Herm Island

4.6/5 based on 1314 reviews
Latest Reviews
After more than ten years returning to this spot it is not like going on holiday any more. It is like coming home where your heart really belongs. You leave behind the hectic of business life and dive into an overwhelming experience of natural beauty and tranquility. You slow down and start to enjoy and esteem every little bit of it: the views of the coastline and the neighbouring islands, the smell of the sea, the astonishing differences in the appearance of the island at high or low tide, the wonder of a butterfly and the drama of a thunderstorm in the sky. And you feel that you are right in the middle of it, a part of it.
Herm is about nature and about people. Chatting with the other guests is much more fun than any electronic entertainment device could offer. Consequently no room is spoilt by phone or TV. You won't find a fitness center but a nice pool in a fantastic garden area. The White House offers you friendly service, a stylish conservatory restaurant with excellent food and wine and comfortable lounges to relax and have your coffee. See you there?
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Herm truly is the jewel in the Channel Islands crown - the peace, tranquility, stunning beaches and spectacular views offer a complete getaway from the pace of modern life and the only hotel on the island, the White House, is an absolute gem.

We have stayed at the White House Hotel on several occasions in the past 2 /3 years and the food in the restaurant has always been superb, comparable to our favourite 4* hotels here in Jersey, the rooms are perfect with the staff achieving that perfect balance of giving both a professional and friendly service at all times. On our last visit a couple of weeks ago, after the return ferry journey to Guernsey we were unfortunate enough to experience someone carelessly picking up one of our cases instead of his own (despite their being different sizes and clearly identifiable from the labels) as he disembarked. By the time we were getting off and realized what must have happened, he had left the harbour leaving us with a taxi driver waiting to take us up to the airport but minus one case. Fortunately Heidi, one of the hotel receptionists, was on the ferry going to Guernsey on her day off. Noticing we had a problem, she came over to establish what had happened, rang the hotel, was able to confirm which party this person was with and get the hotel to ring him and ask him to call us urgently. Even once this person confirmed he would return to the harbour with our case, despite my telling her to go and enjoy her day off, she insisted on staying with us until we were reunited with our case saying she considered it was still the responsibility of the hotel. She waited with us for a further 15 minutes until our case was returned to us. That is definitely service of “going the extra mile.”

We are already planning our two holidays there next year.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent just two nights at the White House this summer and loved it so much.

Our room was in Foxglove cottage and was huge. Not having a TV or 'phone in the room was brilliant , and this plus the lack of cars of the island makes for a super relaxing break.

There was a cider festival on while we were there and my husband really enjoyed trying ciders and real ales from around the UK.

Herm itself is fabulous with large uncrowded spotlessly clean beaches.

Highly recommend this hotel.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came to Herm 16 years ago and have returned every year. The White House has changed staff and decor but the same friendly, accommodating, welcoming atmposhpere greets you every time. It is a timeless gem and once experienced, never forgotten. We hope that we will be able to come to Herm Island every year and know that our children will continue with that tradition.

Alex N
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have travelled to many places around the world which were fantastic, but you don't need to go further than The White House Hotel in Herm to find peace, tranqulity and the opportunity to totally recharge your batteries. As you step on the local ferry, you start to feel the stress of daily life, and although it takes me about a day to slow down and really feel at peace, there is no-where else that I have found quite like it. As you walk around the east coast on a sunny day and see the view over Shell Beach it is as good as any tropical beach - without the mosquitos and sharks. Belvoir beach is sheltered bliss despite a windy day, and if the wind does blow in, then there are beaches on the other side of the island that are sheltered.

The hotel itself if friendly and not too big. If you want 6* opulance, don't bother - but if you like peace, quiet and comfort then this is the place for you. The rooms are all clean and comfortable and well appointed with everything you could want except a TV - but there is a radio with radio 4. I have only once seen a TV in the hotel, and that was for the Wimbledon final - and it was swiftly gone agin. If you really cannot do without TV, then you can get i-player using the free wi-fi in your room, but please keep the volume down for the rest of us.

Herm is somewhere where you wake up early, go for a stroll, enjoy the walks and head for bed early - although there are public rooms where you can drink and chat the evening away. Long walks on the cliffs are definately recommended - not only are the cliffs and wildlife fabulous, you also need to work off the wonderful meals.

Single travellers are made to feel very welcome, and their is a friendly atmosphere where you can talk to other people, but still do your own thing.

Try it once, and like many of us you will return!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We made our first visit to this 'paradise' some 35 years ago, together with our 6 year old son. We returned for a number of years and then took a break until returning in 2006 and 2007. After a somewhat hectic year my wife and I returned in early September, this year.

Changes to the island were viewed from afar via the Internet and we were very keen to see for ourselves. Aspects that did not need a change, thankfully, have not been changed. The quality of food and drink that is available is of a very high standard. The service and attention by staff, in all areas, is exemplary - genuine 'service with a smile'.

The Hotel and island in general are maintained to a very high standard, in particular cleanliness.

It would be very fair to say that missing TV for a number of days is no problem, in fact it is a blessing!

Previous visits have been made in the height of Summer, when the island is very busy all week. This year we saw it in a different light, even at the time of the Cider and Ale Festival.

Although you need to share your experiences with others, you would prefer to keep it a 'secret'!! Not everyone would appreciate the peace and tranquility, but thank goodness the Herm of 30 / 40 years ago is still the same in 2012.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our family of four stayed several days on Herm at the White House Hotel. Our stay just could not have been better and Sion the hotel manager could not have been more helpful and resourceful for things to do while there. I cannot wait to go back! Well worth every penny and then some! Although I agree the hotel is a little dated in decor, the service and general atmosphere more than made up for it.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have stayed at the White House for many years, celebrated my 40th there and organised many corporate functions in their marquee and I have never been disappointed. The staff are fantastic and always go the extra mile, they are also great with kids. The island is safe and the kids have freedom that they wont enjoy at other destinations, though it goes without saying that kids should behave well as some of the residents have been going for years and are on the older side.

I have stayed there in the the height of summer and also near the end and at the beginning of the season and each visit has lived up to expectation. Advice to any potential visitors is to be realistic in your expectations this is hotel on a small island that relies on boats to bring in food, new staff each season to add to the long serving staff members so at the start of the season whilst the new staff get the hang of things, service can be a bit slow (although they always receive intensive training before the hotel opens). It is a quiet, quaint hotel with all the old world charm that you would expect. If you are looking for modern boutique hi tech hotel this wont be for you. If you are looking at getting away from it all, with beautiful scenary, spotlessly clean rooms, great food and fantastic service this is the jewel in the crown. Can thoroughly recommend it and am already looking forward to my next visit. Also a quick thanks to Jonathan, Sion and all the team for making my 40th birthday weekend very special indeed the whole family had a great time.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We felt compelled to write having read some of the recent negative comments from certain visitors to the Island.
Whilst we agree that it is unfortunate that these people have had a bad experience, a sense of proportion should be maintained. For the majority of visitors Herm is and always will be a perfect holiday paradise, evidenced by the number of families and individuals who return year in, year out to enjoy the peace and the pampering, the fun and friendships. We have invariably found the staff, whether regular or seasonal, to be helpful, caring and attentive to the needs of guests.
Each year when we arrive it is like meeting up with old friends again - of how many places could that be said we wonder?! For most in our family party 2012 was our umpteenth consecutive year on Herm and we are certainly not alone.We will all be back in 2013!
We also applaud the way that the new owners have introduced changes subtly and sympathetically to Herm in the past 4 years, while consciously seeking to maintain the spirit and character of the Island with which we regulars are familiar and which we value so much. The recent redecorating of all the rooms has been especially welcome.
So while we sympathise with those who do not share our enthusiasm and love of Herm, we very much suspect they are in a (very small) minority. We would prefer to once again reiterate our heartfelt thanks to those who live and work on Herm for whom our happiness, comfort and relaxation is a labour of love.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited Herm Island as a family, at least once a year, for more than twenty years. Our children were very small when we first visited, and we enjoyed the safety and cleanliness of the beaches, exploring rock pools, collecting shells, and moving tons of sand! Subsequent visits, often including grandparents, form the basis of many happy childhood memories. And still we continue to visit, as a family, and hope to do so for years to come. There is a reassuring timelessness about The White House Hotel where we stay. Comfortable bedrooms, a consistently good restaurant (with excellent and extensive wine list), and friendly and personalised service. The island is clean, well maintained, and efficiently run. Some things are quirky...you won't find a power shower for example. No television means there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy conversation, read, play board games, or simply sit and be still. This is a real island, where imagination knows no limit.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The complacency I experienced at the White House can be measured by the Manager not responding to my formal letter of complaint. It is too late now!
The receptionist was unfriendly and failed to advise on the facilities available for meals, in particular that there was large party booked in for the next night, therefore unless you booked there would be no food available other than the pub food. In the event the pub food was atrocious and I could not eat it.
There were ants all over my room and in my bed, the room clearly had not been cleaned properly.
Herm was beautiful but the White House is a no no!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This hotel and restaurant are a delight in a world which otherwise is largely comprised of 'plastic wood' and blatantly reheated microwaveable food.
The White House Hotel is not 'boutique', it is 'unique'. Sure, the floorboards are a bit creaky in places, but the overwhelming effect is that one is resident in a proper hotel. A hotel which prides itself on unobtrusive service, comfort thoughout, and that most precious of products -guest satisfaction. Nothing is too great a problem for the committed staff to help you with. As I said - The White House is a proper hotel. There is a first class beach/harbourside location on a beautiful island, peace, beautiful restful lounges, a bar, a games room, a pool, beautiful gardens, and of course a wonderfully run and provisioned restaurant with a first class kitchen.
Staff throughout the building blend into the background unless you require their service - at which point they are there for you, displaying a calm yet attentive manner. Yes, it is peaceful, but that is what you come to Herm Island for. If you seek noise and all night clubbing then clearly Herm Island is not the place for you.
The restaurant provides full board if you wish it, with both Luncheon and Dinner comprising 4 courses or more. Again the staff are by no means overbearing or fussy, but ensure that your every need is met without delay. The food is varied and there is always a good choice. The quality is superb. There is flair and tradition blended skillfully into mouth-watering dishes. Food for all tastes. And a proper cheeseboard. The wine is served by a sommelier who NEVER infers that he knows best (even though he does). At no point do the staff become more important than the customer or the food.
The rooms are clean and well appointed with wonderful sea views. If you visit The White House you will be able to relax safe in the knowledge that your every need will be met.
Thank you you to all management and staff for contributing to a wonderful holiday/break, and for being thoroughly approachable and pleasant.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Herm Island is one of those best kept secrets that you only share with really good friends! It is very small, with very little there, which is a major part of the attraction. The beaches are beautiful - white, fine sand reminiscent of the med or caribbean. There are a couple of little beach tea shops on the far side of the island and some camp-sites dotted across the central part of the island. And that is it! Apart from the main attraction of course - namely The White House Hotel. The hotel comprises the main building (just two stories) and a selection of small cottages that have been converted into quite big and comfortable hotel rooms.
The down-side on our trip was to find that we were surrounded by young families (ages from -1 to early teens) - it was the August Bank Holiday so in some ways we should have known.
Prices for the rooms were very reasonable and the meals were reasonably priced on the whole, considering that everything has to be brought across on the ferry. Some things are pricey, such as drinks, but it tends to balance out overall.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Herme island was lovely, much nicer than I expected....rather like a tropical island. We had previously spent a few nights in Guernsey which was very busy and were looking forward to the peace and tranquility of Herm as promised in the brochure. We stayed two nights on Herm and when we arrived we practicaly had the island to ourselves which was absolutely fantastic. However, on the next day which was a Friday crowds(for a festival?) of people arrived and the peace and tranquility was shattered.
When we arrived at the white house, which seems to be the only hotel on the island, we went to check in at reception and were met by a very unfriendly receptionist . The receptionist did not give us any information about any other restaurants and failed to explain that because it was a busy weekend we should bookinto the restaurant on Friday evening too. Consequently we could not get into a restaurant on the Friday and ended up in the onlyother place which was a pub and where our meal was inedible.
Our room was infested with ants although we were unaware of this until our second night. We complained about this in the morning before we left and again the receptionist was unfriendly and distant giving a perfunctionary"sorry about that" and nothing else. Not even a thankyou for alerting them to the problem.
I did like the island but would not go back there again as our experience in the hotel was dissapointing.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a regular visitor to Herm Island, I find it hard to convey the attractions of an Island so small to other people. Telling someone how much I enjoy a place with no street lights, cars, TVs, hustle and bustle etc always has a reaction of how boring! In reality, getting away from it all is so so relaxing I cant explain it. Anyone I have ever taken has fell in love with this place and I dont know of anyone who hasnt returned. The combination of ways to stay offered by the Island is fantastic. Whether you hir or take your own tent to the Seagull Campsite, stay in the hotel, rent a self catering cottage such as the Mermaid or Fishermans... the choices are endless. The hotel offers excellent food and the Mermaid Tavern has fantastic pub grub and also The Blackrock Restaurant on site. The bar itself is run by a fantastic team headed by Tom and assisted by Craig and run like clockwork. The staff around the Island are professional from top to bottom. Clean as a whistle, kept perfectly. You could be anywhere in the world in Herm, but you are an hour away from the UK. In one word, IDEAL.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been visiting Herm for a long time as I am a guernsey boat owner.
I would love to say that this year, the food is the best it has ever been, the standard has greatly improved and the variety and selection is very impressive. The bar staff are friendly and welcoming and I cant praise their hard work enough. It is a special treat to dine there for all the family, and such a good idea to serve food all day.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love Herm
Stayed at this hotel in the main building 6 years ago
Main hotel rooms then seemed dated
We stayed in the Cottage Rooms this time
Decor, views and ambience all fantastic

Really good and will come back next year
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A 20 mins ferry ride from Guernsey transports you to Herm a small beautiful island near Sark. The hotel setting is idyllic; the beaches long, golden, sandy, clean with amazing views over to Alderney, Guernsey, Sark, Jersey and the French coast. Going to Herm is like taking a step back in time, no TV's-just a beautiful island where you can walk, take it easy on the beach or chill out by the hotel; either by the pool in the garden or the gardens at the front of the hotel. Bedrooms are spacious and the views are simply breathtaking. The views of the sunset from the dining room are absolutley amazing. Staff are extremely helpful and friendly and are a definite asset to the hotel. The food was very good, we had some really excellent meals, the highlight being the lobster lunch on the beach at Alderney Point which, along with a few bottles of chilled Sancerre, was brought to us by quad bike by hotel staff. We will definitley go back and recommend that you do too!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to eat when you're on Herm. Varied food from pub grub, to brasserie, to lava rocks where you cook your food yourself on volcanic rocks.
They also have a barbecue at weekends and they have a snack bar where you can buy ice cream, crisps and drinks.
We ate there six out of our seven nights on the island and every meal was excellent - especially the salads.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited last night for dinner with some friends. The whole experience was excellent. Very attentive staff, lovely surroundings and amazing food. All very well presented and possibly the best steak I have ever had.
Even with the boat trip across I still don't think it is any more expensive than a night out in one of the good restaurants in town.
Tables are well spaced apart which is unusual these days.
We will be back soon.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Staying at the White House is a unique experience. It has a charm that is hard to describe. The staff are exceptionally pleasant and helpful and the food is imaginative and well served. Our room was delightful and we see the fact there is no TV in the room as a bonus - it would let the 21st century into the special world that is Herm ! The gardens are a lovely place to sit in the sun and if the weather is bad there is nothing nicer than to have tea and read your book in front of the cosy fire. It says a lot when almost every other guest you speak to tells you how many times they have been there before ! The beaches are superb, the cliff paths spectacular and the woodland walks so pretty.There is nowhere like Herm and the White House has an atmosphere that blends in perfectly with the magic of the island. We can't wait to go back again - we get 'Herm-sick' if we stay away too long !
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a wonderful stay in Harbour Cottage opposite the hotel. The cottage was really well appointed and recently refurbished with quality fixtures and fittings. We dined at the Ship restaurant where Sion, the hotel manager spent time explaining what must be the best wine list I have seen in years. The food (and wine) was superb and service exemplary.
This is definitely a new Herm Island and the current management are making sure quality is not sacrificed for quantity. Everything was perfect, even the sun made an appearance!...we would not hesitate to recommend the White House to anyone, it was fantastic, thank you.
thebestof.co.uk
Source: thebestof.co.uk
We stayed at the White House for two nights - a special all in flight/ferry/hotel package - and really enjoyed it. The hotel staff were very attentive and helpful and we loved the food. The atmosphere is such that you feel very much at ease. Our room was very comfortable and clean. No TV only a radio but tea and coffee served in the lounge free of charge. Two nights was just right to see the island and we took a trip on the Island Rib Voyages rigid inflatable boat around the island and saw seals and puffins. Recommend the trip. We also walked around the island and although the weather was not too kind - quite misty - we loved the changing views. There are two beach cafes offering snacks and ice creams! The ferry comes to the island several times a day and visiting tourists arrive but by the evening they are gone so if you are looking for a peaceful and magical place to stay then the White House Hotel and Herm Island deliver!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another wonderful stay at our favourite place. Fantastic hotel on what is a wonderful island. The staff are always helpful, and nothing ever seems too much trouble. Food in the restaurant this year was even better than last year. We love the fact that children can do high tea, leaving us to have grown up meals child free every evening. We also love the fact that there is no TV in the hotel, giving the whole family time to chat and read (and of course listen to BBC Radio Guernsey, an experience in itself). Our review does not do it justice - as we said at the start, this is our favourite place.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From the moment we arrived at the Trident booking office and found that our fare was included to the moment we left we felt that we were exceedingly well treated. I had just been in hospital and it was wonderful to have our cases taken from us and not having to touch them until they arrived in our room. The staff could not do enough to help us. Our room was fantastic with a wonderful view over the sea to Guernsey. It was really good not to have a television in the room and be able to spend time listening to the radio. Once the day visitors left it was absolute tranquillity. My wife and our friend were able to explore places we had not been before, we have been making day trips to Herm over the last thirty years while visiting Guernsey, while I took the flat paths. The gardens are splendid and I managed to explore the woodland walk which was beautiful.
The breakfast and dinner were superb and we are grateful to Holly and Tom for looking after us at meal time. We only needed a snack between breakfast and dinner, however, we did indulge in the delicious cream team in front of the roaring fire one afternoon.
Thank you so much for looking after us so well, the three day bluebell break is not long enough so we shall be adding an extra day next time.
thebestof.co.uk
Source: thebestof.co.uk
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Tranquil tourist hideaway Herm Island recently unveiled their brand new website, with lots of fantastic new photos showing the island's beauty, plus special offers, online accommodation booking, and a... Read article
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