Local Reviews
In July 2013, johnpetersfield said about Fermain Valley Hotel
It is very difficult to find any fault with this hotel. We had a gold room 31 with a balcony facing down the valley to the sea. It had the noise of a boiler outside but after an initial complaint, it was obviously part of the infrastructure of the building, so nothing could be done to resolve it. However, like a railway at the bottom of your garden, you don't notice it after a while ! That said, the weeks stay was faultless. The breakfasts are some of the best we have ever had; the rooms are spotless and cleaned and renewed every day; the beds are very comfortable and the staff are all efficient an d welcoming. Gavin and Sara at reception dealt with our every need, including organising the hotel shuttle bus to St Peter Port. No real need to hire a car. The bus stop is at the top of the road. Lunch and Dinners are superb at the hotel and the serving staff are super efficient. There is a superb indoor pool and small sun terrace. All in all a very pleasant surprise. We would definitely stay again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2013, margaretandgraham said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We stayed for four nights in a Silver room in The Venue section of the hotel. These rooms are in a separate block from the main part of the hotel, connected by a steep garden path.
The main part of the hotel is beautifully laid out and furnished, with lovely lounges, restaurant, and terrace overlooking the steep garden towards the bay. Staff at the hotel were very friendly and helpful and organised our (complimentary) collection from the airport and return to the airport at the end of our stay. The walk down to Fermain Bay takes a few minutes but is very steep in parts and coming back is a hard slog, takes longer, and is not for those with mobility problems.
Breakfast comprised a wide ranging good quality buffet plus a choice of hot dishes to order. A minor irritation was that, although the Channel islands are famous for their premium dairy products, the hotel chooses to offer only watery fully skimmed milk for breakfast! In my view, this is horrible on cereals and next to useless in coffee. Didn't really understand this aberration as the butter at breakfast was delicious. We enjoyed a couple of simple evening meals from the "lounge" menu, although full table d'hote and a la carte menus are also available in the main restaurant.
We found the repeated trekking to and from our Venue room a bit of a slog, especially the uphill return. Our Silver room was very nicely furnished, including a comfortable bed and nice bathroom. A complimentary decanter of sherry, fresh fruit and local fudge was also a nice touch. However, the room was a bit cramped and cluttered (about 15 sqm excluding the bathroom) with inadequate wardrobe storage. The small in room fridge made a gurgling sound but didn't work despite reporting this to Reception after the first day. The room was very clean except for the exterior of the bedroom window, which was very dirty and obviously had not been cleaned for weeks/months. The rooms do not have air conditioning and therefore it was necessary to have the bedroom window open for much of our stay. This meant a lot of traffic noise early morning and evening from the busy narrow main road running in front of the Venue building, although this did not disturb our sleep unduly.
We enjoyed our break in Guernsey but would not return to a Silver room in the Venue, which we feel are a bit overpriced and overall did not meet our 4 star expectations.
The main part of the hotel is beautifully laid out and furnished, with lovely lounges, restaurant, and terrace overlooking the steep garden towards the bay. Staff at the hotel were very friendly and helpful and organised our (complimentary) collection from the airport and return to the airport at the end of our stay. The walk down to Fermain Bay takes a few minutes but is very steep in parts and coming back is a hard slog, takes longer, and is not for those with mobility problems.
Breakfast comprised a wide ranging good quality buffet plus a choice of hot dishes to order. A minor irritation was that, although the Channel islands are famous for their premium dairy products, the hotel chooses to offer only watery fully skimmed milk for breakfast! In my view, this is horrible on cereals and next to useless in coffee. Didn't really understand this aberration as the butter at breakfast was delicious. We enjoyed a couple of simple evening meals from the "lounge" menu, although full table d'hote and a la carte menus are also available in the main restaurant.
We found the repeated trekking to and from our Venue room a bit of a slog, especially the uphill return. Our Silver room was very nicely furnished, including a comfortable bed and nice bathroom. A complimentary decanter of sherry, fresh fruit and local fudge was also a nice touch. However, the room was a bit cramped and cluttered (about 15 sqm excluding the bathroom) with inadequate wardrobe storage. The small in room fridge made a gurgling sound but didn't work despite reporting this to Reception after the first day. The room was very clean except for the exterior of the bedroom window, which was very dirty and obviously had not been cleaned for weeks/months. The rooms do not have air conditioning and therefore it was necessary to have the bedroom window open for much of our stay. This meant a lot of traffic noise early morning and evening from the busy narrow main road running in front of the Venue building, although this did not disturb our sleep unduly.
We enjoyed our break in Guernsey but would not return to a Silver room in the Venue, which we feel are a bit overpriced and overall did not meet our 4 star expectations.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2013, uptheshots said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We only stayed at this hotel overnight on our way to Sark but it was a very enjoyable if short experience.
All the staff are friendly and efficient and the room was well appointed and comfortable.
The hotel offered a well cooked and tasty dinner and an excellent breakfast.
We must stay for a few days in Guernsey in this hotel next time, rather than rushing off to the neighbouring island of Sark.
Highly recommended.
All the staff are friendly and efficient and the room was well appointed and comfortable.
The hotel offered a well cooked and tasty dinner and an excellent breakfast.
We must stay for a few days in Guernsey in this hotel next time, rather than rushing off to the neighbouring island of Sark.
Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2013, MrnMrsBales said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We were prepared to be underwhelmed by a chintzy experience, but it was actually very nice and not remotely stuffy. We may have been fortunate with the weather, but irrespective, the staff were superb (friendly, accommodating, professional) and the breakfast was very good. A short stroll down the hill is rewarded with Fermain Bay and a lovely beach cafe. I would recommend this hotel .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2013, Ems1981 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
we were recommended this hotel to have a peaceful stay in Guernsey in early June. It is reasonably expensive but high quality.,,, on the whole good but a few negative points which I always find most helpful when reading other reviews.
I have to say most of the front line staff (reception and waiting) were a BIG let down. We were staying at the hotel and the waitress refused to give us some crisps or nuts with our glasses of wine we were drinking (she said they had nothing like that we could only order from the menu) so my husband went in to ask the barman and he handed over some crisps amazing that??!!??... THANK YOU :)
The reception staff on the whole were appauling... did not know anything about the new bus time table and despite not being busy was not keen to help us navigate it..... I believe he would have preferred us to get a taxi! When we did request a taxi we were told there were none available and we would have to wait indefinatly it seemed...so we logged on to wifi ourselves and surprise surprise managed to arrange our own for collection within 10 mins. I can't even recall what else we went down to ask for help for but nothing out of the norm that you would expect reception staff to be able to help with or at the very least offer to ask someone else..... They are pretty rude and need better customer service skills.
Also ....Why is there no condiments on the breakfast bar, twice we had to ask for tomato sauce multiple times at which point our food was almost cold!!!
Last thing... NO extractor fans work....our bathroom had no window so after a hot shower there is water everywhere.... we thought our fan must be broken as there are switches on the wall.... we checked at reception... but NO apparently when hotel was refurbished they were not plugged in... so none work..... Whole room gets wet and in the winter opening the balcony doors to air room (at other end) may be quite cold!
I have to say most of the front line staff (reception and waiting) were a BIG let down. We were staying at the hotel and the waitress refused to give us some crisps or nuts with our glasses of wine we were drinking (she said they had nothing like that we could only order from the menu) so my husband went in to ask the barman and he handed over some crisps amazing that??!!??... THANK YOU :)
The reception staff on the whole were appauling... did not know anything about the new bus time table and despite not being busy was not keen to help us navigate it..... I believe he would have preferred us to get a taxi! When we did request a taxi we were told there were none available and we would have to wait indefinatly it seemed...so we logged on to wifi ourselves and surprise surprise managed to arrange our own for collection within 10 mins. I can't even recall what else we went down to ask for help for but nothing out of the norm that you would expect reception staff to be able to help with or at the very least offer to ask someone else..... They are pretty rude and need better customer service skills.
Also ....Why is there no condiments on the breakfast bar, twice we had to ask for tomato sauce multiple times at which point our food was almost cold!!!
Last thing... NO extractor fans work....our bathroom had no window so after a hot shower there is water everywhere.... we thought our fan must be broken as there are switches on the wall.... we checked at reception... but NO apparently when hotel was refurbished they were not plugged in... so none work..... Whole room gets wet and in the winter opening the balcony doors to air room (at other end) may be quite cold!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2013, Racheyroo67 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Just back from our first ever stay in Guernsey. We booked 4 days at Fermain, 3 days at the sister hotel in Alderney (Braye Beach) and then back to Guernsey at a different hotel. We had a totally wonderful stay, and have no complaints at all.
The piece de resistance is where the Fermain Valley Hotel is situated, at the top of a very steep hill, but with beautiful views down to the Fermain Bay. We had a Gold Room, with a balcony with table & chairs where we sat and enjoyed this wonderful view. The room itself was very clean, tastefully decorated, with the complimentary fruit & sherry as advertised. There was also a fridge, with complimentary bottled water, and ample supplies of tea, coffee and biscuits. The bathroom was beautiful, with loads of Elemis toiletries. We felt very spoilt. All the staff, without fail, were polite. A lot of Eastern Europeans in the restaurant, who were all very helpful and hard working. On checking out, there was a minor issue with our bill, however this was dealt with appropriately and as we do not "sweat the small stuff", we do not feel the need to berate the hotel for this minor error.
The food was lovely, breakfast in particular. My request for soya milk was fulfilled straight away. We ate dinner every evening in the restaurant, it's a little bit fancy for us, we're not that used to fine dining, however we were adventurous and in any case, the husband eats everything and anything!
Overall, very pleased with the hotel and I would have liked to have given a 4.5, as it was better than a 4, but not quite the perfect 5!
The piece de resistance is where the Fermain Valley Hotel is situated, at the top of a very steep hill, but with beautiful views down to the Fermain Bay. We had a Gold Room, with a balcony with table & chairs where we sat and enjoyed this wonderful view. The room itself was very clean, tastefully decorated, with the complimentary fruit & sherry as advertised. There was also a fridge, with complimentary bottled water, and ample supplies of tea, coffee and biscuits. The bathroom was beautiful, with loads of Elemis toiletries. We felt very spoilt. All the staff, without fail, were polite. A lot of Eastern Europeans in the restaurant, who were all very helpful and hard working. On checking out, there was a minor issue with our bill, however this was dealt with appropriately and as we do not "sweat the small stuff", we do not feel the need to berate the hotel for this minor error.
The food was lovely, breakfast in particular. My request for soya milk was fulfilled straight away. We ate dinner every evening in the restaurant, it's a little bit fancy for us, we're not that used to fine dining, however we were adventurous and in any case, the husband eats everything and anything!
Overall, very pleased with the hotel and I would have liked to have given a 4.5, as it was better than a 4, but not quite the perfect 5!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2013, ann b said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We have just returned from a short three day stay.
The hotel was just as we expected, the rooms were lovely, with free water, fruit and sherry in the room.
The food was excellent and presented lovely.
Both female receptionists were very polite and helpful, however, when I mentioned to the male receptionist that we had been awake since 5.45am due to the noise from the people in the room above us banging and moving furniture around, his reply was, it was normal to be active at that time as there was always a hive of activity in the hotel at this hour of the day.
I was very surprised by his response and this would prevent us from returning to this hotel in the
future, this is not a reflection of the quality of the hotel, just the noise that prevented us from waking at a normal time in the morning.
I would have loved to have returned to this hotel, but we will look at another venue next time we stay.
The hotel was just as we expected, the rooms were lovely, with free water, fruit and sherry in the room.
The food was excellent and presented lovely.
Both female receptionists were very polite and helpful, however, when I mentioned to the male receptionist that we had been awake since 5.45am due to the noise from the people in the room above us banging and moving furniture around, his reply was, it was normal to be active at that time as there was always a hive of activity in the hotel at this hour of the day.
I was very surprised by his response and this would prevent us from returning to this hotel in the
future, this is not a reflection of the quality of the hotel, just the noise that prevented us from waking at a normal time in the morning.
I would have loved to have returned to this hotel, but we will look at another venue next time we stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2013, Jeff2727_10 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We were invited to accompany our inlaws to Guernsey to celebrate their Ruby wedding at the hotel. That meant we did not do our usual research on hotels available so booked somewhat blindly after a quick look on the hotels own website.
On arrival we were allocated Room 32 which was great. Top floor of the main hotel, large balcony looking down the Fermain Valley to the sea. Decent size room with lots of nice touches such as, fudge, water (replenished), slippers, dressing gowns and fruit. However as mentioned in other reviews, fridge did not work, nor did bathroom extractor fan. We did not report them to be fair.
Hotel is in a wonderful position in a quiet location. This is however down a very narrow lane which can be trciky if you meet another vehicle. After one trip down we decided to park at the Venue off the main road and walk down through the landscaped gardens.
Food was good although the evening choice was a little limited. We were a little disappointed with some dining room staff members attitude if we asked to sit at a table of our choice, rather than the one they had allocated. Sulky looks and service without a smile. Grow up please.
Overall a great experience and a wonderful island to explore. It reminded us of Cornwall/Devon about 40 years ago.
Happy to come back to this hotel if we return.
On arrival we were allocated Room 32 which was great. Top floor of the main hotel, large balcony looking down the Fermain Valley to the sea. Decent size room with lots of nice touches such as, fudge, water (replenished), slippers, dressing gowns and fruit. However as mentioned in other reviews, fridge did not work, nor did bathroom extractor fan. We did not report them to be fair.
Hotel is in a wonderful position in a quiet location. This is however down a very narrow lane which can be trciky if you meet another vehicle. After one trip down we decided to park at the Venue off the main road and walk down through the landscaped gardens.
Food was good although the evening choice was a little limited. We were a little disappointed with some dining room staff members attitude if we asked to sit at a table of our choice, rather than the one they had allocated. Sulky looks and service without a smile. Grow up please.
Overall a great experience and a wonderful island to explore. It reminded us of Cornwall/Devon about 40 years ago.
Happy to come back to this hotel if we return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2013, pipmac3 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We stayed a week in the hotel and had a lovely holiday in Guernsey. It is an exceptionally well run hotel .Clean comfortable with friendly efficient staff . Excellent breakfasts. I am probably doing the hotel a disservice by giving it a three star as the location is superb with a short walk downhill to the bay. The problem for us was we stayed in the venue which is an annex to the hotel to cater for weddings and functions. The uphill walk to get there is not too much trouble - it is through very well maintained gardens. We stayed when a function was on. Our bedroom was above the function room. The noise was awful in our bedroom going on well after midnight - va doom, va doom va doom! you know what i mean. Only one night, but enough to take the edge of what was a pleasant stay. So, I would recommend the hotel but would not recommend the annex rooms .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2013, lottiib said about Fermain Valley Hotel
I only stayed here for one night but was really impressed right from the minute the free courtesy shuttle bus picked us up from the airport. The hotel is lovely in a really picturesque location with only a short walk to the pretty Fermain Bay. The staff are all really helpful and took time to show us round evening though they were obviously busy with the hotel being full booked. Our room was spacious with clean, crisps decor and a lovely view out over the bay. The wifi is good and nice Elemis toiletries in the bathrooms. There is a decent sized indoor pool and doors that open out onto the sun terrace. Afternoon tea was amazing but too much and it felt a waste leaving some - hats off to the patteserie chef as the swan choux buns were delightful! We ate at The Rock Garden which is definitely worth a try. This really is a great hotel with first class service. Highly recommended!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk