Local Reviews
In June 2008, Sybarite3 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We made our second visit to this hotel at the end of May on their Gourmet Break terms which includes the Menu Gourmand at Christophes (with all wines included!)
We arrived quite late on Friday and ate in the Bistro. Incidentally, the hotel main restaurant never seems to be open. (Has anyone ever been in it?). We were a bit disappointed compared to our previous visit as my vegetables were served very late - virtually as I finished my main course - and my partners dish, listed as with "hot crispy French bread", was actually served with cold soft French bread. However, the desserts were excellent.
The next two mornings, the breakfast service in the Bistro was "confused" with tables not being fully prepared (e.g. milk and side plate knives missing) and cooked food being served to the wrong tables. On reflection, it seems like someone's eye has gone away from the ball a bit in the Bistro.
We were upgraded to a Platinum Room which was very nice and the in-room tea service was very prompt and efficient.
As usual, Christophe's was extremely good. Nothing is too much trouble and on this occasion they adapted the menu to suit my partner who is allergic to garlic. This restaurant is a "must visit" for anyone going to Guernsey. It really is one of the best places we have been (anywhere). An unstuffy atmosphere for a Michelin restaurant, imaginative but not overblown dishes skilfully prepared and the signature red wine with dessert make Christophe's at the top of our list.
Overall then, an enjoyable place to stay but the Bistro, while not awful, needs a bit of attention.
We arrived quite late on Friday and ate in the Bistro. Incidentally, the hotel main restaurant never seems to be open. (Has anyone ever been in it?). We were a bit disappointed compared to our previous visit as my vegetables were served very late - virtually as I finished my main course - and my partners dish, listed as with "hot crispy French bread", was actually served with cold soft French bread. However, the desserts were excellent.
The next two mornings, the breakfast service in the Bistro was "confused" with tables not being fully prepared (e.g. milk and side plate knives missing) and cooked food being served to the wrong tables. On reflection, it seems like someone's eye has gone away from the ball a bit in the Bistro.
We were upgraded to a Platinum Room which was very nice and the in-room tea service was very prompt and efficient.
As usual, Christophe's was extremely good. Nothing is too much trouble and on this occasion they adapted the menu to suit my partner who is allergic to garlic. This restaurant is a "must visit" for anyone going to Guernsey. It really is one of the best places we have been (anywhere). An unstuffy atmosphere for a Michelin restaurant, imaginative but not overblown dishes skilfully prepared and the signature red wine with dessert make Christophe's at the top of our list.
Overall then, an enjoyable place to stay but the Bistro, while not awful, needs a bit of attention.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2008, Andrew H said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Quite simply this is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. I found it almost by accident - I suddenly had to go to Guernsey for work and it is holiday season so everywhere was full. My Company normally puts us up in the Old Government House which costs about the same but is next to our office, the Fermain is a £5 taxi ride away but I will recommend them to use this hotel in future. I stayed in the annexe which is a few minutes up a fairly steep hill from the main hotel but then Guernsey is all hills anyway! The room was lovely and bright and had all comforts and the swimming pool and sauna were lovely.
I ate in the bistro the first night which is very good if a little expensive, as other reviewers have said the main restaurant was shut.
I must also highly recommend Le Petit Bistro at the bottom end of town - see http://www.lepetitbistro.co.uk for a fantastic value meal (under £12 for 3 courses before 7pm).
For your "blowout" meal you must eat at the Auberge Restaurant in Jerbourg at the SW end of the island - see http://www.theauberge.gg - it will cost about £100 for two but is one of the few places I think is worth every penny of that.
I ate in the bistro the first night which is very good if a little expensive, as other reviewers have said the main restaurant was shut.
I must also highly recommend Le Petit Bistro at the bottom end of town - see http://www.lepetitbistro.co.uk for a fantastic value meal (under £12 for 3 courses before 7pm).
For your "blowout" meal you must eat at the Auberge Restaurant in Jerbourg at the SW end of the island - see http://www.theauberge.gg - it will cost about £100 for two but is one of the few places I think is worth every penny of that.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2008, jtwells said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Super find - entirely by accident, we booked in March and took up their June offer for 2 nights for the price of 1 in a Gold Room. This included breakfast, both evening meals 1 in the Bistro and 1 at Christophes, hire-car and pick up from the airport. All in all a great experience, very clean and smart rooms, ideal location - close to the beach and good walking along the coast. Saturday morning did bring a little noise with aircraft flying over - on the Sunday there was a lot less noise. Thoroughly recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2008, mandanbill said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We have just had a weekend at this hotel which we have not used before. We are from jersey and fancied a break away from the kids and chose Guernsey as it was closeby.
We went for the Gourmet break package which included a full gourmet meal at the Michelin stared restaurant Christophes just above the hotel.
A few things first. The airplanes are a minor issue and not worth worrying about. the planes are small and its not exactly heathrow. The location is just superb, being beautifully located in a glorious wooded vally above (down a steep hill) a lovely bay with cafe. We recommend this hotel strongly but for details see below.
There are three one starred michelin restaurants within hotels in the channel islands (Bohemia at the club in jersey and Ocean at the Atlantic hotel in jersey) There is also one that had a star and lost it but is still very good (longuveille manor in jersey) and one that definietly deserves one (siroccos at the Royal Yacht in jersey).
We have stayed at all of them, so which would we choose.
For location i would give the Fermian valley the vote although we are talking about an out of town location. Close second is the Atlantic. Chateau le chaire is also in this category in jersey within a beautiful valley.
Only the club hotel and Royal yacht have spas and both are excellent, so difficult to choose between them.
For the food it is a bit easier. The fermain has to offer the best value gormet meal in the channel islands but is not up to the others, whilst still of a high standard dont get me wrong.
In jersey Bohemia is constantly very good (rated the highest) and the atlantic is on its heals but at the moment our favourite is sirrocos at the royal yacht. It doesnt have an award but it has only been open 18 months but it should be on the way to one. The area in front of the hotel has just been finsihed and this is now a great place to stay.
If you come to the channel islands you will be spoilt for food which ever island you go for. Eating and drinking are our national sports!!
We went for the Gourmet break package which included a full gourmet meal at the Michelin stared restaurant Christophes just above the hotel.
A few things first. The airplanes are a minor issue and not worth worrying about. the planes are small and its not exactly heathrow. The location is just superb, being beautifully located in a glorious wooded vally above (down a steep hill) a lovely bay with cafe. We recommend this hotel strongly but for details see below.
There are three one starred michelin restaurants within hotels in the channel islands (Bohemia at the club in jersey and Ocean at the Atlantic hotel in jersey) There is also one that had a star and lost it but is still very good (longuveille manor in jersey) and one that definietly deserves one (siroccos at the Royal Yacht in jersey).
We have stayed at all of them, so which would we choose.
For location i would give the Fermian valley the vote although we are talking about an out of town location. Close second is the Atlantic. Chateau le chaire is also in this category in jersey within a beautiful valley.
Only the club hotel and Royal yacht have spas and both are excellent, so difficult to choose between them.
For the food it is a bit easier. The fermain has to offer the best value gormet meal in the channel islands but is not up to the others, whilst still of a high standard dont get me wrong.
In jersey Bohemia is constantly very good (rated the highest) and the atlantic is on its heals but at the moment our favourite is sirrocos at the royal yacht. It doesnt have an award but it has only been open 18 months but it should be on the way to one. The area in front of the hotel has just been finsihed and this is now a great place to stay.
If you come to the channel islands you will be spoilt for food which ever island you go for. Eating and drinking are our national sports!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2008, annenorth said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Upon arriving at this hotel I really thought I was going to a manor house and not a hotel. The absence of a large reception desk made this place feel like somebody's grand home rather than a hotel and this made it even more appealing.
We were shown to our room which was a platinum room and it was really lovely and big. The decor was simple but very stylish. the bathroom was rather small and not very impressive and the absence of a proper shower would be my only slight criticism of this place.
the staff were friendly and nothing was too much trouble.
I thought the hotel offered really good value for money. My room was £220 per night which I didn't think was excessive since tea, coffee, bathrobes, slippers and fruit were offered as part of the price. and my room was so lovely that I thought it was worth it.
The brasserie was not very memorable but the breakfasts were sublime. The produce is obviously selected and sourced with care and executed well. Visited Christophes which was really nice and well worth a visit.
We were shown to our room which was a platinum room and it was really lovely and big. The decor was simple but very stylish. the bathroom was rather small and not very impressive and the absence of a proper shower would be my only slight criticism of this place.
the staff were friendly and nothing was too much trouble.
I thought the hotel offered really good value for money. My room was £220 per night which I didn't think was excessive since tea, coffee, bathrobes, slippers and fruit were offered as part of the price. and my room was so lovely that I thought it was worth it.
The brasserie was not very memorable but the breakfasts were sublime. The produce is obviously selected and sourced with care and executed well. Visited Christophes which was really nice and well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2008, D50 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Having spotted this Hotel on the internet earlier in the year we tried to book but they couldn't meet our dates. Most helpfully, they recommended their sister establishment, the Bray Beach in Alderney. We were so impressed by our subsequent stay there that we then booked at the parent Fermain Valley for a few days later in the year.
Our Platinum room was excellent, extremely spacious, well-furnished and the bed outstandingly comfortable. Complementary fruit and sherry much-appreciated...even though left untouched. Bathroom small without separate shower but spotless, modern and again fitted to very high standard. Somewhat restricted sea view, but it does exist!
It's a steep walk down the heavily wooded and somewhat unkempt valley to Fermain Bay - a recommended cafe there - and a real puff back up although the Hotel garden steps hugely help the final assault!
Lovely, comfortable lounges and library - slightly spartan but smart Brasserie - food very good rather than truly excellent - but staff and service in all departments proved near-faultless, extremely welcoming, friendly and very helpful.
Fermain Valley lies under the approach path to the island's airport, but it's hardly LHR or LGW - the low-level noise never troubled us.
Guernsey lanes are very tight and busy, but for a break in a good-standard Hotel which does not disappoint, Fermain Valley rates very high.
Our Platinum room was excellent, extremely spacious, well-furnished and the bed outstandingly comfortable. Complementary fruit and sherry much-appreciated...even though left untouched. Bathroom small without separate shower but spotless, modern and again fitted to very high standard. Somewhat restricted sea view, but it does exist!
It's a steep walk down the heavily wooded and somewhat unkempt valley to Fermain Bay - a recommended cafe there - and a real puff back up although the Hotel garden steps hugely help the final assault!
Lovely, comfortable lounges and library - slightly spartan but smart Brasserie - food very good rather than truly excellent - but staff and service in all departments proved near-faultless, extremely welcoming, friendly and very helpful.
Fermain Valley lies under the approach path to the island's airport, but it's hardly LHR or LGW - the low-level noise never troubled us.
Guernsey lanes are very tight and busy, but for a break in a good-standard Hotel which does not disappoint, Fermain Valley rates very high.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2008, Roger H said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We spent a week there which included our 40th wedding anniversary. The room was superb but I did request a balcony which was promised but not actually available. The food was excellent and if you are a breakfast persons the choice and range was first class. The restaurant menu is extensive and all tastes are covered. It is an island so fish and shell food is fresh and plentiful. Service in the restaurant could be a little random, but was never a problem. Room service was good and quick. Housekeeping was near perfect. The facilities advertised were there, in good order, and working.
The hotel location is probably one of the best on the island. It provides close access to many spectacular walks of all grades. A few hundred yards down the road is Fermain Bay with an excellent beach café, beach and stunning views.
The package came with a hire car but this was expensive and pointless as the island bus service is so good and cheap that a car is not needed and could be said to be a liability.
My wife and I enjoyed our stay and we will most probably return.
The hotel location is probably one of the best on the island. It provides close access to many spectacular walks of all grades. A few hundred yards down the road is Fermain Bay with an excellent beach café, beach and stunning views.
The package came with a hire car but this was expensive and pointless as the island bus service is so good and cheap that a car is not needed and could be said to be a liability.
My wife and I enjoyed our stay and we will most probably return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2008, thepenquin said about Fermain Valley Hotel
After a very good flight with Aurigny from Stansted we arrived in Guernsey in bright sunshine and picked up the hire car in no time at all and were at the hotel 30mins after landing. Reception was very friendly and impressive. We had booked a platinum room with a balcony so our first dissapointment was the lack of the balcony but the room was large and comfortable. The bathroom was ok until we discovered that to use the shower over the bath one had to kneel down. Not really what one would expect from the platinum room description. Also only one wash basin when a dual one is advertised under the platinum description. The sherry and the complimentary tea and coffee were nice touches. The room itself was spotless and well looked after. Minor problems with the safe and a light were fixed very quickly. We booked dinner for 8pm each evening on a half board basis, this was confirmed by the receptionist. However the resaurant was expecting us at any time between 7 and 9 - a different time each evening! Finally sorted out by Tuesday. Meals were in the brassierie which was ok but not really the restaurant you would expect in a hotel of this stature. The Valley Restaurant which is now closed (never found out why) but which we had to use on Sunday night because of a function was far superior and one wonders why they don't use it in the evenings. The food was excellent always well cooked and hot with a good choice. The waiting staff were very friendly but we did have to remind them on a number of occasions that i) we were there! and ii) to bring us things we had already asked for. On a couple of nights we got the wrong meals although this was not a great problem. A typical conversation: me-black coffee please, waiter- black or white, me-black please. What tuns up: yes a white coffee. Although on half board items were often charged to our bill. I notice somebody else has mentioned the laying out for breakfast while still dining, this still happens despite the managers' response on this site.These little things were a shame as they let down what was otherwise an excellent hotel. Other good features were the swimming pool and the internet access. The library and lounges were oasis of quite. The walk down down to the bay was wonderful though the climb back up was a challenge. The cliff walks were good, very clear paths, lovely views and friendly walkers. Incidentally the bus service is excellent every 15mins to town (saved the aggro of finding a parking space) and a flat fare of 60p anywhere on the island. This and taxis really mean you don't need a hire car.
All in all we had a wonderful time with pretty good weather. Guernsey and the Fermain Valley are highly recommended, hopefully some of the glitches will be fixed by the time you go!
All in all we had a wonderful time with pretty good weather. Guernsey and the Fermain Valley are highly recommended, hopefully some of the glitches will be fixed by the time you go!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2008, toastallround said about Fermain Valley Hotel
My Wife and I returned home yesterday after a 5 night stay at Fermain Valley. We have been visiting Guernsey since 1965 and always had a Good Holiday Experience- this was no exception!
The Hotel clearly has a fairly new management team and many new staff. We found all of them to be very efficient, polite, friendly and enthusiastic.
The location is a great asset to the property, with one of the most beautiful aspects on the island. Only 5 minutes drive into St Peter's Port ( or a free lift to town from the Hotel if needed), make it convenient for all.
Rooms are very comfortable, and kept up to a high standard by domestic staff. We had a Gold room with balcony and sea -view. As we were lucky with the weather, we made good use of the balcony during early evening which helped us polish off half the free decanter of sherry.
The standard of food was excellent from breakfast through to dinner. Value for money was good as far as dinner was concerned, with a good varied Menu. The only shortfall (in my opinion) was that, I did't feel that the Brasserie restaurant did the food or menu justice for dinner. It's great for breakfast or lunch but not in keeping with the rest of the Hotel. Hopefully this will be corrected before we return.
We took advantage of Christophe's for a meal and it was superb. What a fantastic facility to have a Michelin star restaurant on site. Two minutes walk through a beautiful garden.
The Hotel organised our flights and car hire and all went smoothly. All in all, good value for money. The present team at the Hotel genuinley care, let's hope it continues- cos We'll be back!!!!
The Hotel clearly has a fairly new management team and many new staff. We found all of them to be very efficient, polite, friendly and enthusiastic.
The location is a great asset to the property, with one of the most beautiful aspects on the island. Only 5 minutes drive into St Peter's Port ( or a free lift to town from the Hotel if needed), make it convenient for all.
Rooms are very comfortable, and kept up to a high standard by domestic staff. We had a Gold room with balcony and sea -view. As we were lucky with the weather, we made good use of the balcony during early evening which helped us polish off half the free decanter of sherry.
The standard of food was excellent from breakfast through to dinner. Value for money was good as far as dinner was concerned, with a good varied Menu. The only shortfall (in my opinion) was that, I did't feel that the Brasserie restaurant did the food or menu justice for dinner. It's great for breakfast or lunch but not in keeping with the rest of the Hotel. Hopefully this will be corrected before we return.
We took advantage of Christophe's for a meal and it was superb. What a fantastic facility to have a Michelin star restaurant on site. Two minutes walk through a beautiful garden.
The Hotel organised our flights and car hire and all went smoothly. All in all, good value for money. The present team at the Hotel genuinley care, let's hope it continues- cos We'll be back!!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2008, SuzieQueSuzieQue said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Well, we said we would be returning soon and here we are. The island is a lot quieter this time round and the whether not so positive. Still, it gave us plenty of time to make the most of the facilities at the hotel that we ignored in the summer.
We enjoyed the lovely warm pool which was soothing after tackling some of the arduous cliff paths and spent the afternoons relaxing in the opulent but homely lounges with a book from the library.
Again, we can't fault this hotel and as testament to the management and staff and especially Martin the friendly driver who would drop us in town whenever we felt the need to shop, we have booked up for a christmas package in about three weeks time. Looking forward to seeing the decorations!
Food was very good again and we decided to stay within the warm confides of the hotel instead of venturing to Christophes.
Service was better than in the summer, probably due to less guests but we enjoyed having more time to get to know the pleasant waiting and bar staff.
On the one night we watched a movie in the cinema - the first chance we have had to go to any cinema in many years. No kids and no popcorn being thrown! Fantastic.
Not a bad word to say about the place and we'll keep coming back until that changes.....as long as we keep getting room 12!
Until Christmas..........................
We enjoyed the lovely warm pool which was soothing after tackling some of the arduous cliff paths and spent the afternoons relaxing in the opulent but homely lounges with a book from the library.
Again, we can't fault this hotel and as testament to the management and staff and especially Martin the friendly driver who would drop us in town whenever we felt the need to shop, we have booked up for a christmas package in about three weeks time. Looking forward to seeing the decorations!
Food was very good again and we decided to stay within the warm confides of the hotel instead of venturing to Christophes.
Service was better than in the summer, probably due to less guests but we enjoyed having more time to get to know the pleasant waiting and bar staff.
On the one night we watched a movie in the cinema - the first chance we have had to go to any cinema in many years. No kids and no popcorn being thrown! Fantastic.
Not a bad word to say about the place and we'll keep coming back until that changes.....as long as we keep getting room 12!
Until Christmas..........................
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk