And it wasn’t even cheap either. Very basic, but not cheap. St Helier on Jersey might not be a budget travel destination. I know it is called a tax-fee shopping haven, but can’t say I found really good deals. Anyways, back to the accommodation. Villa Nova, once called Villa Isis, I was told by the taxi driver, had a few issues according to Tripadvisor, making me a bit reluctant in choosing it. Let’s address some of the issues, and what my experience was like. Some have had problems with the front door lock. I just did what the YouTube video you receive beforehand said, and the door opened like it should. Inside you are met by a small reception area, where you find the key and a check-in form. Fill in the form, and fold, as specified. Also a few notes with essential information are posted on the counter. Some guests say there wasn’t a key waiting. As you might have understood by now, this hotel has self check-in. After that I hauled my bags up the stairs to my room. As the photos show, it is basic stuff. My room faced a road. You can book one that doesn’t. I didn’t find it a nuisance, others have. Sometimes when I got home, I could see several cars passing by, so maybe it is disturbing at certain times of the day. As for the heater, I tried to figure it out the first day, but no luck. Turned out it was a central thing, on in the evening, off during the day. Just make sure it is on (full) at your end. Throughout my stay I didn’t spot any staff. I did hear the cleaners at work, but never met them 🙂 If you need any assistance/advice while visiting, this is not your place. When leaving, I left the key on the reception counter, and closed the front door. At the bottom of the stairs was the taxi I had booked waiting. This is actually the first time I’ve booked a taxi while on vacation, usually the reception arranges that 🙂 Just approached a taxi in town. The driver told me he wouldn’t be up at 5 in the morning 😀 , but gave me a number, and said he would let his boss know I would be calling. Easy peasy 🙂 Jersey Airport opens at 05:45 am, is a 10 minute ride away, for 27 pounds.
This hotel is not in the centre of town. You’ll have a 10-20 minute walk ahead of you, depending on where in town you’re going. A few restaurants, didn’t try any of them, and a grocery store not far away. A nice park across the road, which had a cafe/restaurant that looked inviting in the afternoon sun.
Since I arrived late in the evening, I didn’t want the hassle of figuring out public transportation. Meaning I got in line for a taxi. At one point I asked the (local) couple ahead of me, if there would be any taxis coming, and they assured me there would be, it would just take some time 😀 Sure enough. The ride from the airport was quite expensive, so if possible do the local bus.
Website: villanovajersey.com
