We visited this hotel again this year. It is now under new ownership and there is a new chef. The hotel in general is of the same standard as before and I understand that the new owners intend a programme of extensive refurbishment. There is no doubt that some would not go amiss but they will have to be careful that they do not destroy the character of the hotel. The biggest change that we noticed was in the Retreat Restaurant. Although we stayed on a bed and breakfast basis we had dinner in the hotel on two of our four nights there. The food was excellent when we last visited. It is now outstanding. The new chef has made a real impact.

The Hotel La Place is a converted and extended 17th century farmhouse set in a quiet rural area about 7-10 minutes drive from the airport and within walking distance from St Aubin.

It is 4-star rated by the AA and the RAC. There can be some background noise from the airport during the day but it is not intrusive.

There are 42 rooms. We stayed for four nights and had a standard double room overlooking the outdoor pool, but we could have upgraded if we wished to. The facilities in the room included en-suite bathroom, LCD TV/DVD Player, mini bar, internet access and room service if required. Some of the communal rooms in the hotel retain some original features, particularly those used as the lounge and the dining room, and are utterly charming.

The standard of cleanliness is high throughout the hotel and our room was kept immaculate. There is a turn down service in the evening.

The hotel has a large parking area and large garden. The area around the outdoor pool is comfortable. Although we did not visit it, there is a sauna in the hotel. There are also conference facilities.

The breakfasts are buffet style and include everything you could wish for. The standard of food in the Retreat Restaurant is high and we had dinner in the hotel on two occasions. We booked the second occasion because we were so impressed with the first. Having said that, the quality of the food at dinner is more evident than the quantity. The standard is excellent and it is very well presented. However, the portions are not very large and on both occasions we were half expecting the waiter to come back with a bowl of vegetables to accompany the main course. The tiny amount of vegetables did in fact form the bed for the meat, fish, etc.

The staff, most of whom appear to be Polish, are exceptional. I cannot praise them too highly and, if nothing else, the hotel is worth a visit just for the service.

All in all, a very impressiove hotel and if we return to Jersey, the Hotel La Place would be our first choice.