Local Reviews
In July 2010, uptheshots said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Only stayed 1 night between Sark and UK but was very impressed by staff and facilities at the hotel. The check in staff were excellent, the maintenance man found a board for my bed to help my back, and the room was generally well equipped and comfortable. The waitress and the food at the Palm Court restaurant was excellent and reasonably priced. I was astonished when a member of the check in staff took us to the airport rather than booking a taxi. Extra features- intersting and beautiful gardens and views out to sea.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2010, PatsyHolmfirth said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Third visit to Guernsey and second to this hotel. Once again, lovely relaxing break (helped along by the perfect weather conditions), lovely staff, lovely room, lovely food. My only complaint was we couldnt stay any longer. Did overhear some moans at breakfast about service being a bit slow - it was fairly busy and everyone seemed to turn up for breakfast at the same time. However, sitting outside in the sunshine for a little longer looking at the lovely view was no hardship and I have no complaints regarding the service. Definitely going back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2010, KentManKent said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We spent 6 nights in a Platinum Double room on the first floor of the main hotel building. The room was comfortable and stylishly decorated and furnished, with an excellent bathroom, but not especially large for their top price room. It had a glimpse of the sea at the bottom of the valley.
Food was very good and beautifully presented and both it and the wine were reasonably priced (unlike the "Perfect Pimms" at £7.95 each). The weather was so warm that most meals were taken on their imaginatively designed terraces overlooking the lower gardens and, in some cases, with a distant sea view. Breakfast was an excellent buffet, supplement by hot food to order (a perfect combination). Service in the Brasserie was generally excellent, except for one morning when we waited 40 minutes for our hot food order. We chased it 3 times and, on the third occasion, were told that there was no batter for the pancakes - they could have told us that 40 minutes earlier! Our irritation was duly noticed and, at dinner that evening, we received profuse apologies not only from our waitress but also from the 2 restaurant managers.
All the staff we dealt with were charming and very helpful, especially in an unexpected medical emergency.
The hotel is on the flight path into the airport about 2 miles away, but the planes are relatively small and not that frequent.
It's a great spot for touring Guernsey and, we thought, very good value for money. The hotel will arange a discounted package, including flights and car hire.
Food was very good and beautifully presented and both it and the wine were reasonably priced (unlike the "Perfect Pimms" at £7.95 each). The weather was so warm that most meals were taken on their imaginatively designed terraces overlooking the lower gardens and, in some cases, with a distant sea view. Breakfast was an excellent buffet, supplement by hot food to order (a perfect combination). Service in the Brasserie was generally excellent, except for one morning when we waited 40 minutes for our hot food order. We chased it 3 times and, on the third occasion, were told that there was no batter for the pancakes - they could have told us that 40 minutes earlier! Our irritation was duly noticed and, at dinner that evening, we received profuse apologies not only from our waitress but also from the 2 restaurant managers.
All the staff we dealt with were charming and very helpful, especially in an unexpected medical emergency.
The hotel is on the flight path into the airport about 2 miles away, but the planes are relatively small and not that frequent.
It's a great spot for touring Guernsey and, we thought, very good value for money. The hotel will arange a discounted package, including flights and car hire.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2010, Flak999 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
My wife and I stayed at the Fermain Valley for four nights from the 13th to the 16th of July as part of a two island break to the Channel Islands.
The hotel is located on the east of the island of Guernsey close to St Peter port at the head of a valley which runs down to the secluded beach of Fermain Bay.
The location is beautiful and the hotel is a lovely old building with a tasteful new wing and terrace overlooking the valley and the sea. We had booked a double gold room with balcony which was furnished in a New England style and painted in light pastel colours.
The room was well appointed with all the usual refinements one would expect from a four star establishment. A nice touch was the half decanter of complimentary sherry provided.
We had a slight problem with the safe in our room which would not open, but a quick call to reception had this remedied very speedily.
Our room opened through double doors on to our private balcony overlooking the valley and the sea. One minor problem that future guests need to consider is that the hotel lies directly under the flight path to Guernsey airport and aircraft start to fly over at about 6am. Light sleepers beware!
Other amenities offered by the hotel is a small cinema and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Unfortunately, now comes the criticism. We dined each night in the hotel brasserie, and I have to say that the whole experience of eating at this hotel was ruined by the totally inept service provided by the restaurant staff! It got to the point that when you presented yourself for a meal you wondered just what awaited you. On three separate occasions we booked a table with the staff in the morning only to find no record of our booking when we came to eat, one of these occasions was with the restaurant manager!
Drinks orders where ignored or forgotten, Wines which were on the menu were unavailable, Menus were presented and choices made only to be told that the item was unavailable! Waiting staff wandered around with meals unsure of which table they belonged to, One waiter was heard to swear as he passed our table! Guests were kept waiting ages for food, bread was not offered or replenished and a jug of water delivered to our table was literally straight from the tap, unchilled with no ice. Specific requests regarding menu items were ignored, the wait for food bordered on the ridiculous. all in all it was a disaster! For a four star hotel to provide such a lack luster and inept performance is frankly astonishing!
Travellers reading reviews of this hotel will find similar comments to this in other reviews, with assertions from the management that these issues would be addressed, all I can say is that they had not been when we stayed there. it would seem to me that either the restaurant management needs changing or the staff need a lot more training!
We addressed our concern and disappointment to the hotel duty manager on the day we left and she assured us that our concerns would be acted upon. I hope that they are, this hotel has the capacity to be very good, it is in a lovely location and has much to recommend it, however it is sadly let down by its restaurant operation and I could not in all conscience recommend it.
The hotel is located on the east of the island of Guernsey close to St Peter port at the head of a valley which runs down to the secluded beach of Fermain Bay.
The location is beautiful and the hotel is a lovely old building with a tasteful new wing and terrace overlooking the valley and the sea. We had booked a double gold room with balcony which was furnished in a New England style and painted in light pastel colours.
The room was well appointed with all the usual refinements one would expect from a four star establishment. A nice touch was the half decanter of complimentary sherry provided.
We had a slight problem with the safe in our room which would not open, but a quick call to reception had this remedied very speedily.
Our room opened through double doors on to our private balcony overlooking the valley and the sea. One minor problem that future guests need to consider is that the hotel lies directly under the flight path to Guernsey airport and aircraft start to fly over at about 6am. Light sleepers beware!
Other amenities offered by the hotel is a small cinema and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Unfortunately, now comes the criticism. We dined each night in the hotel brasserie, and I have to say that the whole experience of eating at this hotel was ruined by the totally inept service provided by the restaurant staff! It got to the point that when you presented yourself for a meal you wondered just what awaited you. On three separate occasions we booked a table with the staff in the morning only to find no record of our booking when we came to eat, one of these occasions was with the restaurant manager!
Drinks orders where ignored or forgotten, Wines which were on the menu were unavailable, Menus were presented and choices made only to be told that the item was unavailable! Waiting staff wandered around with meals unsure of which table they belonged to, One waiter was heard to swear as he passed our table! Guests were kept waiting ages for food, bread was not offered or replenished and a jug of water delivered to our table was literally straight from the tap, unchilled with no ice. Specific requests regarding menu items were ignored, the wait for food bordered on the ridiculous. all in all it was a disaster! For a four star hotel to provide such a lack luster and inept performance is frankly astonishing!
Travellers reading reviews of this hotel will find similar comments to this in other reviews, with assertions from the management that these issues would be addressed, all I can say is that they had not been when we stayed there. it would seem to me that either the restaurant management needs changing or the staff need a lot more training!
We addressed our concern and disappointment to the hotel duty manager on the day we left and she assured us that our concerns would be acted upon. I hope that they are, this hotel has the capacity to be very good, it is in a lovely location and has much to recommend it, however it is sadly let down by its restaurant operation and I could not in all conscience recommend it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2010, VOB72 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We stayed at The Fermain Valley Hotel in July and had a very relaxing holiday in lovely surroundings. However, for a four-star hotel and the price bracket, I feel there are a couple of shortalls, some of which are admittedly beyond the Hotel's control e.g. the air craft noise, but others could be addressed quite easily.
Hotel Staff & Service - very efficient, poilite and helpful - especially Gemma and Gavin on reception desk.
Restaurant - The Palm Court restuarant closed a week before we arrived - very disappointing as this was one of the main reasons we chose this hotel. However, the Brasserie offers a good and varied menu with good sized portions available at similar prices to those throughout comparable restaurants on the island. Breakfast also served here - good selection of hot & cold options.
Restaurant Staff - As highlighted by other reviewers, the service is hit & miss. Orders sometimes incorreclty taken or simply forgotten about. Some staff more amenable than others. Not as good as what you would expect in such an establishment and needs improvement.
Lounges/Library - Quiet, comfortable spacious rooms off reception, great for reading the newspapers or palying board games. Computer room with 2 computers and free internet access. Usefull diversion for children.
Pool & Sauna - Small but very clean and adequate. Compared to other 4 star hotels on the island, this hotel lacks a spa & treatment facility.
Room Service - Excellent and very thorough. Good variety and constant replenishment of teas/coffee/hot chocolate, fresh fruit & decanter of sherry. 'Aveda' toiletries also kept in plentiful supply.
The Bedroom - We stayed in a second floor Gold room with a sea view and balcony. Sea View is a 'side' view but very pleasant nonetheless. Good size balcony with 2 chairs and table. Room nicely decorated and supplied with kettle, hair dryer, iron & board, safe, TV, easy-chairs, small table and desk - a little crowded though. The room was smaller than I had expected, and the smallest I have stayed in given the star rating. The bed and bed linen was very comfortable but the bed-spread was scagged and needed replcement, and the curtains were torn and threadbare due to sun exposure. Such things are not expected in this price bracket.
Now for the biggest problem - these rooms get extremely warm and stuffy, despite the temperature during our stay only being between 19 - 23 degrees with intermittent sun/cloud. Unless you want to keep your balcony door open all day and night, the only respite is a small window. These rooms desperately need air conditioning or at the very least a ceiling fan. We found the nights uncomfortably warm and didn't sleep at all well as a result. Reception staff supplied a small (but inadequate) desk fan free of charge when we complained but this issue really needs to be addressed by management because it would prevent me staying at this hotel again. And that would be a shame.
The aeroplanes - Unbeknown to us beforehand, the Hotel is on the flight path into the airport and the planes are very low and noisy when they pass over the hotel from around 7 am in the morning. The fact we had to sleep with our door open due to the above-mentioned problem means unwelcome early morning wake up calls! The traffic ebbs and flows throughout the day and you get used to it, but it does spoil the overall peace and tranquility of an otherwise idyllic setting.
I would recommend this hotel to a frend but only if the lack of air conditioning problem is addressed and also if they didn't mind the presence of low, overhead aircraft!
Hotel Staff & Service - very efficient, poilite and helpful - especially Gemma and Gavin on reception desk.
Restaurant - The Palm Court restuarant closed a week before we arrived - very disappointing as this was one of the main reasons we chose this hotel. However, the Brasserie offers a good and varied menu with good sized portions available at similar prices to those throughout comparable restaurants on the island. Breakfast also served here - good selection of hot & cold options.
Restaurant Staff - As highlighted by other reviewers, the service is hit & miss. Orders sometimes incorreclty taken or simply forgotten about. Some staff more amenable than others. Not as good as what you would expect in such an establishment and needs improvement.
Lounges/Library - Quiet, comfortable spacious rooms off reception, great for reading the newspapers or palying board games. Computer room with 2 computers and free internet access. Usefull diversion for children.
Pool & Sauna - Small but very clean and adequate. Compared to other 4 star hotels on the island, this hotel lacks a spa & treatment facility.
Room Service - Excellent and very thorough. Good variety and constant replenishment of teas/coffee/hot chocolate, fresh fruit & decanter of sherry. 'Aveda' toiletries also kept in plentiful supply.
The Bedroom - We stayed in a second floor Gold room with a sea view and balcony. Sea View is a 'side' view but very pleasant nonetheless. Good size balcony with 2 chairs and table. Room nicely decorated and supplied with kettle, hair dryer, iron & board, safe, TV, easy-chairs, small table and desk - a little crowded though. The room was smaller than I had expected, and the smallest I have stayed in given the star rating. The bed and bed linen was very comfortable but the bed-spread was scagged and needed replcement, and the curtains were torn and threadbare due to sun exposure. Such things are not expected in this price bracket.
Now for the biggest problem - these rooms get extremely warm and stuffy, despite the temperature during our stay only being between 19 - 23 degrees with intermittent sun/cloud. Unless you want to keep your balcony door open all day and night, the only respite is a small window. These rooms desperately need air conditioning or at the very least a ceiling fan. We found the nights uncomfortably warm and didn't sleep at all well as a result. Reception staff supplied a small (but inadequate) desk fan free of charge when we complained but this issue really needs to be addressed by management because it would prevent me staying at this hotel again. And that would be a shame.
The aeroplanes - Unbeknown to us beforehand, the Hotel is on the flight path into the airport and the planes are very low and noisy when they pass over the hotel from around 7 am in the morning. The fact we had to sleep with our door open due to the above-mentioned problem means unwelcome early morning wake up calls! The traffic ebbs and flows throughout the day and you get used to it, but it does spoil the overall peace and tranquility of an otherwise idyllic setting.
