La Barbarie Hotel in St Martins, Guernsey, has been sold for the first time in 40 years as its owners, Andrew Wright and Andy Coleman, prepare to retire.

Ownership and transformation

Andrew Wright purchased the hotel in 1986, initially operating it as two-star self-catering units. In partnership with Andy Coleman, who joined in 1991, they converted the property into a four-star hotel.

The owners undertook several renovations, including upgrading the rooms with air conditioning and modernising the restaurant and foyer.

In 2019, the hotel received four-star ratings from both the AA and Visit Guernsey, recognising the improvements made under their ownership.

In a statement, Mr Wright acknowledged the contribution of the hotel staff, saying, “We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our outstanding staff for their remarkable hard work and dedication over the years.”

Historical background

The hotel, originally a small monastery, was converted into a hotel in 1950. After purchasing the property in 1986, Mr Wright and Mr Coleman focused on enhancing its facilities and increasing its appeal as a destination in Guernsey’s hospitality sector.

The hotel is now under new ownership, marking the end of an era for the previous proprietors after four decades of stewardship.