Victorian elegance to be re-instated at Ommaroo Hotel

Tuesday 08 March 2016

Extensive renovations at the Ommaroo Hotel have revealed a previously hidden fireplace dating back to the early 1900’s.

It’s believed that this decorative fireplace was covered and boarded up when the room was converted from a parlour to a bedroom in the early 1970’s.

The hotel plans to restore this original feature, as well as any similar discoveries uncovered as work continues, in order that all future guests can enjoy this distinctive Victorian décor.

Refurbishment is underway in earnest across the hotel as it prepares to celebrate its centenary year later in 2016.

Managing Director Fiona Kerley said: “We have already invested over £1m in the hotel’s interior over the past five years. We are now turning our attention to the hotel’s original elegant Victorian façade, which has proudly lined the Havre des Pas coastline for over 100 years now.

"As a listed building, we are endeavouring to restore the hotel’s outer beauty for locals and visitors alike to admire and enjoy. As part of the exterior restoration, all of our front facing sea view balcony rooms are also being refurbished, so who knows what we may reveal as work continues. All of this is being undertaken as we prepare for a number of exciting centenary events and promotions in 2016."

For almost 90 years of its rich history, the hotel has passed through four generations of the same family and is still under the ownership of Major Colin Grant.

The hotel owners are still keen to hear any recollections plus include any photographs and memorabilia from the public, in their exhibition later this year.

You can email your stories and images to functions@ommaroo.com or post your information to Ommaroo Hotel, Havre des Pas, St Helier, JE2 4UL. Don’t forget to add your own contact details as the hotel is planning a reception function for all contributors to their exhibit.

History of the Ommaroo Hotel

The main building (built in 1837) commenced as private residences around 1886, known as No. 1 & 2 Ommaroo Terrace. In 1916 the two neighbouring houses were purchased and transformed into a small and comfortable Hotel, which retained the name Ommaroo. The hotel began officially trading from 16 December 1916.

In 1927, the Palmer and Rowley families completed their purchase of the hotel. It traded successfully until the Second World War, when the hotel was occupied by German Officers and used as staff quarters. It was not until after Jersey’s “Liberation Day” on 9 May 1945 that the building was returned to use as a commercial hotel.  

In 1973, the Palmers sold the hotel to its current owner, Major Colin Grant. Major Grant’s daughter, Mrs Fiona Kerley is now Managing Director and the fourth family generation to be involved with the hotel.

Working with her father, Fiona has overseen over £1m of extensive refurbishment throughout the hotel as well as re-branding the hotel and launching its new conference and outdoor pool facilities. As part of the on-going modernisation of the hotel, the front façade is currently being renovated ahead of the hotel’s centenary celebrations.