartment was excellent. Hotel staff were friendly and good. Maître di was a bit rude in his attitude and made a few errors towards residents. The hotel needs to update with WiFi. Jersey needs to accommodate the visitors by making the car parking...
Great hotel for all ages, indoor pool is a bonus for bad weather and the staff are very friendly and helpful! Breakfast was good if you liked cooked breakfast, although wish there was more fresh fruit. Had an evening meal there and it was lovely, which was good as the weather was particularly bad that evening and didn't go too...
Stayed here for 4 nights. Very helpful and polite staff in all areas, a credit to the Hotel! The hotel was very nice and comfortable, although a little tired looking, especially the bedroom/bathroom. Furniture was very dated and the curtains etc were rather old and faded, the shower was very difficult to set at correct temperature, however, everywhere was spotlessly...
The Royal to find it get a good map but its actually in a great spot central to St Helier , Good car parking under neath a archway to the side of the royal.the room are big enough clean an tidy our room 203 is one to stay clear of noisy in the mornings as its on a fire door...
The hotel staff were friendly and polite and helped carry our bags to our room. Although there is a lift it is accessed by stairs and so are some of the rooms. Not a problem if you are able bodied. It is part of the querkyness of the layout of the hotel which has been extended and altered over many...
I read good reviews about this hotel and am please to say that they weren't wrong. The hotel is situated about 12-15 mins from town (on St Saviours Road, use La Motte street not the Road tunnel to get into town). Firstly the staff were excellent, very friendly and welcoming and we were given a lovely reception of a cup...
Hotel is about 15 minute walk from the town centre through Millennium Park. Very friendly, attentive & helpful staff. Excellent breakfast with a very good choice. Outdoor pool area very pleasant to use after a day out.
The Monterey Hotel, in St Hellier is situated in a convenient area with just a 10 minute walk to the town and wonderful childrens' park. It had great facilities, excellent food and very friendly members of staff. The bedroom was a good size with a nice ensuite bathroom and and the indoor pool and jacuzzi was a real bonus. I...
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