Longueville Manor, Jersey, Channel Islands
Longueville Manor is one of a handful of independent hotel members part of Relais & Chateaux.
A Letter to Malcolm Lewis, owner of Longueville Manor
Dear Malcolm
What do I love about Longueville Manor? It’s quicker to answer, ‘What do I not love about Longueville Manor?!
It was an absolute pleasure meeting you upon my arrival at Longueville Manor. We had not slept due to the timing of the ferry, so the lovely warm welcome was so appreciated, and it was an unexpected pleasure to meet you. I had recently reviewed another Relais Chateaux hotel and had been very disappointed on many levels (poor service, bad breakfast, no turndown), so I have to be honest, I was a little apprehensive about my stay.
So, saying Longueville Manor far exceeded my expectations is not an exaggeration. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, every element of our stay was 10/10 without exception. I don’t need to tell you how amazing your team of staff is, the smiles, the warmth, the service, the professionalism and, of course, not forgetting the charm! But also their authenticity - they all love their job and it’s not just a job to them. I really felt that and the atmosphere very much reminded me of my parents' hotel (in Italy, which they sold a few years ago). All of that is a testament to you and your management style, and having reviewed many hotels, retI see that ention of happy staff seems to be quite a rarity these days, as is it a truly independent hotel. I loved our room and its views and came home feeling that my bathroom really was far too small! What a luxury it is to have such a spacious bathroom; I think a bathroom is just as important, if not more, than the bedroom, certainly for us women! The bedroom was immaculate, luxurious without being contrived, and so comfortable. I love a welcome note (I collect them) - and the bed linen was cool and crisp and the pillows plump, dressing gowns fluffy - it was quite tricky leaving the room for breakfast on the first morning, BUT it was so worth it!
The breakfast….I think it’s the most important meal at a hotel as it is a guest's last impression before they check out… I love the tablecloths, the precisely positioned salt and pepper and the exceptional and traditional service at Longueville Manor. The menu has everything I could wish for on a breakfast menu, making it impossible to choose, though, of course, I had the full English (it would have been rude not to!). Cappuccinos were served with no chocolate (hoorah!), and Americanos were served black with water on the side (11/10, oh how I hate being asked if I want milk with an Americano) - do you know how rare both those elements are? Seriously, do you?! Also, no noise comes from the kitchen… at all. You would have no idea where the kitchen was and no sound of swinging doors. A marvel. I really would have spent hours at breakfast, it was a treat, a pleasure and totally fantastic in every way.
How lucky we were with the weather—sunshine all through the weekend. Stupidly, I didn’t bring my swimming costume, but just sitting by the pool, sipping on rosé in the sun was a joy, and I loved the touch of being brought some refreshing sorbet in the afternoon.
Drinks at the bar is a must both for the great atmosphere and cocktails but fun and friendly staff who take pleasure in conjuring up something new and exotic. Food, glorious food! It was such a romantic, serene setting in the evening with beautiful table linen and ambient lighting in the dining room—the exceptional and knowledgeable service continued. The food was exquisite to taste and beautifully presented, and plates were returned to the kitchen completely empty! I loved, loved, loved the cheese trolley and was delighted to see Baron Bigod, made half an hour from me, featured!
We were one of the last to leave the dining room, a testament to our beautiful evening.
I can’t finish this review without mentioning the beautiful gardens—loved and cared for (I searched for weeds but could barely find one!). Guests are very lucky to be able to walk around and admire the roses, pathways, and bridges.
Rating 10/10
Why go? It is a beautiful traditional hotel with lovely gardens, pool and spa with exceptional service to match, including a fantastic turndown service.
When to go? Cosy up in the winter or lie by the pool in the summer