Ramada Farnham

Ramada Farnham (formerly Hog’s Back Hotel)

I have known this hotel for many years. Originally the Hog’s Back Hotel, it is currently the Ramada Jarvis, Farnham. Strictly speaking it is pretty muh mid-way between Farnham and Guildford on the A31. "Improvements" to the A31 a few years ago have resulted in the hotel being visible from the dual-carriageway, but very difficult to reach thanks to a new maze of link roads and underpasses. However, if you follow the hotel signs, you’ll eventually get there, however illogical the route seems to be (paticularly coming from the Guildford direction). Although the staff were friendly and professional, the ground floor double room was a huge disappointment. The bed was a strange combination of hard and bouncy at the same time - one of the most uncomfortable I have ever slept in. The room was too hot, but a search for the thermostat was fruitless. Amenities were basic, to say the least. Minimal towels and no hand flannels. Breakfast was a sparse buffet and there was no egg station. A pre-fried egg on fried bread or scrambled egg was the only choice, but the quality was quite good. Unfortunately I couldn’t recommend this hotel purely because of the room and terrible bed which made sleep difficult. I won’t risk it again. A better alternative is the Bush at Farnham or the Holiday Inn at Guildford (although both are sometimes over-priced for what they are).

Traveler's tip on local attractions

The Watercress Line (preserved steam railway) is approximately 20 minutes away from this hotel at Alton (its summer steam trains can be accessed at its own platform at the normal British Rail station). In the other direction, Guildford is only 10 minutes away and this is quite simply one of the most delightful picturesque medium size towns in the UK. Cobbled High Street and wonderful array of historic buildings, many from the 1600s and earlier.