In June 2008, Freddie47 said:
Two factors influenced our choosing this Hotel: the photos of the lovely gardens in which the property is set; and its close proximity to St Peter Port. Upon arrival, first impressions of the Hotel were favourable. There is a small tinkling fountain in front of the entrance to Reception, the grounds looked well tended, and there is plenty of Car Parking space. The staff member who booked us in was helpful and smartly turned out, and the Public Rooms upon the ground floor are in good decorative order.
Our room was a Junior Suite overlooking the lake, which boasts an impressive jet fountain. Very restful to listen to upon a warm day: but it is only operational when the Hotel is hosting an event.
Our room and bathroom had been decorated fairly recently, with all mod cons. Flat screen TV, DVD player, Mini Bar/Fridge, and small safe which was free of charge to use. We had two comfortable easy chairs and a table, in front of the Patio Doors.
All grades of accommodation have these doors, and just the doors: there are no windows. Slightly inconvenient if one wants a small breath of fresh air, overnight. Facilities do not extend to in room air conditioning. But that is a minor gripe! What previous reviews have said about the dated bathrooms in standard rooms is correct( we peeked in several as they were being prepared for new arrivals) and the avocado is still very much in evidence!
Our bathroom had a white suite, with Power Shower over the bath, and ample shelf space.
I agree with previous comments regarding the evening meals.
The Victor Hugo a la carte Restaurant is closed until further notice, and guests must eat in Cafe Renoir: and, as its' name suggests, it was not created with the notion of catering for regular evening dining. Situated on the lower ground floor, the windows overlook the Childrens playground and Tennis Courts: hardly a picturesque view. The Set Menu does indeed become repetitive, and we too had to look to the a la Carte towards the end of our 6 night stay.(Supplement applies)
A word or two about the staff in Cafe Renoir:mostly language students, and some more customer orientated than others.
You make your Dinner booking for the next day as you go out, and supposedly pick the table of your choice: but it is not uncommon to turn up and find that you have been bumped off, in favour of another guest. The Restaurant Manager,(described as rude by a previous reviewer,) struck us as an oily individual, who showed favouritism: he fawned over some guests, whilst pointedly ignoring others.The layout of the Health Club isn't exactly ideal: showers close to the pool, but the lockers in another room, down a long corridor.And the Jacuzzi isn't in proper working order. Lovely warm water, but very little bubbles. A local gentleman member of the Club, told us that it had 'lost its' oomph', and had been like that for some time.
The Hotel has many good points, and it is an easy 15 minute drive into St Peter Port. Well situated for touring the rest of the island, and for using the capital as a stepping stone for trips to the islands of Herm and Sark: both to be recommended.
However, the Management's attitude to guests welfare is best illustrated by the note which we found had been pushed under our room door, upon our return from an outing,on our last day.We had left at 11 in the morning, and returned at 4 p.m. This missive advised us that the Hotel was hosting a Wedding Reception that night, and that regrettably some degee of noise would be experienced: until 12-45 am.The music belted out two floors directly beneath us, and was deafening.
We had to get up early next day to catch the Ferry to Poole, with a long drive home at the other end. Had the Hotel informed us earlier of the impending celebrations, we would have had the chance to seek alternative accommodation.
Surely a courtesy, as the Reception had obviously been booked with more than a few hours' notice?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk