Guernsey (Channel Island) lodging recommendations.

We didn’t stay overnight on the island but had a great day there. Definitely a place I would recommend. We toured the Hauteville House, home of Victor Hugo while in exile, he wrote Les Miz while there - extremely interesting and actually a little on the bizarre side. We prebooked the English tour. We also toured the castle cornet and went to Mass in French at a small church up a hill. They have great fish-n-chips there too. We had beautiful weather, was there in July. Also, read The Potatoe Peel Pie Society, it is set on the island during WWII. It is actually a feel good book. They also made it into a TV movie.

Susan,

If you are only there for two nights you may want to stay in St. Peter Port. Alternatively, I think the best place to stay is a B&B in St. Martin's Parish which is not far from the airport or perhaps stay in Forrest Parish. The north of the island is not so pretty (more industry) and the west coast near Vazon is flat for surfers. If you want cliffs and dramatic scenery stick to the South. We used the bus service with a Puffin pass that you can buy at the TI office. Alternatively, you could hire a vehicle from the airport but keep in mind the most popular car on the island is a FIAT 500 for a reason. The speed limit is 35 mph and there are tight narrow lanes to navigate but doable.

visit St. Peter's port and go up the hill to Victor Hugo's house. (you have to book ahead).

https://www.tourguernsey.com/ This is an excellent way to tour the island. Very knowledgeable driver and guide.

The little Chapel - a little hard to get to by bus but it's worth a short stop and may be included in an island tour.

http://www.germanoccupationmuseum.co.uk/ if you are into WW2 artifacts this is one of the best!

Afternoon tea at the Governor's House overlooking St. Peter Port

Castle Cornett.

Photography tour by Mark https://www.guernseyphototours.com/

Boat tours to Herm or Sark.

We stayed in self-catering cottages: Ellingham Cottages. They were very nice. but no real views. Close to the bus stop and you can walk to Moulin Heut Bay.

La Barberie Hotel - looked nice and popular

Margaret

I stayed at the Best Western Moores Central Hotel in St. Peters Port. It was basic but clean. I was there in May a few years ago and they were having a heat spell. Their supposed A/C was loud and didn't work well but they did give me a fan. If you're coming by ferry it's a 10 minute walk from the ferry.

Thank you for the information, suggestions and links. So helpful!

Do you mean this May??????
If so have a two week quarentine budgeted into your travel plans with up to £10,000 fines if broken. We are a Covid free island cause these rules are very strictly policed. Would be very very surprised if these rules were relaxed by May.

Just seen its the same lady who was asking about Gsy in the France section. Am so sorry but if you are talking about May 2021 I think your plan is unlikely to happen. Sorry.
The State of Gsy (our Government) post regularly on their FB page it might be worth following it.

Would having the Covid vaccine make a difference? All of us will be vaccinated/and immune by mid February.
I am planning this trip “on paper”. In the event that travel opens up, I will have the trip organized and ready to put into action.
Thanks for your concern!

Susan,
Even if you are vaccinated, you are not likely to get into the UK or Europe this summer. Their covid numbers are sky high, and the European vaccination program is going slow. The UK is doing better with its own vaccinations, but it will not be fast enough to open up fully. You will need to save this trip for 2022. I am trying to visit family in June and I am pretty sure this trip will not happen. The UK government is also considering Australian like government hotels for quarantine. With that, I'm out. I will find somewhere in the US to go and miss my family for another year. I am sorry to be a Debbie Downer but don't book anything yet. They are not ready for tourists.

Margaret

You’re being realistic and I’m dreaming! I guess I’ll be ready for 2022 then. There is the possibility of doing this trip in the fall though....(I don’t give up, do I 🤣)

Susan,

I think Guernsey is best seen in the Summer months of June/July/August and early September. I would not go any later. We went in July and had glorious days until our last day. I ended up buying a raincoat and eating crab sandwiches at a beach cafe in the wind and rain and trying to see through the mist. The day we were to leave the island, it got so foggy I thought we were bound to be stuck on the island. It lifted quickly and we were able to fly out.

Last yeàr we had an amazing Spring, swimming most days and sunshine nearly every day, May is a perfect month to visit, the wild flowers covering the cliffs in colour and off course our National Holiday, Liberation Fay in May 9th, but May 2022!!!!!

Caro, I sometimes forget about May as a good time to visit. I'm still teaching in the classroom and don't finish up until the beginning of June! But it would most definitely need to be May 2022. BTW, Is there a Literary festival at that time as well? I would be so interested in bringing a group from the US to the island to attending one. (I'm retiring next year!).

Margaret

See you in May 2022 Margaret! Yes there is a Literary Festival but the dates do move from year to year.....

The island has suddenly gone back into strict lock down, warni g went out at 8am lock down started at 12. Due to 4 cases of community seeding being found last night. Goverment of the island has totally support of the population anx are proud of their swift actions.

Caro,
What is the vaccination plan for the island and how is that going?

It is under way and the second jab is happening with in 3 weeks unlike the UK. The aim is to have two thirds of the island vacinated by March. But that doesnt mean boarders will be lifted. Today had been a blow to the freedom we have enjoyed for the last 8 months. And we want to get back to that and sadly that doesnt include welcoming tourists or family with out a long quarentie. Health first

Yeah, please remember that it is not yet known whether vaccinated persons can have a symptomless infection that is transmissible. That’s one reason masks will remain necessary for a long time.

There are two best options for youSt. Peter's port and Victor Hugo's house but you should book in advance