Mantis St Helena 4 stars

Our recent stay at the Mantis was our fourth which indicates how much we have enjoyed our time there - since unsuccessful stays are not repeated! The staff were delightful, courteous and attentive without being intrusive, the accommodation was clean, tidy and comfortable as always and the menu interesting and varied. We were impressed by the steps being taken to ensure that the hotel is more environmentally aware whilst not adversely affecting it's high standard of service. St Helena is a small island with no near neighbours and whilst its fantastic scenery, history etc. are a great attraction for visitors, its isolation must make the practicalities of running a hotel to this high standard quite a demanding challenge. Our compliments and thanks to all involved in meeting the challenge so successfully.

This is, without question, best hotel facility on St Helena. Not only is the facility excellent, the entire staff, including Jéan Kriel, Etai, and Jay are first class. They went out of their way to meet my needs. When my departure flight was delayed because of weather, they arranged for me to stay an extra day, without charge, and also gave me a meal voucher. This is the only place I would stay if I returned to St Helena.

We booked the Mantis for 2021, rescheduled for 2022 and finally made it, post Covid, in 2024! It was definitely worth waiting for - a fabulous week’s stay. We reserved one of the heritage rooms (#3) which is super: spacious, high ceiling, nice sofa and chairs, large comfortable bed, big safe for camera equipment and a good selection of sports channels on the tv. I thoroughly enjoyed all the premier league matches I subjected my wife to! The bathroom is also spacious with a fine walk-in shower. The room overlooks the Castle Gardens. Well worth the extra cost. The hotel itself is superbly situated and the presentation and decor of a high standard. We enjoyed the bar and restaurant. The regular menu is supplemented by daily specials, some great fish and we were lucky - lobster on our last night. The food was very good. Nice service too. We enjoyed the breakfasts - the hot food is buffet. And that brings me to the staff. Just like the people make the island special, so too in the hotel. Mr Itayi on reception gave us a very warm welcome and was helpful and fun all week. We had great service also from Junaid, Juliet, Jingle and Shadie and others whose names I can’t recall. Some of our favourite hotels on our travels have been those where the manager is visible and chats to his or her customers. That’s certainly the case here with Ian. A well run ship! So this is a lovely hotel on an awesome island. Go there and enjoy!

Friendly and kind hospitality like nowhere else in the world! This team is an absolutely gem who will transform a standard vacation into a stay with ‘family.’ Zunaid, Bob, Cynthia, Itayi and Hotel Manager Ian are so very welcoming and have such exceptional hospitality that a stay at Mantis feel like being home. They really exceed expectations in order to tailor your stay to your desire. The Heritage Room is huge, tastefully decorated and yet still cosy. The view of the gardens was beautiful and windows can be opened to enjoy fully. Perfect location downtown and close to the waterfront, and the restaurant serves a great selection of food – the breakfast buffet / a la carte is extensive too!

This was my second stay and it was another excellent one. The hotel is conveniently located in Jamestown. Rooms are nicely decorated with air conditioning - vital when it’s so warm! Ian and his team couldn’t have been more helpful and made us feel more welcome throughout both of our stays. We will definitely be back again