The Hotel's History

Work commenced to build the Esplanade, the Weighbridge and Commercial Buildings, Jersey's new centre of trade. The Pomme d’Or site was purchased by the Pellier family. Phillipe Pellier was a corn and flour merchant of high repute who owned several mills and a large store to the east of the current Café Bar. At the rear, in Wharf Street, stood Pelliers Livery Stables and a house which they rented to Mr. Dates, who ran “Dates Boarding House”.

French poet, playwright, and novelist Victor Hugo stayed at the hotel during his exile from France while searching for a more permanent home.

The corn and flour store was demolished after the death of Esther Le Boeuf, who had inherited the store from her husband Phillipe Pellier. Wiliam Pellier then inherited the property.

Monsieur Mourant took over as manager, and during his time the current Weighbridge site was built.

Up to the start of the Great War the hotel flourished, particularly with French visitors. 15,000 – 18,000 would stay each season, for a week or longer.

The hotel deteriorated during the war and was derelict in the 1920s.

The Hotel's Centenary Anniversary was marked by further developments. The two inns were purchased and incorporated into the hotel, while parts of it were demolished and rebuilt in 1938.

The Union Jack was raised on the balcony of the Pomme d’Or to mark the Liberation of Jersey from the German forces. The hotel re-opened and continued to thrive.

Dame Vera Lynn opens the Liberation Suite, after further major refurbishments, on the 45th anniversary of the Liberation of Jersey.

Each year on May 9th the Liberation Anniversary is celebrated by the re-enactment of the Liberation celebrations with the surviving liberating forces. The Union Jack is raised from the Pomme d'Or balcony as part of the celebrations.