I would recommend this hotel to a frend but only if the lack of air conditioning problem is addressed and also if they didn't mind the presence of low, overhead aircraft!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2010, Harvey03 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We appreciated the transport to and from the Hotel.Delightful room which was serviced to a high standard. We enjoyed the food in the Brasserie where we found the professional Restaurant Manager and his staff to be polite and efficient. However we must say that we found the decor in the Brasserie to be rather disappointing. The dark colour scheme together with the low ceilling and stone floor made it rather oppressive, and it lacked any ambience; not quite what we expected for a four star Hotel.....we have stayed in many ! Having said that we will certainly return for another visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2010, Hollybeak said about Fermain Valley Hotel
This was a very special time for us as it was our 30th wedding anniversary and from the moment we entered the hotel we were made to feel very much "at home".Nothing was to much trouble for any of the staff .On Reception Sarah, Nicola ,Jemma and Richard were always smiling and helpfull even at the end of thier shifts. The food was superb on every occasion and it was a joy to be greeted every morning by Babu, Mario Sabrina andCatrina and have our every want swiftly and efficiently supplied Lunch time was the same.In the evening Dinner was made an occasion with Neil ,Rachael and Daniel quickly serving our orders with just the right amount of friendly conversation The complimentary turn down service we highly recommend The gift of a complimentary Bottle of Champagne left in our room was a wonderful surpriseand was totally unexpected and just added to our enjoyment All in all a never to be forgotten experience The hotel is set in a stunning location and the views are breathtaking .We loved the tranquil gardens with lots of shady seats to take your ease ,which was needed after walking up the very steep incline from Fermain Bay (it also took your breath away) As we love walking we can recommend the Routes Tranquille shown on the free walking map we also enjoyed The Little Chapel what a labour of love to complete this little jem The bus service around the island was so good that it rendered the car positively useless
A very big thanks to all the staff
A very big thanks to all the staff
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2010, seasonedtraveller074 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
What a joy to have discovered this Treasure so near to home! We loved everything about this hotel and just wish our 3 day stay could have been longer. Only 1/2 hr's. flight from Southampton and we felt "abroad", with the benefits of UK currency and language(sorry!). The staff were so helpful and caring, the food fantastic and the ambience of the hotel luxuriously restful without fussy pretentiousness. Can't wait to return!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2010, emmandjay said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Stayed on a 2 night package which included flights, car hire and a restaurant meal.This was excellent value for money as our room had also been upgraded to one with a sea view and balcony.
The hotel is beautifully decorated throughout with modern, airy bedrooms, comfortable guest lounges and large outdoor terraces with stunning views of the gardens and sea. It was only a ten minute walk down the hill to Fermain beach, where there is a nice cafe.
We can't fault the level of service - Gemma on reception gave us a tour of the hotel before showing us around our room. In fact, all the staff we dealt with were friendly, efficient and welcoming.
We ate in the Valley Brasserie and the food quality and presentation were excellent, with a good choice of menu together with daily specials.
Loved our stay - would definitely return.
The hotel is beautifully decorated throughout with modern, airy bedrooms, comfortable guest lounges and large outdoor terraces with stunning views of the gardens and sea. It was only a ten minute walk down the hill to Fermain beach, where there is a nice cafe.
We can't fault the level of service - Gemma on reception gave us a tour of the hotel before showing us around our room. In fact, all the staff we dealt with were friendly, efficient and welcoming.
We ate in the Valley Brasserie and the food quality and presentation were excellent, with a good choice of menu together with daily specials.
Loved our stay - would definitely return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2010, Richard H said about Fermain Valley Hotel
This hotel was not what we expected compared with what the brochure promised. The Garden view rooms, whilst having said view, are close to the busy main road. The rooms in the main body of the hotel vary enormously in size. Our friends Gold room was a lot smaller than anticipated based on the brochure.
There is now only one restaurant, and although the food was excellent, the service was appaling. Do not expect anything in a reasonable time, that is assuming they remember what you ordered in the first place!
Contrasting this the reception staff were absolutely first class. Nothing was too much trouble. The room staff were also quite good although occassionally little things were missed such as refilling tea and coffee.
As mentioned in other reviews, one must be prepared for an early morning wake-up as the hotel sits under the flight path to the airport.
Whilst Guernsey is a beautiful island and we will almost certainly return, it is unlikely to be to this hotel.
There is now only one restaurant, and although the food was excellent, the service was appaling. Do not expect anything in a reasonable time, that is assuming they remember what you ordered in the first place!
Contrasting this the reception staff were absolutely first class. Nothing was too much trouble. The room staff were also quite good although occassionally little things were missed such as refilling tea and coffee.
As mentioned in other reviews, one must be prepared for an early morning wake-up as the hotel sits under the flight path to the airport.
Whilst Guernsey is a beautiful island and we will almost certainly return, it is unlikely to be to this hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk