Herm Island
Latest Reviews
Positives:
Beautiful island, lovely walks.
Friendly atmosphere.
Negatives:
Expensive hotel lacking quality, some poorly trained hospitality staff, very average food for a premium price in restaurant, some tired areas and bedrooms.
Overall a very disappointing 2 night stay for the 9 adults and one baby at just over £3,000.
Unlikely to return unless there is a marked improvement.
Beautiful island, lovely walks.
Friendly atmosphere.
Negatives:
Expensive hotel lacking quality, some poorly trained hospitality staff, very average food for a premium price in restaurant, some tired areas and bedrooms.
Overall a very disappointing 2 night stay for the 9 adults and one baby at just over £3,000.
Unlikely to return unless there is a marked improvement.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So straight up on a hot day with blue skies and calm seas the Mermaid gets pretty packed at peak time. There are only a few places to eat on Herm so occasionally be prepared to wait. That said we found a table pretty quickly towards the end of lunchtime. We ordered the burger, ribs and a fish salad. All were good with the ribs much bigger than the menu suggested and the McD burger a double patty. You have to order food separately to drinks so you may have to queue at busy times. In the bar take a few moments to look up at the various beer memorabilia all around you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On our arrival to Herm we noticed that this place was extremely busy so we decided to come back after the main lunchtime rush. It is ok-ish, but did find a slightly frazzled, abrupt reception from our server, the staff seemed to be run off their feet.
Along with less than cheerful service I did find the focus on signage around the place listing things you must not do spoke about the relationship between management and clients. Not having your phone on speaker, not walking off the premises with drinks glasses, not climbing on the toilet roof etc. perhaps should be an expectation of the kind of thing Herm visitors would abide by rather than needing "DO NOT... " signage. If anyone was uncivil enough not to abide by reasonable conduct norms I would expect a quiet word would be sufficient.
Along with less than cheerful service I did find the focus on signage around the place listing things you must not do spoke about the relationship between management and clients. Not having your phone on speaker, not walking off the premises with drinks glasses, not climbing on the toilet roof etc. perhaps should be an expectation of the kind of thing Herm visitors would abide by rather than needing "DO NOT... " signage. If anyone was uncivil enough not to abide by reasonable conduct norms I would expect a quiet word would be sufficient.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you book an evening meal at the Ship Inn, the White House Hotel or the Mermaid on a Wednesday, you have the option to catch the "dinner boat" back to Guernsey that leaves Herm at 22:45. My wife and I sailed from Guernsey to Herm earlier in the day and explored the island. Then, in the early evening we went to the Ship Inn for dinner. The Inn shares a kitchen with the White House Hotel, so the menus are the same. However, the Ship Inn is less formal and suited our mood that day. Terrific seafood choices are available. One slight oddity is that the menu is divided into hot and cold plates rather than starters and mains. You need to talk to one of the staff to work out what constitutes a sensible sized meal. But the staff are knowledgeable, so this only adds to the pleasurable anticipation. Both my wife and I had fish for both starters and mains; my wife opting for half a lobster to begin with; it was delicious! After our meal, we repaired to the bar just next to the restaurant and ended up chatting to all and sundry. It was a short walk to the waiting ferry when we were finished, and then back to our hotel in Jersey. We felt very relaxed and well-fed
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
it is not the mermaid's fault that other places were shut due to covid. But to wait an hour for food from 2pm to 3pm was too long but we were informed of this at the time of ordering. My daughters salad looked great but my mushroom and haloumi burger was disappointing
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stopped for a tea break here after doing an island walk. Service with a smile would have been nice! WIFI didn't work despite using the code on the notice board.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very small chapel with lovely old buildings around it. Lovely garden with great views back towards Guernsey
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nice ambiance and friendly staff! 2 tasty scones and plentiful tea. Lovely courtyard garden . Comfy outside seating. Would recommend
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very nice cream teas. Plentiful tea; 2 scones etc. Nice ambiance. My friend's tea didn't arrive as she had ordered a coke on the side. That's the only negative. We didn't bother to ask for the tea as the staff were really busy!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very tranquil, spiritual and peaceful. Lovely setting. The garden still has the original bell and a memorial bench and stone
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
would love to visit herm and this bay, espcially after seeing it on tv yesterday on talking pictures film " the ghosts of monks island ", goggled the location and it was belvoir bay, so definetly will have to visit soon
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely sheltered beach when others are exposed. A short walk from the village, with a lovely sandy outlook and a cafe. Much smaller Tha other beaches on the island surrounded by cliffs giving it a sheltered position.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Plenty of seating for the size of the population! This is a fabulous building tucked away in the middle of the island next to the stunning village. It is a must do on the island.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Biggest thanks to the White House in particular Kathleen and her team for making my husband and I wedding the best day of our lives! Kathleen dealt with EVERYTHING with a smile, there is not enough words to explain how pleased we are. We had to travel to Herm from the UK and it was difficult especially in Covid times, but Kathleen dealt with all our needs from afar and was just an email or phone call away.
The staff at the White House are amazing, Cheryl, Elliot, Magda, Nial just all their staff (especially the Bar and restaurant staff whose names I cannot recall atm)
We just want to say a BIG thank you for all you efforts, we can’t wait to see you all soon.
Many thanks,
Tia and Pete
The staff at the White House are amazing, Cheryl, Elliot, Magda, Nial just all their staff (especially the Bar and restaurant staff whose names I cannot recall atm)
We just want to say a BIG thank you for all you efforts, we can’t wait to see you all soon.
