I am not (in this entry) recommending or advising against any particular accommodation on St Helena but rather drawing your attention to the fact that you must arrange accommodation on the island in advance of arriving and aiming to provide some general comment on accommodation which you may find useful.
One of the conditions for entry to St Helena is that you have pre-booked accommodation. While no inquires were made in this regard by immigration staff (though you have to provide details on your arrival documentation), I recommend you make arrangements beforehand as you may have difficulty locating a place on arrival, especially if you arrive at the weekend or there is a sudden influx of people for any reason. Business tends not to come looking for you here!
On St Helena, there are three establishments classified as hotels – two in Jamestown and one in the centre of the island. In addition there are a number of guest-houses and an assortment of self-contained accommodations, some in Jamestown with the remainder elsewhere on the island.
On the assumption that you will hire a vehicle for the duration of your stay (I very, very strongly recommend that you do) it doesn’t really matter where you stay location-wise. Inland is stunningly beautiful and cooler at night. Jamestown is where the ‘action’ (very loosely defined) is at night-time. Be aware however that the roads on St Helena are narrow, steep and winding and you may not like driving at night. All accommodations (apart from self catering establishments) provide dinner and other meals on request and you will find the quality there-of higher than the very limited eating establishments elsewhere in Jamestown.
I chose to stay in Jamestown (at the Wellington House Hotel) and would do so again if I were to return – really a personal choice though.
All hotels, etc will meet you at the docks on the arrival of the RMS St Helena – and will return you there. If you are staying out of Jamestown and are booking a car ensure you know where your car will be when you arrive – in town or at your accommodation. I suggest you book it wherever you are booking your accommodation.
Details of accommodation on the island can be found on the St Helena Tourist website (http://www.sthelenatourism.com/) along with contact details. The site invites you to contact the accommodation provider directly or to book via the tourist office.
I booked my accommodation at the Wellington House Hotel and a vehicle via the tourist office, which provides a fantastic service – both before you get to the island and while you are there.
The three pictures attached are the three properties classified as hotels. I have written a separate entry on each. I stayed at one and ate at all three.
This blog entry is one of a group (loop) of entries which will take you on a virtual tour of St Helena as experienced by The Rambling Wombat. Do continue with me on this tour via my next entry –Stay where the Duke Stayed – Perhaps. If necessary, go to my St Helena Introduction entry to start this loop at the beginning.
The Rambling Wombat 