Jersey's tourist industry came into its own after World War Two when British people started to venture further afield for holidays and the Channel Islands were the obvious choice, being not too far from the mainland. Hard though it may be to believe but Jersey was really considered almost to be abroad as few British people had ever ventured outside their own shores.

Now the island is a bustling high class destination with tourism playing a huge part in its income. There are many privately owned hotels on the island as well as hotel chains. There is something for all budgets and tastes from smaller bed and breakfast establishments to high end luxury hotels.

St Helier offers an excellent choice but there is also a good range of places to stay around the coast. The Seymour Hotel Group is the biggest hotel group on the island and they pride themselves on their excellent value for money. A family business, the friendliness of staff and owners is at the forefront of the business. Seymour owns the Merton Hotel in St Ouen's Bay which has an excellent reputation for being family friendly. A week's stay costs just over £400 in high season. The Pomme d'or in St Helier is part of the same group and prices here start at roughly £99 per person per night. Overlooking St Aubins Bay is La Grande Vere with an excellent reputation and wonderful views and The Royal Yacht is a modern luxury hotel nearby.

For real luxury nothing beats The Longueville Manor Hotel. This 5-star hotel is both elegant and stylish. Originally a manor house and refurbished not long ago in a luxury style, the hotel has long been the subject of excellent reviews by leading travel writers and food critics. In the winter months leading up to Christmas, special offers are available. Rooms start at just under £200 per person per night and the offer includes luxury accommodation as well as champagne on arrival and most meals. Also included is Group 1 car hire.

The Observer and The Good Food Guide both recommend The Club Hotel and The Star Apollo – both owned by Huggler Hotels. Winter breaks start from around £50 per person per night. The Royal Hotel in St Helier is owned by Best Western. A short walk from the town's shopping centre, this attractive hotel has free wi-fi in bedrooms and public areas and you will find 4 poster beds in most rooms. There is a car park which is a huge plus when it comes to town centre locations. The hotel's restaurant is proud to use local produce whenever possible. Rooms start from £120 for two people sharing.

The Morvan Group owns six of the island's hotels. Take your pick from indoor leisure facilities, town or seafront locations or even award winning gardens. The Morvan hotels are proud of their hospitality and excellent reputation.

Radisson Blue, owned by the Radisson Group, offers luxury rooms in the heart of the marina at St Helier. Prices start from around £75 per person per night. Quality and a high standard is always assured as part of the Group's promise. On St Helier's seafront stands The Grand Jersey Hotel. Prices start from £75 per person per night and the hotel's interior is contemporary and stylish. Near Fort Regent Leisure Centre is the Apollo where prices start from around £50 per person per night.

Situated near to St Brelade's Church and Jersey Lavender, the Horizon & Spa has rooms from £60 per person per night. Other hotels in the area include the Golden Sands where rooms start from around £80 and the Hotel La Place, a restored farmhouse, where prices start from £70.

Also overlooking St Brelade's Bay is The Miramar with an excellent elevated position affording wonderful views. There are charming gardens in which to relax and it is only a short stroll down to the beach. Prices are around £30 per person per night and the hotel has its own outdoor pool as well as good parking facilities.

Les Charrieres in St Peter's Valley is considered to be excellent value for money. Prices start from about £35 per person per night in the low season upwards to a very reasonable £55 in high season. The hotel boasts an air conditioned gym and an indoor pool. Privately owned for 25 years, the hotel is conveniently situated for many major attractions as well as the island's airport. The kitchens use local food where possible and good local fish forms part of the menu. The hotel proudly boasts a Courtesy Award awarded in acknowledgement of its helpful and friendly attitude to families and children.