A newer addition of wavy glass-fronted balconies abuts the original Royal Yacht Hotel building in a pairing that seems at war, but the hotel still bustles with business travelers year-round. Local residents and leisure tourists also flock to the cool bars and restaurants, making the carnival of printed upholstery and colored mood lighting on the ground floor a St. Helier social hub.

The hotel is located on the water, just a short walk from St. Helier marina and close to many shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the Maritime Museum. The waterfront gardens are nearby, and all the island's best shopping and cafes are within easy walking distance, as are such notable attractions as the Victorian-era Central and Beresford indoor markets, the Jersey Museum, and Jersey St. Saviour's Church.

Playing on the hotel's nautical theme, the stylish rooms combine a chic decor with copious amounts of natural wood. Tiered categories range from Silver and Gold to Platinum Rooms, all with satellite flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning,  electric tea makers, and minibars. Cream and white, with touches of blue, complement the partial parquet walls and wood furniture. Silver Rooms are on the small side, with Gold Rooms giving more space to the small work desks and sitting area. Gold Deluxe Double Rooms have either an extra living room space, or a balcony. The larger Platinum Rooms have a large balcony overlooking St. Helier harbor. The bathrooms are modern, with subtle lighting, walk-in showers, and toiletries; some have separate soaking tubs.

Like an indulgent cruise ship, the Royal Yacht Hotel is home to three restaurants and three different bars that draw locals in every weekend. The flagship restaurant, Sirocco, serves British cuisine with a modern flair, while Cafe Zephyr has a brasserie menu with a focus on seafood. Both have outdoor patio seating. The Grill focuses on steak and wine, with lunches that are a big hit with the business crowd. The tiny P.O.S.H Bar's cigars and Champagne menu is as nouveau as The Cabin, with it's exposed wooden timbers, is timeless. The Drift Club in the back of the hotel, which becomes a scene on the weekends with live entertainment and DJ's, keeps revelers going late into the night. There's also a small wine tasting room in The Cellar, which can be booked for private functions for up to six people, and the hotel has a number of modern meeting rooms, including a conference hall that can accommodate up to 300 attendees.