Local Reviews
In April 2010, valerieEssex said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We have just returned from spending a few relaxing days at the this 4 star hotel. The room, facilities and above all, the location is excellent.
However on the first night we arrived fairly tired from travelling all day we decided to have dinner in the Brasserie and booked a table for 8.00pm midweek. On entering the Brasseris there were only 3 other couples seated so thought we would be served reasonably quickly. However, we had to ask for a jug of water 3 times, the wine menu 2 or 3 times and although our starter arrived after 25 minutes (minus the wine and water still at this stage) our main meal took another hour!!
We gave the Brasserie another chance and booked in again only to find the service the same. Also the staff in the evening seemed totally untrained and unable to execute the simplist orders. It was not all that relaxing either as all the time cutlery would be dropped on the stone floor.
It is a shame as this is a lovely hotel and has obviously had a lot of money spent on it, but falls down on the lack of service in the Brasserie. This is seems to be the poor relation to the main restaurant and it showed.
However on the first night we arrived fairly tired from travelling all day we decided to have dinner in the Brasserie and booked a table for 8.00pm midweek. On entering the Brasseris there were only 3 other couples seated so thought we would be served reasonably quickly. However, we had to ask for a jug of water 3 times, the wine menu 2 or 3 times and although our starter arrived after 25 minutes (minus the wine and water still at this stage) our main meal took another hour!!
We gave the Brasserie another chance and booked in again only to find the service the same. Also the staff in the evening seemed totally untrained and unable to execute the simplist orders. It was not all that relaxing either as all the time cutlery would be dropped on the stone floor.
It is a shame as this is a lovely hotel and has obviously had a lot of money spent on it, but falls down on the lack of service in the Brasserie. This is seems to be the poor relation to the main restaurant and it showed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2010, aquiney said about Fermain Valley Hotel
A really picturesque location with wonderful sea views. Food was great and all the staff were friendly and helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2010, Jasmine38Chichester UK said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We stayed for 5 nights incorporating the gourment break package which apparantly is no longer available. This is a shame because the food at the hotel was very good and plentiful, particularly in the Palm Court restaurant. We liked the location - you can walk along the cliffs (50 mins) or the road (25 mins) to St Peter Port but some may find it too hilly and in that case a car is definitely recommended. We would suggest hiring a car for a couple of days in any case to explore the island as buses aren't that frequent. We would also highly recommend the boat trips to Sark and Herm. On a warm suuny day at Herm you could imagine youself in the Indian Ocean - the beaches were fabulous.
We stayed in a Gold Valley sea view room which had a spacious balcony and overlooked the attractive terrace and gardens.The room was modern and comfortable although not large (very small bath) with good beds. The hotel has good amenities - pool, sauna, two cozy lounges with books and games and free internet and the cinema was a an unusual touch although we didn't use it and the films available were not very up to date. However, the service lets the hotel down. Making a reservation was very difficult as neither my emails or phone calls were responded to. I only perservered because of the good reviews on this site. In the brasserie we had to find staff to take our order on several occasions. House keeping found it impossible to replenish our tea tray almost every day. And because the gourmet package has now been discontinued there was a lot of confusion at check out with duplicate charges which they then started us quizzing us over, eg who exactly had served us at dinner 5 nights ago and which bottle of wine had we had which we felt was a bit unreasonable. The exception was the Palm Court restaurant where the service was impeccable.
We were told that the owner had just purchased the hotel further down the cliff and was planning on extending the Fermain to include a spa, fitness centre etc for 2011. With these extra facilities and an improvement to the service this could be a truely fantastic place to say.
We stayed in a Gold Valley sea view room which had a spacious balcony and overlooked the attractive terrace and gardens.The room was modern and comfortable although not large (very small bath) with good beds. The hotel has good amenities - pool, sauna, two cozy lounges with books and games and free internet and the cinema was a an unusual touch although we didn't use it and the films available were not very up to date. However, the service lets the hotel down. Making a reservation was very difficult as neither my emails or phone calls were responded to. I only perservered because of the good reviews on this site. In the brasserie we had to find staff to take our order on several occasions. House keeping found it impossible to replenish our tea tray almost every day. And because the gourmet package has now been discontinued there was a lot of confusion at check out with duplicate charges which they then started us quizzing us over, eg who exactly had served us at dinner 5 nights ago and which bottle of wine had we had which we felt was a bit unreasonable. The exception was the Palm Court restaurant where the service was impeccable.
We were told that the owner had just purchased the hotel further down the cliff and was planning on extending the Fermain to include a spa, fitness centre etc for 2011. With these extra facilities and an improvement to the service this could be a truely fantastic place to say.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2010, TracyPSomerset said about Fermain Valley Hotel
This is an amazing Hotel. Everything about it was so impressive - the location, decor, atmosphere, views, rooms but most of all - the service which was fantastic. We went for a short break to celebrate our engagement and after being there 24 hours were already planning the next visit back... as soon as possible. We were looked after so well, and really appreciated the card, gift and flowers from the hotel. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, especially Christine Holmes who couldn't do enough to make our stay so memorable. Being in this industry ourselves, it's been a long time since we've experienced customer service at this level... a lot of hotels in the UK could learn a lot from the staff training that is clearly evident at this beautiful hotel. Many, many thanks... we'll be back soon! Tracy & Mark
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2010, Shaun L said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Only a one night stay on business but what a hotel!
The moment you drive up in a taxi or hire car then you know there is something special about this place. It just looks good with a great vibe, not to forget the view down the valley. With only 40 or so rooms the decor and comfort of mine I guess was matched or exceeded by the rest. A mini-hallway, a sitting area, large bedroom area, a fridge, 3 apples on a plate and a decanter of sherry which I thought was a nice touch.
I had a meal in the Brasserie which was top quality with attentive service. Didnt get time to use the pool or spa area but it did look good. Hotel has free wifi internet throughout which was very useful - too many hotels these days charge for web access in my opinion.
As a hotel you won't find much better in Guernsey. The bonus is the location in the lovely Fermain Valley. If you need to get into town then the hotel run a complimentary shuttle.
The moment you drive up in a taxi or hire car then you know there is something special about this place. It just looks good with a great vibe, not to forget the view down the valley. With only 40 or so rooms the decor and comfort of mine I guess was matched or exceeded by the rest. A mini-hallway, a sitting area, large bedroom area, a fridge, 3 apples on a plate and a decanter of sherry which I thought was a nice touch.
I had a meal in the Brasserie which was top quality with attentive service. Didnt get time to use the pool or spa area but it did look good. Hotel has free wifi internet throughout which was very useful - too many hotels these days charge for web access in my opinion.
As a hotel you won't find much better in Guernsey. The bonus is the location in the lovely Fermain Valley. If you need to get into town then the hotel run a complimentary shuttle.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2010, TuckersSomerset said about Fermain Valley Hotel
When we arrived we were greeted and given a guided tour around the hotel before being shown to our rooms. The room was superbly decorated and very clean. Bath robes and slippers provided. The food was excellent and the waiting staff very professional. Nothing was too much trouble. Very polite friendly and courteous. The gardens are very well maintained. Although situated a few minutes from St Peter Port this was not a problem as the hotel runs a mini bus to take guests into town. We will certainly use the hotel again one day on our return visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2010, Tish said about Fermain Valley Hotel
This hotel has a beautiful setting with wonderful gardens. View out to see is limited ..so sea view is more a glimpse. The lounges are lovely and cosy and the bedrooms comfortable but only double bed in Gold Rooms and rooms are small no bigger than the Cruise Ships we have sailed on.; Bathrooms disappointing with cracked base of bath and peeling paint off the side panel. Brasserie prices high, and menu not really catering for vegetarians. The first two nights we were there we were kept waiting for almost an hour for main course even though it did not appear to be too busy. Also brasserie was very cold. Breakfast was generally good, but why not refrigerate the yoghurt which sits out and will invariably be put back into the fridge, some ice in a bowl would suffice. The staff were extremely helpful and courteous except for one. This woman's manner was enough to put you off your food!! Had no knowledge of the menu which does not fill one with confidence. If you want a quite break and no noise do not book rooms over the terrace which looks out to sea as it can be very noisy with other guests sitting out, and also the dragging of tables and chairs on the terrace early in the morning and late at night. We also had one night when there was a fracas outside our bedroom at 3am. Members of staff apparently. This was dealt with by the head waiter and no one else apologised to us about it. Beware of phone charges we tried to call someone else on the island only to discover that each time the number is engaged it still costs 25p a try and cost £3.00 for a short call!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2010, holidaylover82Bath said about Fermain Valley Hotel
This hotel has beautiful surroundings and is right up the hill from the lovely Fermain bay which is stunning. The hotel is in great condition and has some lovely cosy lounge areas and a library. We stayed in a gold room and it was very nice. Great views, very light, comfy bed and extremely clean. Tea and coffee in the room was great and water in fridge. The swimming pool and the sauna are lovely. The only thing (and it is a big thing) that lets this hotel down is the poor service. The front desk staff are good but the people in the restaurant are awful. The food in the evening was pretty bad although the breakfast was better. They all seem to have a strange attitude and seem only to be able to deal with older people. I would stay at this hotel again as it had such good surroundings but for the price you would expect better service!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2010, John H said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Stayed just the one night with my wife as we visited a jewellers on the Island to celebrate her 50th Birthday.
The hotel creates a striking first impression upon arrival. The simple booking in process was quick and efficient and we especially appreciated the quick, but very personal, tour of the hotels facilities. Our Gold class of room was of a decent size, tastefully furnished and decorated and had just about every piece of equipment and gadget to aid your comfort during your stay that one could wish for.
The view from our balcony through the woods and down to the sea was very impressive. Although we didn't make use of the dining facilities or swimming pool during our stay, it all looked very impressive.
The complimentary turn down service and the roses and rose petals was a very special touch for such a special occassion and was very much appreciated by my wife (and it got me LOTS of browny points!)
I've stayed in many hotels and on cruise ships around the world and the quality of this hotel and the reception we recieved is up there with the absolute best of them. 'Personal and attentive service' is a much over-used phrase in this industry, but on this occassion it is indeed very much deserved.
We will simply vote with our feet (and our money) and we will definately return to this hotel for a much longer stay sometime, hopefully, in the not too distant future.
Thank you to all of the staff who made our all too brief stay very special
The hotel creates a striking first impression upon arrival. The simple booking in process was quick and efficient and we especially appreciated the quick, but very personal, tour of the hotels facilities. Our Gold class of room was of a decent size, tastefully furnished and decorated and had just about every piece of equipment and gadget to aid your comfort during your stay that one could wish for.
The view from our balcony through the woods and down to the sea was very impressive. Although we didn't make use of the dining facilities or swimming pool during our stay, it all looked very impressive.
The complimentary turn down service and the roses and rose petals was a very special touch for such a special occassion and was very much appreciated by my wife (and it got me LOTS of browny points!)
I've stayed in many hotels and on cruise ships around the world and the quality of this hotel and the reception we recieved is up there with the absolute best of them. 'Personal and attentive service' is a much over-used phrase in this industry, but on this occassion it is indeed very much deserved.
We will simply vote with our feet (and our money) and we will definately return to this hotel for a much longer stay sometime, hopefully, in the not too distant future.
Thank you to all of the staff who made our all too brief stay very special
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2010, JustJ said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Have just returned from a 4 night stay in Fermain, had balcony room which suited us very well, we were lucky with the weather which was beautiful so were able to take full advantage of the balcony. I would mention here, the rooms without this facility are much larger, so bear this in mind when you book. We booked our stay in conjunction with a stay at the sister hotel in Alderney, Braye Beach. Must say not impressed with efficiency of staff at the out set e mailed several times and didn't get required answer then phoned same problem, eventually spoke to another member of staff who put things right. A dodgy start and was a bit apprehensive especially after reading other reviews,as this is not a cheap holiday for the u.k. Well pleased to report we were pleasantly surprised. Lady on Reception gave us a nice welcome, and had indeed read the reports on the problems we had had. She gave us a guided tour and in our room was a bottle of champagne on ice as a little apology, a nice touch. Must say from then on had a lovely time, found staff friendly and polite, ate several times in Restraunt, as after driving around all day it was nice to relax and have a drink without the worry of driving. Food generally good, not cheap, but this is a 4 star hotel, sometimes a fairly long wait for food, but the manager, was always very apologetic. Breakfast good with wide selection. Having travelled extensively, I think this Hotel is elegant and comfortable would recommend a stay here. Hopefully we will return. We then moved on to Alderney, Braye Beach Hotel, beats this on location, but lacking in style and staffing. I will now review that one individually.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk