We had previously booked through Island Getaways for a Christmas break and had always found them good value and reliable. This break proved to be the best yet. Having never been to Guernsey before, we were taking a bit of a flyer on the location and the hotel. We need not have worried. The manager and staff could not have done more to make us feel at home. Of course we were lucky to have joined a great crowd of people to share in this special time of year, but it was the ambience of the hotel that made all the difference.
To give examples. Mince pies and sherry on arrival. Everyone received a present from Santa (looking a bit like the manager) on Christmas morning. Mine was a LED rechargeable torch. The bed turned down and a box of chocolates for every guest on Christmas night. The manager introduced us to all the members of staff by name after a champagne reception. All designed to enhance the Christmas experience. The food was great and beautifully presented. We did pop into a 4star hotel over the break for a light lunch. Yes it did have a golf club and indoor swimming pool attached, but by comparison it was cold and unwelcoming and we both thanked our lucky stars that we were not staying there.
If there was one niggle it was that the bathroom was too small, and there was lack of shelving to accommodate all our bottles. Other guest said their bathrooms were very adequate, so perhaps I am being a bit picky. We went at Christmas so most of the Island’s tourist attractions were closed. So we had to rely on what the hotel could provide in way of entertainment. There was a 60’s disco on Christmas Eve and a quiz night on Boxing Day. It was truly a memorable Christmas.

xray2000

We booked a week's break on Guernsey - last week of September 2011 - with Island Getaways (smart move in itself; totally hassle-free and extremely good value). Given a choice of 4 hotels we chose La Hougue du Pommier for its appearance (older, more established) and its central position on the island. This is NOT an ultra-posh hotel, but the service is excellent; polite, friendly, efficient and fast. Breakfasts were delicious and the staff always had a warm welcome. Though most of them are young and by no means all English, they have obviously been very well trained; all spoke English fluently. They could not do enough for us and no request seemed too much trouble. E.g. the Housekeeper found us swmiming towels to take to the beach at short notice - weather was very hot. Our room was comfortable, quiet and roomy. Outside the hotel, the pool area is delightful (a real sun trap) and the grounds are massive, with a lovely meadow area at the rear of the hotel - kids would love it. We had a most enjoyable week, would definitely go again and we have to say that the General Manager, Malcolm, contrary to an earlier comment is most definitely NOT a dinosaur!!

Well run hotel, nicely located. Room clean and very comfortable. Food at breakfast and at night (in the bar) very good. Staff and management friendly and helpful. Used the pool each day during our visit. Thoroughly enjoyed our 4 night stay and will book again next year !

I spent a weekend at this hotel with my Mother who has always loved Guernsey (she has been holidaying on the Island for over 50 years).

I could not say we received a warm welcome as there was no one in reception when we arrived. Eventually I saw a gentleman serving in the bar and advised him we were waiting to check in - he did not seem overly happy to help but did eventually come and check us in to room 10.

The decor of the stairs and landing up to the room is very dated (lots of patterns and borders etc!) The room was fairly basic, dated and a bit dingy but it was kept very clean throughout our stay. If you book a standard room (which I assume ours was) dont expect it to be anything like the picture on the website. The bed had sheets and blankets - I didn't realise anyone had these anymore! I have not slept in a bed with a blanket on since about 1970! Not the most comfortable sleep!

Apart from breakfast we did not eat at the hotel so I cannot comment on the menu/food. The breakfast was fairly basic - a choice of cereals, yoghurt and fruit. Then any combination of eggs, bacon, sausage, tomato and mushrooms with toast. If you ask for egg and bacon - you get literally 1 egg and 1 rasher. For some reason on the Sunday the breakfast was self service but for the rest of the stay the cereals etc were self service but the cooked part was table service. No explanation was given.

The swimming pool was nice - but the gardens could be a lot nicer. It doesn't look like they employ a gardener as the outside areas although pleasant are not well kept. There is some rather tired looking green plastic furniture around the pool which although adequate not lovely!

Our room was at the front of the building and 2 of the 3 nights we stayed a staff member who was leaving at approx 11pm started his car which was just below our window, turned the stereo up full blast and seemed to leave it running for about 5 minutes before driving off - really quite annoying!

I would sum up our stay at Hougue Du Pommier as OK but not lovely and I would not recommend it to a friend. Guernsey is lovely though.