We have been going to La Grande Mare for many years as timeshare owners. This review is about our stay in the hotel in October 2011. In the past I would have given the hotel an excellent rating but we were disappointed this year by an increased level of noise generated by various bits of hotel equipment. This sometimes started at or before 0700, which isn't that relaxing. The room we have is a suite and although it has been freshened up this year the features are a bit dated. The two beadrooms are a good size, although both of our children have at one time or another brained themselves on the coombed ceiling. There is great storage and the added bonus of a fold away and sofa beds in the living area. WE have never had eight in the room but six is quite comfortable. Having two bathroom is great but the colours and decor is a bit 1970's. The staff at the hotel are alway very friendly, helpful and polite with the chef and kitchen staff doing a great job even during the busy Tennerfest. The healthclub, gym and pool are small but to a good standard and the gym staff are very helpful. Children are limited to going to the pool between 0900-1000 and 1500-1600 which we find a bit limiting but those without children might like the idea. We cannot make much of a comment on the golf course as we don't play, but it is well used and on the couple of occasions our son has shown an interest the golf pro's have been great at giving him a lesson. Guernsey is a great place to get away too. The weather in October has always been good with only the odd day lost to rain. In the summer there is lots to do for the kids, but if they aren't very sporty then the options are fewer.The Mallard cinema need some competion as the admission price is quite high and the same for both adults and children. It is redeemed a bit by the price of snacks and drinks. Guernsey is not for everyone, food is expensive in comparison to the mainland and there is not a huge amount you could do with a disabled family member. One last thing YOU DO NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE as there is no longer a reciprocal agreement between any of the Channel Isalnds and the UK. This may change again in the future so check before you go.

Being on holiday in Guernsey during Tennerfest we try to discover the restaurants of the island at a very reasonable price; for £10 we had a super 3 course lunch at this restaurant; the food was well prepared, hot and well presented. The service was adequate, however the dining room was functional but unatmospheric and very basic, rather disappointing in such a beautiful hotel.

I did quite a lot of research with friends who live in Guernsey when I was looking for a hotel for a long weekend for my family (husband, plus two teenage children, 14 and 16). We opted for La Grand Mare and it turned out to be absolutely perfect. It is a bit dated and there are some odd stylistic choices, such as the lighting in the bar area which is so dark you can't read a newspaper. But putting those aside, it is a great base. There are two swimming pools, one outside, which is overlooked by the Golf Club bar, and that could possibly explain why noone seems to use that pool even on hot sunny days. The second pool is inside and can only be used by children aged under 16 for short periods of specified time, neither of which are particularly convenient. That pool also boasts a whirlpool, sauna and steam room.

There is a tennis court which looks as it has been recently totally resurfaced. Obviously there are full golf facilities, being the second golf course on the island.

But the really great thing about the hotel is that you cross the main road outside and you are on the beach. And this is a great beach, huge and sandy. You can surf - there are rocks so you have to watch the tides - but the surf is at least as good as Cornwall.

Food in the hotel is nothing to shout about, and the breakfast choices are reminiscent of the 1970s. But all in all, we loved staying here and will be returning.

Tennerfest - good value - bad service - to the point of being rude. Food didn't entice me to eat here and pay full price and service certainly didn't !