Many thanks,
Tia and Pete
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a fantastic wine tasting weekend with some great wines and some fantastic food. Staff and management have done a great job of decorating and refitting the lounge areas of the hotel really impressed. But one special thing about the weekend are the staff they are a great bunch of people very friendly and efficient love em all. Thanks Whitehouse for a great weekend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed in Herm over Christmas, special thanks goes out to the Mermaid and especially Michelle and Rachel and all the team. Food was brilliant, nothing was too much trouble, if they could help they did! Thank you for helping to make our stay so special.
Gareth and Michelle.
Gareth and Michelle.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Despite other reviews, the singing barmaids were welcoming and harmonious! The Mermaid is a place to go if you want to relax, unwind and enjoy real family time. Always very welcoming with good food and good company! Herm Island really is the paradise they say!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had three fantastic nights culminating with my 70th birthday, Niall the new chef this year is good had some superb food on all the nights especially on my birthday, adore Foie Gras had it on the Tuesday night on the menu again on Thursday but also a scallop dish, had my favourite and chef did the scallops for me as a main course as it was my birthday also a super cheese platter with 70 done in cheese on it. Fantastic food great service great 3 days.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have had a lovely staycation in Herm this half term with the children, with lots of happy memories made!
The only downside to our trip was that the hotel receptionist was very unhelpful and unprofessional, which was a shame.
The only downside to our trip was that the hotel receptionist was very unhelpful and unprofessional, which was a shame.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I would rate the Hotel 5 star under normal circumstances, but under “COVID” claim to be short of staff and will attend rooms if your stay is longer than 3 nights, however they still charge the same.
The staff are very good, the restaurant manager is a gem, a very nice touch was the Island manager making an appearance just before the boats arrival and making an attempt to speak to as many guests as possible.
A very relaxing few days, food was good and well presented.
The staff are very good, the restaurant manager is a gem, a very nice touch was the Island manager making an appearance just before the boats arrival and making an attempt to speak to as many guests as possible.
A very relaxing few days, food was good and well presented.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Unfortunately our evening meal was spoilt by a staff planning meeting being held in the bar. We were the only non-staff guests and didn’t object initially even though their conversation was quite loud and dominated by the Director of Hospitality and his partner. The meeting then turned to a disparaging commentary on some of the guests and their behaviour at breakfast that morning. When challenged by my friend on the appropriateness of the conversation, the Director of Hospitality opted to argue with my friend rather than apologise and even suggested that we were wrong to challenge their conduct. The meeting soon broke up but again the Director of Hospitality came over to speak to us but no apology and more blaming the guests conduct rather than accepting that his and his staff’s conduct was unprofessional. Really soured our evening and resulted in us leaving immediately after our meal rather than spending the evening in the bar.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Herm is a beautiful island. Peaceful and chilled. A much needed breather from the “norm”. We stayed in Priests cottage which was a lovely little house tucked away next to St Tugals, although up the big main hill. The house itself was perfect for our family, meaning the boys could get up early and play without disturbing anyone else. The staircase was a little scary. Curved staircase with uneven, very narrow treads, making traversing it a little hairy.
The cottage was clean, comfortable and well presented. Gas oven, grill and kettle. Basic supply of tea and coffee supplied.
It was tricky to get groceries as we hadn’t pre ordered and the grocery shop was shut, which was inconvenient (especially as I forgot the tea bags!)
The mermaid provided a good choice of menu with tasty food, sadly this was not reflected at the Ship, so the Mermaid won out for our main meals.
Herm was its usual tranquil place and provided a much needed break.
The cottage was clean, comfortable and well presented. Gas oven, grill and kettle. Basic supply of tea and coffee supplied.
It was tricky to get groceries as we hadn’t pre ordered and the grocery shop was shut, which was inconvenient (especially as I forgot the tea bags!)
The mermaid provided a good choice of menu with tasty food, sadly this was not reflected at the Ship, so the Mermaid won out for our main meals.
Herm was its usual tranquil place and provided a much needed break.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My family and I came one evening for a meal and drinks, although the food was fine the service we received was poor. Our meals came out at different times causing food to go cold, we also had to wait a considerable amount of time for cutlery and condiments even after receiving our food. A waiter did come back to check on us, my farther in law did voice we were disappointed the server just explained ‘sorry it’s just the kitchen’ and gave no further explanation or apology. Sincerely disappointed as enjoyed the drinks, sadly won’t be returning in a hurry.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Luckily Guernsey is COVID 19 free and as a result we can visit other islands in the Bailiwick including Herm. Just enjoyed a 2 night last minute break. Lovely sea view room in the hotel, fantastic staff and excellent food. I have allergies and am vegetarian so a challenge. But the chef was advised in advance and tailored the menus for me.
Spent 2 days relaxing at the very far end of shell beach where the crowds don’t go with husband fishing whilst I lazed and read my book. Saw the seals and great bird life. Have come back home refreshed and waiting to go back.
Have been going to Herm for almost 60 years and it just gets better.
Spent 2 days relaxing at the very far end of shell beach where the crowds don’t go with husband fishing whilst I lazed and read my book. Saw the seals and great bird life. Have come back home refreshed and waiting to go back.
Have been going to Herm for almost 60 years and it just gets better.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Perfect, unspoilt, beautiful. A few wooden steps to access off the cliff path on the east of the island, unlike Shell Beach which is level. Easy reach from campsite. Great swimming and sandy beach.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
