Local Reviews
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
In February 2009, Mel51e said about Fermain Valley Hotel
We have been visiting Guernsey on a regular basis for nearly 20 years but this was our first visit to The Fermain Valley. It won't be our last!
From the very outset of our arrival we were impressed. First, the location is stunning with beautiful sea views looking down the valley over to Herm. Secondly, the welcome was warm and friendly from the staff who were very accommodating.
We arrived early before our rooms were ready for us, we were shown to a warm lounge with open fire where we enjoyed tea and coffee and a light lunch.
Our rooms were not a disappointment. Gold standard, (their mid price room) our room had a large private balcony with sea view and was decorated in a simple but contempary style. Exceptionally clean and comfortable with nice touches such as a complimentary decantor of sherry!
The bathroom provided fluffy warm towels and excellent quality toiletries. the shower was powerful but the bath was really only suitable for children or very small adults.
The restaurants are superb. We ate upstairs in the formal dining room on Saturday night. Beautiful room with romantic ambience (it was Valentines day) The less formal brasserie downstairs served excellent light meals during the day and a superb breakfast, a combination of buffet and waitor service.
The hotel has a very small indoor pool and sauna that we didn't use but close inspection confirmed it was clean and warm and looked over the terrace.
To summarise, if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing break, with stunning scenery, quality accomodation and service, delicious food and amazing cliff top walks on the doorstep - this is for you. Suitable for all ages - guests ranged from early 20s to late 70s while we were there, I can't recommend this highly enough.
From the very outset of our arrival we were impressed. First, the location is stunning with beautiful sea views looking down the valley over to Herm. Secondly, the welcome was warm and friendly from the staff who were very accommodating.
We arrived early before our rooms were ready for us, we were shown to a warm lounge with open fire where we enjoyed tea and coffee and a light lunch.
Our rooms were not a disappointment. Gold standard, (their mid price room) our room had a large private balcony with sea view and was decorated in a simple but contempary style. Exceptionally clean and comfortable with nice touches such as a complimentary decantor of sherry!
The bathroom provided fluffy warm towels and excellent quality toiletries. the shower was powerful but the bath was really only suitable for children or very small adults.
The restaurants are superb. We ate upstairs in the formal dining room on Saturday night. Beautiful room with romantic ambience (it was Valentines day) The less formal brasserie downstairs served excellent light meals during the day and a superb breakfast, a combination of buffet and waitor service.
The hotel has a very small indoor pool and sauna that we didn't use but close inspection confirmed it was clean and warm and looked over the terrace.
To summarise, if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing break, with stunning scenery, quality accomodation and service, delicious food and amazing cliff top walks on the doorstep - this is for you. Suitable for all ages - guests ranged from early 20s to late 70s while we were there, I can't recommend this highly enough.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2009, dsh82 said about Fermain Valley Hotel
I was in Guernsey for business and my associates arranged the stay at the Fermain.
Too bad it was only 1 night!! Had I known that the hotel was so nice (service, amenities, etc.), I would have stayed on for a few days holiday, even with the grey weather in the middle of February.
Service was incredible. We arrived late at night and the reception staff were expecting us and had already arranged the details of the logistics for the next morning. Wonderfully friendly, warm yet professional service. Throughout the visit, the service was very attentive and they seemed to already know our next step. In a different surrounding (like Communist Russia), this would be eerie and a little disturbing. At the Fermain it was very helpful and welcoming.
The restaurant was very good. Only ate a small dinner and breakfast--but the food was good and the restaurant had nice ambiance and service. Breakfast (included) was very generous. The service in the morning was rather too relaxed (as we were in a bit of a hurry), but for a vacation, it is perfect.
The room was a pleasure. Tastefully appointed with seemingly new furniture and bathroom along with a balcony overlooking the pool (and the sea). High quality linens, towels and a comfy bed. With the current exchange-rates, this hotel is a bargain.
By far the best hotel I've stayed in for business in a while. I'd return to the Fermain in a heartbeat for either business or holiday.
Too bad it was only 1 night!! Had I known that the hotel was so nice (service, amenities, etc.), I would have stayed on for a few days holiday, even with the grey weather in the middle of February.
Service was incredible. We arrived late at night and the reception staff were expecting us and had already arranged the details of the logistics for the next morning. Wonderfully friendly, warm yet professional service. Throughout the visit, the service was very attentive and they seemed to already know our next step. In a different surrounding (like Communist Russia), this would be eerie and a little disturbing. At the Fermain it was very helpful and welcoming.
The restaurant was very good. Only ate a small dinner and breakfast--but the food was good and the restaurant had nice ambiance and service. Breakfast (included) was very generous. The service in the morning was rather too relaxed (as we were in a bit of a hurry), but for a vacation, it is perfect.
The room was a pleasure. Tastefully appointed with seemingly new furniture and bathroom along with a balcony overlooking the pool (and the sea). High quality linens, towels and a comfy bed. With the current exchange-rates, this hotel is a bargain.
By far the best hotel I've stayed in for business in a while. I'd return to the Fermain in a heartbeat for either business or holiday.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2009, Andy S said about Fermain Valley Hotel
My partner and i will be checking out in an hour so i thought i would take a few minutes to post my review while i was still here.
The Fermain Valley Hotel is a truly stunning hotel with spectacular views and a perfect location. The rooms are beautifully decorated in natural creams and whites throughout. Rooms are quite large with very nice bathrooms which include a bath and shower.
Sadly its not all great!
Firstly there's the service...Debbie on Reception was 'off' everytime i spoke to her with every question feeling like it was too much. While tea & coffee is provided free you have to call room service for them to bring it up. Everytime we did this the member of staff expected a tip with there being a few moments of uncomfortable silence after delivery and if you don't provide a tip their tone changes and they begrudgingly leave.
The food was also dissapointing. We had room service twice during our stay. I ordered the Steak Baggette with Fries and my partner had the Mackeral Salad. When these meals arrived my fries were clearly frozen oven fries and were even cold. On the second occassion i ordered the same thing but noticed they offered 'chunky chips' with another meal so i asked for those instead of the fries. When they arrived it was litterally 6 chips! Had they tasted nice it wouldn't have been too bad but they were horrible and tasted like they were cooked in old cooking oil.
While the rooms are truly stunning they do not have air conditioning so staying here during the summer months is definately out which is a great shame. Today is the 16th March 2009 and we arrived on Friday the 13th. The weather was perfect at around 13 degrees every day however the rooms got very warm so we had to ask for a fan to use at night. If you are planning on coming here then only the winter or spring months would be advisable.
About Guernsey:
We had been to Jersey many times and seen everything the island had to offer so we wanted to see Guernsey. The island is stunning! There are some amazing beaches here and having a hire car is essential because you drive around the entire island within an hour and a half. This allows you to see some of the most amazing views that GB has to offer. Sadly stunning beaches and incredible views is just about all the island has to offer so if you are looking for a romantic weekend away with mediteraeon weather then Guernsey is most definately a recommendation!
The Fermain Valley Hotel is a truly stunning hotel with spectacular views and a perfect location. The rooms are beautifully decorated in natural creams and whites throughout. Rooms are quite large with very nice bathrooms which include a bath and shower.
Sadly its not all great!
Firstly there's the service...Debbie on Reception was 'off' everytime i spoke to her with every question feeling like it was too much. While tea & coffee is provided free you have to call room service for them to bring it up. Everytime we did this the member of staff expected a tip with there being a few moments of uncomfortable silence after delivery and if you don't provide a tip their tone changes and they begrudgingly leave.
The food was also dissapointing. We had room service twice during our stay. I ordered the Steak Baggette with Fries and my partner had the Mackeral Salad. When these meals arrived my fries were clearly frozen oven fries and were even cold. On the second occassion i ordered the same thing but noticed they offered 'chunky chips' with another meal so i asked for those instead of the fries. When they arrived it was litterally 6 chips! Had they tasted nice it wouldn't have been too bad but they were horrible and tasted like they were cooked in old cooking oil.
While the rooms are truly stunning they do not have air conditioning so staying here during the summer months is definately out which is a great shame. Today is the 16th March 2009 and we arrived on Friday the 13th. The weather was perfect at around 13 degrees every day however the rooms got very warm so we had to ask for a fan to use at night. If you are planning on coming here then only the winter or spring months would be advisable.
About Guernsey:
We had been to Jersey many times and seen everything the island had to offer so we wanted to see Guernsey. The island is stunning! There are some amazing beaches here and having a hire car is essential because you drive around the entire island within an hour and a half. This allows you to see some of the most amazing views that GB has to offer. Sadly stunning beaches and incredible views is just about all the island has to offer so if you are looking for a romantic weekend away with mediteraeon weather then Guernsey is most definately a recommendation!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2009, catchagoogoo said about Fermain Valley Hotel
I have just spent the past weekend in Guernsey at Fermain Valley Hotel. Having stayed in previous hotels on the island, Fermain is in another league in terms of comfort, guest service and location. Situated 5 minutes drive from St Peter, it gives you an “away from it all” feeling, but still having the town nearby for excellent shopping (Tax Free!) and some great restaurants. We stayed for two days in one of their Platinum Rooms. The Platinum is their best range of rooms, they are huge and have unparalleled views of the bay, but be aware most of these rooms do not have balconies, so if you want a balcony, book a Gold Room. We had dinner in the Brasserie, a lovely room overlooking the bay. The menu is bit eclectic, and not particularly seasonal, but the Head Waiter told us that new spring/summer menus will be starting in April. The food was well prepared and good value for money. We love coming to Guernsey for it’s quiet lifestyle, smart shops, and beautiful beaches, but now we are really happy that there is a great place to stay at Fermain Valley Hotel!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2009, WebbySurrey said about Fermain Valley Hotel
Warm & friendly staff combined with excellent customer service made this hotel a pleasure to stay in for a long weekend break. The food was very well presented and good to eat. The 2 night Gourmet Break was excellent value especially as it included a wonderful 7 course meal with wines to match at Christophe's restaurant attached to the garden rooms. Only 5 minutes by car from St Peter Port, with a walkers trek around the coastline should you want the exercise.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk