Less than an hour’s plane journey from London Gatwick, Longueville Manor on the island of Jersey offers family-friendly service in a 5 star, luxury setting.
Classed as one of the Channel Island’s finest hotels, Jersey’s Longueville Manor offers exceptional service, first-class facilities and 16 acres of beautiful grounds. With these factors in mind you would be forgiven for thinking the 16th century manor was solely the romantic, weekend retreat of couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London, or for the occupancy of businessmen looking for a luxury, yet small place to rest their heads mid-week. Well, you’re not wrong these guests do flock here, but surprisingly Longueville Manor is also leading the way in luxury, family-friendly retreats here in the UK.
The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey is less than an hour’s plane journey from Gatwick, making it an easy and relatively stress free trip for those of you with little ones in tow. From the minute you make a reservation at Longueville, all the child-related woes and worries are taken care of. Starting with the hotel’s ‘Little Needs’ form, which allows you to pre-order everything from nappies to pushchairs, beach tents to bouncy chairs. Simply email you requirements in advance and you’ll not have to worry about being loaded down with extra luggage.
Upon arrival you will be greeted with a warm welcome. The staff at Longueville go out of their way to make sure your needs are catered for whilst remaining relaxed and friendly. Each of the 30 rooms and suites are tastefully designed, spacious and full of thoughtful little extras like fresh flowers, Bamford toiletries and champagne and fresh fruit on arrival. Children don’t miss out either as they will be given a retro jar of jelly beans sat waiting for them on a plate marked with their own name in chocolate, a cute teddy to cuddle up to, and adorable miniature-sized white bath robes to lounge around in like little Lords and Ladies of the Manor. The view from our room looked across the stunning woodland gardens, swimming pool and lake, as well as a castle-style turret crawling with gorgeous Autumn ivy – the perfect spot for little girls to reenact a real-life Rapunzel moment!
The food at Longueville is exceptional. If you’re able to get a night off from the kids a romantic meal in the Oak Room is a must. With an award-winning menu by top chef Andrew Baird in a setting of intricately carved, dark oak walls (which date back to the Spanish Armada), the restaurant really is one of the best the island has to offer. However, children are very welcome and there is a great children’s menu available too.
Activity-wise Jersey has a lot to offer from the beaches to the world-famous Durrell Zoo. If you’d rather stay put at the hotel there are lots of things to keep both young and old entertained. Choose from a game of tennis, a walk around the gardens or a peer inside the original Victorian green houses growing everything from houseplants to passion fruits. The hotel also has big plans for 2012, with children’s activities, film screenings and a family-friendly American-style diner all in the pipeline.
Longueville Manor is everything a family-friendly, yet luxury hotel should be. It manages to provide top-end service, food and facilities with a warm, welcoming edge that doesn’t put families off coming back time and time again.
Need to know facts:
Rooms: 30 rooms and suits plus a luxury cottage which boasts two on suite, double bedrooms.
Rates: Depending on the time of year, double rooms are available between £150-£550, suites start at £400 up to £800 and the Cottage Suite can be hired for between £600 and £1200. All prices are per night and include breakfast. Children under two years are complimentary.
Facilities: Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Private Gardens, Bar, Restaurant, Kid Activities, DVD Library, Baby Sitting Services, Baby Listening Services, Pre-Booked ‘Little Needs’ Forms, Board Games, Toiletries in Room, Extra beds and coats can be provided.
Check out times: 12 noon
How to get there: British Airways and FlyBe operate from London Gatwick several times a day. The flight takes less than an hour and then it’s a 20minute taxi ride from the airport.
For more information visit longuevillemanor.com