Local Reviews
In September 2009, AmandaJaneGlos said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We booked to stay at the Fermain Valley to celebrate our Crystal Anniversary. We had a fantastic stay, the staff were really great , friendly and very helpful. Special mention to Gemma, Steve, Neal, Richard and Ravais who all helped with extra personal service levels. Gemma handled all of our bookings ( Joint Stay with Alderney Sister Hotel ) and she was brilliant. Everyone from the Staff were so courteous and helpful.
Worth taking their advice, as it helped us greatly, including recommendation of Beach Bar Restaurant, well worth a visit at the bottom of the valley, with a great beach location.
The food was a really good class, we thoroughly recommend the Fillet Steak @ the Bistro.
The breakfasts were good, but did vary in standard depending which Chef was on. One omelette we had was fantastic.
The rooms are of a high standard and the setting and views are lovely. It is worth a little stroll around the gardens and using the hotel facilities. However be warned the walk back up from the Beach Cafe is not for the faint hearted!
The weather we had was superb, which always helps. It is above average in terms of price, but worth that as you should have a stay to remember. Christophe is bedding in on the food a Michelin Chef, so we hope that it becomes established as the food we had was really good.
Worth taking their advice, as it helped us greatly, including recommendation of Beach Bar Restaurant, well worth a visit at the bottom of the valley, with a great beach location.
The food was a really good class, we thoroughly recommend the Fillet Steak @ the Bistro.
The breakfasts were good, but did vary in standard depending which Chef was on. One omelette we had was fantastic.
The rooms are of a high standard and the setting and views are lovely. It is worth a little stroll around the gardens and using the hotel facilities. However be warned the walk back up from the Beach Cafe is not for the faint hearted!
The weather we had was superb, which always helps. It is above average in terms of price, but worth that as you should have a stay to remember. Christophe is bedding in on the food a Michelin Chef, so we hope that it becomes established as the food we had was really good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2009, Sue B said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We have just returned from a gourmet break at this lovely hotel and would recommend it to anyone who wants to recharge their batteries and get away from it all in a beautiful location. The service at the hotel is second to none. Gemma, the receptionist, gave us a guided tour on arrival. We had upgraded to a Gold room which was spacious, immaculately clean and very tastefully appointed with a balcony and sea view. There was complimentary sherry (a nice quaint touch!) and the best selection of tea and coffee we have ever had in a hotel room, as well as free bottled water in the mini bar.The meals were excellent, especially the "menu gourmand" in the Palm Court restaurant where we were made to feel very special. Breakfasts were equally good with an impressive selection at the buffet and on the "made-to-order" menu. The weather wasn't the best (not surprising in Nov) but there is a good indoor pool and sauna and we still enjoyed the beautiful clifftop walk into St Peter Port (only 45 minutes). We loved everything about this beautiful hotel but its greatest asset has to be its staff - everyone we met made us very welcome and their friendliness added to the warm, relaxing atmosphere of the whole place (we loved the open fire in the lounge!) We will definitely return - hopefully in Summer next time!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2009, 5fingers5toes said about Fermain Valley Hotel
This is a great hotel in guernsey, within 5 minutes drive of the "city centre" but set within a narrow and steep valley, looking down to Fermain Bay.
The views are spectacular and the forest setting means that you can't hear a thing from the outside world.
I suggest that if you visit, you check in early and walk down to the bay for some fresh air. They also have a compact but very nice indoor pool, sauna etc. My favourite parts of the hotel are the living room and library snug, where a log fire, board games and huge overstuffed sofas add to the idyllic feel.
I hear some rooms can be a bit small, but we've stayed in the platinum rooms, which are nicely decorated and have a warm feel.
Well worth a visit if you're in Guernsey for some old world charm.
The views are spectacular and the forest setting means that you can't hear a thing from the outside world.
I suggest that if you visit, you check in early and walk down to the bay for some fresh air. They also have a compact but very nice indoor pool, sauna etc. My favourite parts of the hotel are the living room and library snug, where a log fire, board games and huge overstuffed sofas add to the idyllic feel.
I hear some rooms can be a bit small, but we've stayed in the platinum rooms, which are nicely decorated and have a warm feel.
Well worth a visit if you're in Guernsey for some old world charm.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2009, Jackoba said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We have always wanted to stay at this hotel because the location is second to none. Architecturally, the hotel is stunning and very romantic. We paid a small fortune for three nights in what is described as being a "platinum" room. We did request a balcony, but the request was clearly ignored and it is not the guests responsibility to remind a four star hotel of requests. The room itself was large and tastefully decorated to a good standard. However, the furniture was small compared to the size of the room and no imagination was put in the style of the furniture. All fur coat and no knickers was what it reminded me of...or else like buying a posh cushion with no stuffing (abit like the pillows on the bed). The bathroom was very clean, but had a sink and toilet best suited for a cruise ship. There was a mini-fridge containing a bottle of water and nothing else - quite pointless and added nothing to the room. If you're a sherry drinker and can afford platinum you get a caraf of the dreadful stuff, but I'd rather have a well stocked mini-bar for the amount we paid. Room service was fine and the food was as expected - in fact the burger I had was excellent and the bread and butter pudding was equisite. Breakfast however was a disappointment - nothing special and nothing memorable. Just your bog-standard fayre found anywhere else in the world. Can someone explain why no breakfast chef on earth can cook tomatoes properly?
Now I was nervous about the staff here, having read these reviews before travelling and it would be flippant to suggest that some of the staff were dead behind the eyes, however I cannot as yet think of an alternative phrase...robotic maybe? The receptionist on arrival performed his duties perfectly well technically, but showed no emotion or character and could easily have been a humanoid. I never saw him again because either he was taken away for repairs or just left no impression on me and kind of became invisable. If you go into the public lounges, you'll have to get up and order your drinks at the bar because no one will know you're there and no one will take your order from where you are sitting - so it seems. On the other hand, the maid who cleaned our room was lovely and friendly and the lady who served breakfast on the last day was excellent in her ability to provide a welcoming and friendly level of service that actually made me want to stay longer - except it was the last day of the trip - oddly, the receptionist on checking out was really nice and friendly and along with the breakfast lady probably keeps the hotel in customers. All in all, the hotel is slightly above average for an out of town four star hotel.
Now I was nervous about the staff here, having read these reviews before travelling and it would be flippant to suggest that some of the staff were dead behind the eyes, however I cannot as yet think of an alternative phrase...robotic maybe? The receptionist on arrival performed his duties perfectly well technically, but showed no emotion or character and could easily have been a humanoid. I never saw him again because either he was taken away for repairs or just left no impression on me and kind of became invisable. If you go into the public lounges, you'll have to get up and order your drinks at the bar because no one will know you're there and no one will take your order from where you are sitting - so it seems. On the other hand, the maid who cleaned our room was lovely and friendly and the lady who served breakfast on the last day was excellent in her ability to provide a welcoming and friendly level of service that actually made me want to stay longer - except it was the last day of the trip - oddly, the receptionist on checking out was really nice and friendly and along with the breakfast lady probably keeps the hotel in customers. All in all, the hotel is slightly above average for an out of town four star hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2010, ollybuddy said about Fermain Valley Hotel
As a local resident in Guernsey I am a frequent visitor to Fermain Valley Hotel as a diner. I really enjoy the Brasserie, which has recently been revamped with some softening of the room and decor, and some amazing photos of beautiful yachts. Recently they opened The Palm Court with the renowned Guernsey Michelin star chef Christophe at the helm of all the kitchens including the brasserie. We couldn't resist to try out this new restaurant on Guernsey, which lacks a decent fine dining restaurant, and it really ticks the boxes. A 3 course a la carte menu for £35 cooked by Christophe is a bargain, and wow what a meal! The hotel had a great offer for New Year so we decided to take the family and stay the night for a few extra quid more than taking a taxi home. The whole experience did not disappoint, from the moment Gemma on reception welcoming us and making us feel immediately at home, to Steve the manager deciding that the evening needed a congo before midnight, we had a ball! Breakfast in the morning was superb, and who said michelin chefs couldn't cook breakfasts? We stayed in a Gold Room, really nice stylish room, Aveda products in the bathroom, unique in Guernsey, my in the know wife tells me, and a stunning view to the sea. Overall after dining at the hotel as a regular, we were so impressed with the hotel aspect we would not hesitate to recommend to our family around the world who come and visit us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2010, Martinside said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We stayed here for a week and couldn't find fault with any aspect of the hotel. Before arriving they sent an e-mail offering courtesy transport to and from the airport (the manager drove us in his own car) and help with car hire etc....
The room ,14, was just as described, and was well maintained throughout our visit. As we both brought laptops etc... we found we were short of sockets and again we were immediately given an extension lead.
The lounges were cosy with log fire and a variety of newspapers and there is a very well equipped library and 2 computers for visitor use with high speed broadband,
The brasserie offered a very wide selection of dishes with huge portions at very reasonable prices. The staff also offered advice o local restaurants to add variety to our stay.
The swimming pool is small but well heated and there is a cinema where one can watch wide screen DVDs.
The locality is good for the cliff top walk and only minutes from St Peter Port by car.
All the staff are extremely helpful, courteous and cheerful .
We would definitely recoomend this high quality hotel
The room ,14, was just as described, and was well maintained throughout our visit. As we both brought laptops etc... we found we were short of sockets and again we were immediately given an extension lead.
The lounges were cosy with log fire and a variety of newspapers and there is a very well equipped library and 2 computers for visitor use with high speed broadband,
The brasserie offered a very wide selection of dishes with huge portions at very reasonable prices. The staff also offered advice o local restaurants to add variety to our stay.
The swimming pool is small but well heated and there is a cinema where one can watch wide screen DVDs.
The locality is good for the cliff top walk and only minutes from St Peter Port by car.
All the staff are extremely helpful, courteous and cheerful .
We would definitely recoomend this high quality hotel
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2010, travellingharry54 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We stayed at Fermain Valley in a quiet month, and found everything delightful about this hotel. Everything is there for what you wish for, well appointed lounges with a properly stocked library, two restaurants which we could not fault, warm swimming pool and stunning views down to the sea, on a clear day Jersey can be seen in the distance. The rooms are beautifully decorated, light and very clean. The staff are a pleasure, always smiling and very courteous. We came on the Free Flight package from Southampton, with Blue Islands, the hotels airline, which was a very good deal indeed.
Thankyou for a lovely holiday and we will be back very soon
Thankyou for a lovely holiday and we will be back very soon
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2010, WestSussexPiglet said about Fermain Valley Hotel
I booked a two night break as a surprise for my partner's 50th birthday. It had been recommended to me by friends who live on Guernsey and are used to the finer things in life so I trusted their judgement - I was certainly not disappointed! The hotel is in a fantastic location at the head of a wooded valley leading to a picturesque bay, yet only a mile or so from St Peter Port (or around 40 minutes via the scenic cliff path). From the moment we were picked up by the hotel's courtesy car at the airport, we were treated by extremely friendly staff at all times - nothing was too much trouble - and we really appreciated being allowed to have our room from mid-morning on the day of arrival right through to late afternoon on the day we left rather than having to check out before lunch. We stayed in a Gold Room with balcony and sea view which was certainly well worth the extra cost. The room was pristine with a really comfortable bed, good tea making facilities and a much appreciated decanter of sherry - what a nice touch. The indoor swimming pool was larger than expected with a sauna nearby and spotless changing rooms. The highlight of the stay, however, was the "gourmand menu" dinner in the Palm Court restaurant. My partner and I have dined at The Fat Duck and other Michelin starred restaurants and we can honestly say that the cuisine was on a par with these - well done Christophe! Having stayed in a somewhat chilly January, we can only imagine what it would be like to sit out on our balcony on a balmy summer's evening overlooking the sparkling sea - we definitely plan to find out sometime!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2010, george124 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We stayed here for my birthday and I have to say we loved every moment of it. The hotel is lovely , this staff are attentive ,nothing is too much trouble .Everywhere in the hotel is clean and very well kept . I could go on but if you ever go to Guernsey I would definately suggest you look at the Fermain Valley hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2010, richpb7 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Went to the Fermain Valley for a special birthday, and it didn't disappoint. It was a bit pricey, and perhaps the gold room with sea view could have been a big larger considering the price, but you do have the rest of the hotel at your disposal so it's not as if you're caged in. The different lounges were very nice places to be, as was the library (with a wide selection of different books - including lots of cookbooks, just up my street!). Food was pretty good, and that's coming from a devoted foodie. Had the gourmand menu on the Saturday night in the Palm Court, and although it didn't quite match up to the one I'd had a Rick Stein's seafood restaurant the week before, it was pretty special.
Grounds were lovely, and I did make the short walk down to the beach and back which was peaceful if pebbley, even in a blustery March. Looked like a very nice cafe down there too, not that I had a chance to try it.. It's a bit of steep climb back up to the hotel though. Never managed to make it to the Cinema unfortunately, but I was in the pool every day, and never saw anyone else in there except my partner - bliss.
Overall the stay was very relaxing, staff were attentive but not overbearing, and accommodating when my partner didn't feel so great. I'd be more than happy to go back, and to recommend it to others.
Grounds were lovely, and I did make the short walk down to the beach and back which was peaceful if pebbley, even in a blustery March. Looked like a very nice cafe down there too, not that I had a chance to try it.. It's a bit of steep climb back up to the hotel though. Never managed to make it to the Cinema unfortunately, but I was in the pool every day, and never saw anyone else in there except my partner - bliss.
Overall the stay was very relaxing, staff were attentive but not overbearing, and accommodating when my partner didn't feel so great. I'd be more than happy to go back, and to recommend it to others.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk