Local Reviews
In May 2008, roseoakhil said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We stayed at the Fermain Valley for 3 nights in April 2008 and booked are Double Gold Room direct with the hotel. After doing my reaserch into the place both on here and the hotels own website i went in with very high expectations, which if anything they fell slightly short on. The Hotel is as much catering for business guests as well as holiday makers, so dont expext a tourist hotel. The reception staff didnt really want to help when i asked about booking a trip to the other islands and the board of leaflets on places to visit was tucked in the corner of the libary, hardly easy to find. However the facilites are fantastic here, swimming pool, resturants, bar, libary, internet access, beutifull garderns the list is endless.
On check in we were taken to our rooms, it was very breif and easy, i do feel however we could have been told a bit more about the hotel then just the finger pointing in various directions by the receptionist at the font desk. Our room was very well furnished with all the mod cons you would need (no mini bar however which i thought was strange for a hotel of this caliber). We had a nice balcony looking out to sea which was very plesent in the evenings. A complimentary local newspaper was provided every day and a turn down service. Tea and coffee is available through room service not self made in room, this made a lovely touch as you always got a nice pot of tea and a few homemade buscuits. Housekeeping was a little strange in that they come quite early (which i dont have a problem with) and they sort of did half a job every day, where as we would come back and they looked like they had gone to do something but didnt finish like cleaning the bathroom and moving cusions around but not puting them back. The complementary toiletries were nice however i relly on them on holiday and dont take my own (saving precious case space) and having used the bath soap and shampoo on the 1st night not to get any refills/replacments was a little anoying. Food is excellent at the hotel we ended up eating in 2 of the 3 nights. Service is a little slow but worth the wait, when it comes to the staff i do think they are over worked and a little stressed at times, seaing them on shift what seemed like 1st thing at breakfast and on till evening meal. The dessert were heaven i couldnt resist, its not like me to eat at the hotel on holiday but it was very good. The grounds of the hotel are again stunning, walking down through the valley to the beach was a pleasure (not so much going up again however). This hast to be the best spot on the island by far, it really does feel like your in the med.
Getting in off the main road to the hotel is quite a rat run in its very narrow and if you meet something coming the other way then you have no option to reverse, also coming out of the car park is a little tight. I found out on the last day though that the hotel had a free mini bus service you could hop into to get places, which we tried and was prompt, making me think do you really need a hire car on guernsey probably not!
Now my notes on the plane noise... Please be aware (i dont want to put people off) but Fermain Valley is right under the flight path to the airport and the planes do come over low, majority of them are throughout the day but in my time there i was woken at 6am by some and heard them still coming in/out at 11pm. With the windows shut its not to bad, but when i was there is was a little warm so had to sleep with the windows open to keep cool so heard them early on more.
Overall we had a really good stop at the Fermain Valley, I dont think it goes above and beyond in terms of a luxury hotel, but it certainly lives up to a very good 4 star hotel, and deserves its place on here. I feel like i have given it a fair review , i dont want to be all positive simply as i think there were a few little flaws.
On check in we were taken to our rooms, it was very breif and easy, i do feel however we could have been told a bit more about the hotel then just the finger pointing in various directions by the receptionist at the font desk. Our room was very well furnished with all the mod cons you would need (no mini bar however which i thought was strange for a hotel of this caliber). We had a nice balcony looking out to sea which was very plesent in the evenings. A complimentary local newspaper was provided every day and a turn down service. Tea and coffee is available through room service not self made in room, this made a lovely touch as you always got a nice pot of tea and a few homemade buscuits. Housekeeping was a little strange in that they come quite early (which i dont have a problem with) and they sort of did half a job every day, where as we would come back and they looked like they had gone to do something but didnt finish like cleaning the bathroom and moving cusions around but not puting them back. The complementary toiletries were nice however i relly on them on holiday and dont take my own (saving precious case space) and having used the bath soap and shampoo on the 1st night not to get any refills/replacments was a little anoying. Food is excellent at the hotel we ended up eating in 2 of the 3 nights. Service is a little slow but worth the wait, when it comes to the staff i do think they are over worked and a little stressed at times, seaing them on shift what seemed like 1st thing at breakfast and on till evening meal. The dessert were heaven i couldnt resist, its not like me to eat at the hotel on holiday but it was very good. The grounds of the hotel are again stunning, walking down through the valley to the beach was a pleasure (not so much going up again however). This hast to be the best spot on the island by far, it really does feel like your in the med.
Getting in off the main road to the hotel is quite a rat run in its very narrow and if you meet something coming the other way then you have no option to reverse, also coming out of the car park is a little tight. I found out on the last day though that the hotel had a free mini bus service you could hop into to get places, which we tried and was prompt, making me think do you really need a hire car on guernsey probably not!
Now my notes on the plane noise... Please be aware (i dont want to put people off) but Fermain Valley is right under the flight path to the airport and the planes do come over low, majority of them are throughout the day but in my time there i was woken at 6am by some and heard them still coming in/out at 11pm. With the windows shut its not to bad, but when i was there is was a little warm so had to sleep with the windows open to keep cool so heard them early on more.
Overall we had a really good stop at the Fermain Valley, I dont think it goes above and beyond in terms of a luxury hotel, but it certainly lives up to a very good 4 star hotel, and deserves its place on here. I feel like i have given it a fair review , i dont want to be all positive simply as i think there were a few little flaws.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2008, Jansolo said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We stayed at the Fermain Valley Hotel in early May on their 3 night experience Guernsey deal. This was excellent value for money as it included the room, flight, car hire, one dinner at Christophe's (Michelin starred restaurant next door) and a boat trip to Herm. As I booked late we had a Gold Star room without a balcony, but it was large and very comfortable, with a sea view. The staff were generally extremely friendly and helpful, despite being overstretched at times. They are recruited from many countries, so make for an interesting mix. The only criticism I have is that the coffee was fairly rough, but everything else, including breakfast and evening meals in the brasserie, was extremely high quality. So choose the tea!
Other guests have referred to the aircraft noise, but any hotel on this stretch of the coast is going to be under the flight path and the noise isn't that great and we had our windows open at night and weren't kept awake by it. The hotel is generally very quiet and the views and walks around it are spectacular. The restaurant down at Fermain Beach is excellent too and a beautiful spot for lunch if the weather's fine.
Car hire was included in the package, but isn't really necessary as the bus service is very good and very cheap and covers the whole island. The hotel also runs a courtesy service into St Peter Port on request. However there was additional cost to the car hire from the airport as insurance isn't included and also I was charged for half a tank of petrol and told to bring the car back on fumes only, as if I didn't use it all here was no refund. That proved impossible in a Ford Ka, even though we drove over most of the island.
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Other guests have referred to the aircraft noise, but any hotel on this stretch of the coast is going to be under the flight path and the noise isn't that great and we had our windows open at night and weren't kept awake by it. The hotel is generally very quiet and the views and walks around it are spectacular. The restaurant down at Fermain Beach is excellent too and a beautiful spot for lunch if the weather's fine.
Car hire was included in the package, but isn't really necessary as the bus service is very good and very cheap and covers the whole island. The hotel also runs a courtesy service into St Peter Port on request. However there was additional cost to the car hire from the airport as insurance isn't included and also I was charged for half a tank of petrol and told to bring the car back on fumes only, as if I didn't use it all here was no refund. That proved impossible in a Ford Ka, even though we drove over most of the island.
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Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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