Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Latest Reviews
We just spent two nights in a suite at the OGH. With a couple of exceptions, everything I have to say about the place is highly, highly complimentary. To be honest, it reminds me of a laid back version of the Ritz, in London. The same off-the-charts service (if not even better), the same atmosphere of being somewhere really special. Perhaps the OGH is a bit less grand, but it is also quite sensibly priced. Meals, room service, drinks, etc are all quite reasonable, despite the almost overwhelming level of quality and service.
There ARE a few quirks. A doorman who never smiles or makes eye contact.....almost a character from the Adams Family, lol. A front desk clerk who didn't speak English well enough to be readily intelligible. Ok, hire Spanish people (notoriously difficult to understand when they attempt to speak English) anywhere else in the hotel....but please, NOT at the reception desk....'my first point of contact. The poor girl is so far from being fluent that she really shouldn't be interacting with customers.
Our suite was a BIT tired....the carpets and furnishings could probably do with a change, though part of the OGH's charm is it's "Old World" character and service.
But these things really pale when juxtaposed with the undeniable charm of the place. The many nooks and crannies that look like parts of a film set of a film about a 19th century luxury retreat. Little bars....reading rooms....they seem to be everywhere. The food is top notch, and the bars and service therein are faultless.
Yes, it's more expensive than the other Guernsey hotels, but there is no other place like it, and what you pay is pretty fair really, considering the experience you get.
In short......I loved the place.
There ARE a few quirks. A doorman who never smiles or makes eye contact.....almost a character from the Adams Family, lol. A front desk clerk who didn't speak English well enough to be readily intelligible. Ok, hire Spanish people (notoriously difficult to understand when they attempt to speak English) anywhere else in the hotel....but please, NOT at the reception desk....'my first point of contact. The poor girl is so far from being fluent that she really shouldn't be interacting with customers.
Our suite was a BIT tired....the carpets and furnishings could probably do with a change, though part of the OGH's charm is it's "Old World" character and service.
But these things really pale when juxtaposed with the undeniable charm of the place. The many nooks and crannies that look like parts of a film set of a film about a 19th century luxury retreat. Little bars....reading rooms....they seem to be everywhere. The food is top notch, and the bars and service therein are faultless.
Yes, it's more expensive than the other Guernsey hotels, but there is no other place like it, and what you pay is pretty fair really, considering the experience you get.
In short......I loved the place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having tried a number of hotels on the island over the past few years, I find that the OGH is by far the best option. It's location is perfect with meetings usually just a short stroll from the hotel. The addition of the new bar is a great idea as the old one was too small. The staff are genuinely friendly, very professional and willing to help guests no matter how minor the issue may be.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
About a month ago we stayed here for a special Anniversary. We chose it without knowing anything about it other than having read favourable reports on several websites. We agree that we could not have chosen better anywhere. It was perfect from beginning to end, from collection at the airport to being returned there. All the staff were friendly and helpful throughout our five day stay. Our room, complete with champagne and flowers on arrival, was sumptuous, with a private balcony overlooking the harbour. The food is first-class and beautifully presented in a dining-room that is light and welcoming. The building itself is old with many rooms, each decorated in its own style; outside, the gardens surround the swimming-pool. We have stayed in many hotels world-wide but this is, in our estimation, exceptional. Personal service, marvellous location, superb staff. We will have to return!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent four nights at the OGH. Welcoming and friendly staff, comfortable rooms and nice location. Ate one night in The Brasserie (very good) and one at the Curry House in the hotel (OK - not brilliant). Hotel is in nice location. All the staff are excellent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great hotel where you get what you pay for! Very characterful, and very close to the centre of town and port. Would definitely recommend to the wife. Nicest place I've ever stayed in the Channel islands.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What can one say about perfection! We booked on line and had a delightful e mail from the hotel asking what our preferences were for a variety of things such as the pillows etc. Marvelous and this before we arrived!
We were told of a potentially noisy function in the hotel and the staff did their utmost to make sure our seaview room was well away from any sort of noise. In the event, even with our windows open, we didn't hear a thing.
There have been many changes since our last visit two years ago. The Governors has now become a fine dining Indian and fine dining indeed. I had fish curry and brother it was as good as any I have had on the sub continent. There is a new bar which is a superb addition. We used it most evenings after a night out, then we would sit on the balcnony with a pleasant drink before retiring.
The staff were simply brilliant. We can't heap sufficient praise on each and every one of them. How many hotels do you stay in where the staff call you by name. In this hotel you are treated as a human being and not as a room number - very refreshing indeed.
We really enjoyed our stay in our home away from home and can't wait to go back
We were told of a potentially noisy function in the hotel and the staff did their utmost to make sure our seaview room was well away from any sort of noise. In the event, even with our windows open, we didn't hear a thing.
There have been many changes since our last visit two years ago. The Governors has now become a fine dining Indian and fine dining indeed. I had fish curry and brother it was as good as any I have had on the sub continent. There is a new bar which is a superb addition. We used it most evenings after a night out, then we would sit on the balcnony with a pleasant drink before retiring.
The staff were simply brilliant. We can't heap sufficient praise on each and every one of them. How many hotels do you stay in where the staff call you by name. In this hotel you are treated as a human being and not as a room number - very refreshing indeed.
We really enjoyed our stay in our home away from home and can't wait to go back
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We booked the hotel on line, and we then got an e-mail from them to ask about our preferences. What sort of pillows we liked, when we would we arrive, would we like any additional items and all in all it made the booking seem more personal. We arrived at the hotel, and as it is in the town of St Peter Port parking is limited, and so the hotel staff were able to take the car and park it for us. The reception staff were most helpful, and checking in was fast and efficient. We were at a function in the hotel, and the meal was excellent. The dining room staff were all very polite and courteous. They were attentive to our needs, and the meal was great. The bar staff were amazing, and so helpful. The room was excellent, and we had a view over the harbour and adjacent islands. There was a bath and separate shower. Breakfast was delicious and the staff were again most helpful. I would be very happy to stay here again. The hotel is an old converted building, so it has a lot of charm and character, but of course was not purpose built. It is well located for walking to town, has a swimming pool (outdoor) and spa. It is part of the Red Carnation Group. They also do a very good afternoon tea, but I would recommend that you book for that in advance as it can get very busy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I really like this hotel. Rooms are not huge but they are comfortable and well furnished with a comfy day bed, enormous and very comfortable bed, and old-fashioned comfy armchairs plus all the mod cons of TV, phone, internet etc. The spa is excellent, lounges are comfortable and welcoming, and the food is great - particularly breakfast. But what really makes this a lovely place to stay is the quality of the service. Nothing is too much trouble for the well trained but affable staff. Throughout the hotel, from concierge to chambermaid, it was service with a smile, which makes a wonderful change from the often surly or condescending approach of so many hotel staff in 5 star hotels on the mainland. Well done OGH. The only drawback is the location on a hill in St Peter Port, giving great views, but making access difficult for anyone with any physical disability.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a superb hotel. Great staff and so helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Our first time on Guernsey but it will not be our last and we will definitely go back to the OGH. If ever we needed any help it guidance the staff at reception and concierge could resolve the issue. A great placed to visit whether in or out of season and a great base go explore Guernsey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited this hotel with my elderly parents and we all agreed it was a hotel with standards.
All the staff were tidy in dress and extremely attentive to your every need. The decor was lovely and everywhere was very clean.
It has a great location in St Peter port, short walk to the harbour and shops.
Obviously all the luxury has to be paid for so it is pricey but well worth a visit.
All the staff were tidy in dress and extremely attentive to your every need. The decor was lovely and everywhere was very clean.
It has a great location in St Peter port, short walk to the harbour and shops.
Obviously all the luxury has to be paid for so it is pricey but well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here for a four night Autumn break, not cheap but good value for money. Service was superb; inconspicuous until the second you needed it. We had a harbour view room with balcony, extremely quiet and great views especially at sunrise and after sunset. Breakfast was always so memorable, cooked to order and the great variety of choice was delicious and certainly set you up for the day. Great pianist in the bar/ restaurant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed here for a short break over the first May Bank Holiday. It certainly deserves its 5 stars and from the moment our taxi pulled up outside we were given VIP treatment. The rooms were plush and we had a rooftop and sea view. The breakfast was plentiful and set us up for a day exploring the island. I enjoyed a hot shell massage in the spa.
We would thoroughly recommend OGH and would like to visit again.
We would thoroughly recommend OGH and would like to visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The OGH was my introduction to a 'Red Carnation Hotel'. It was interesting to learn of the history and ethos of this select group of hotels. The hotel is immaculately appointed in a unique, rather elaborate style. There is a total attention to detail and the service faultless.
We particularly enjoyed the exceptional food, the beautiful, warm swimming pool, and perfect gin and tonics.
The hotel is well situated close to the centre of town and with lovely sea views. It is quite pricey but for a special occasion worth every penny. I will certainly be searching out another Red Carnation Hotel; once I've saved up!
We particularly enjoyed the exceptional food, the beautiful, warm swimming pool, and perfect gin and tonics.
The hotel is well situated close to the centre of town and with lovely sea views. It is quite pricey but for a special occasion worth every penny. I will certainly be searching out another Red Carnation Hotel; once I've saved up!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I stayed at the OGH recently and enjoyed our stay. In general, the hotel is excellent as is the service and the rooms are very nice. We stayed in a King Room and it had everything we wanted and was very well appointed. The only reasons I cannot give the hotel the full 5 star rating are the noise and some of the furniture in the rooms, which looks great but is not comfortable. I have been to Guernsey quite a few times but have always stayed outside of St Peter Port and had nice quiet nights conducive to a good sleep. At the OGH we had to sleep with our windows open as the A/C is now switched off for the year and it was too warm without the windows open. However our windows opened out to the back of the hotel and every morning between 02:30 and 03:00 the rubbish is picked up by a large noisy truck which woke us like clockwork every night. There is also quite a lot of road noise in general. The hotel cannot help where it is located so the noise I accept is unavoidable, but I will not stay in the center of St Peter Port again but will return to quieter areas. We also had some chairs in our room, which fit in very nicely with the overall decor of the hotel, but they were terrible to sit on so ended up just being coat racks.
While this review sounds more negative than positive, I want to qualify this and must add that the OGH truly is a fantastic hotel with many, many good attributes although you definitely pay for these privileges. There is a wide selection of places to eat and drink, great outdoor areas to sit weather permitting, and the quality of food and service is excellent. But for the noise in our case we would have been happy to give the OGH a five star rating.
While this review sounds more negative than positive, I want to qualify this and must add that the OGH truly is a fantastic hotel with many, many good attributes although you definitely pay for these privileges. There is a wide selection of places to eat and drink, great outdoor areas to sit weather permitting, and the quality of food and service is excellent. But for the noise in our case we would have been happy to give the OGH a five star rating.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took a discovery package, including dinner, breakfast, picnic pack and car hire. Although a bit pricey it was good value. The hotel is beautiful in the old English style, staff overly attentive at times, food excellent and location good( don' t try dragging suitcases uphill from ferry unless very fit). A friend had recommended this hotel and I am pleased she did- we had a lovely stay, in a grand manner.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
OGH as it is known was once a down at heel hotel. However over the last 10 years vast amounts of money have been spent on refurbishing. It is now a Red Carnation Hotel. Long may it remain. The bedrooms, service, food and spa facilities, as well as the heated outdoor pool, are excellent. If you are lucky enough to have a sea view room the stay is complete.
2 mins walk (down hill) from the main shopping area of St. Peter Port with it's staggeringly beautiful harbour side.
The recently added Crown Bar is the icing on the icing on the cake.
2 mins walk (down hill) from the main shopping area of St. Peter Port with it's staggeringly beautiful harbour side.
The recently added Crown Bar is the icing on the icing on the cake.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We made our first visit to Guernsey and chose, upon recommendation from a friend, to stay at the OGH (as it is known). What a superb hotel - welcoming and friendly helpful staff, spotlessly clean, lovely rooms with good facilities with a first class restaurant - what more do you want to complement a short break on a beautiful island? The management (Red Carnation Group) clearly believe in what their publicity says - they pay 'close attention to every detail' in every respect and deserve continued success. We cannot wait to make a second visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had the pleasure of staying at OGH for three nights in late August. The total experience was wonderful, from the attentive staff, lovely room and delicious food. The attention to detail in all areas was most commendable. An exquisite boutique hotel. We shall return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A warm welcome from the staff who are all so courteous and obliging. The room was beautifully furnished and the small things make a difference such as plenty of large, soft towels in the bathroom and a teapot and cups and saucers on the tea tray in the room. A wonderfully relaxing stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hotel; cannot fault it-worth the money, lovely decor, clean and welcoming,fabric lined walls,nice heated swimming pool that was well attended to with fresh towels as needed,
Staff; could not do enough for you and were very friendly
Rooms:(220) beautiful room overlooking the harbour.with lovely bay windows for sitting in and looking out to see, biscuits tea etc were .replenished each day and a choice of sparkling and still water also Huge fluffy bath towels and great pillows,bed was very comfy.
Entertainment: the bar staff were great and we took over Harry’s, the Irish bar man was very tolerant of us and even found some music to play for us.
Food; breakfast was amazing with wide choice of hot and cold; the fresh raspberries with Greek yoghurt went down well. Ate in restaurant for evening meal first night and had lobster with linguini-fab !!were well looked after, we were a slightly rowdy table of 10 women celebrating a special birthday
The island-beautiful island lots to see and there is a bus that takes you all round the island if you wish.We went over to Herm for the day where we found fab beaches, Shell beach and Belvoir beach, crystal clear water; the island was tiny but peaceful and beautiful, one pub, one hotel and two public toilets. The crossing was about 30 mins.
Weather was forecast for rain but was really warm on the weekend we went so was perfect with a little drizzle of rain while we slept.
The overall experience; We had a very enjoyable weekend and were looked after very well,thankyou to all the staff and management for a a great time.
Staff; could not do enough for you and were very friendly
Rooms:(220) beautiful room overlooking the harbour.with lovely bay windows for sitting in and looking out to see, biscuits tea etc were .replenished each day and a choice of sparkling and still water also Huge fluffy bath towels and great pillows,bed was very comfy.
Entertainment: the bar staff were great and we took over Harry’s, the Irish bar man was very tolerant of us and even found some music to play for us.
Food; breakfast was amazing with wide choice of hot and cold; the fresh raspberries with Greek yoghurt went down well. Ate in restaurant for evening meal first night and had lobster with linguini-fab !!were well looked after, we were a slightly rowdy table of 10 women celebrating a special birthday
The island-beautiful island lots to see and there is a bus that takes you all round the island if you wish.We went over to Herm for the day where we found fab beaches, Shell beach and Belvoir beach, crystal clear water; the island was tiny but peaceful and beautiful, one pub, one hotel and two public toilets. The crossing was about 30 mins.
Weather was forecast for rain but was really warm on the weekend we went so was perfect with a little drizzle of rain while we slept.
The overall experience; We had a very enjoyable weekend and were looked after very well,thankyou to all the staff and management for a a great time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Red Carnation group rarely disappoints and the Old Government House in Guernsey is a fine example of just how good they can be. You either like this style of traditional, graciously elegant hotel or you prefer something a bit more trendily modern. The choice is strictly subjective and if, like us, you prefer the traditional you are happy to have showers in baths, rather than separate stalls and single vanity units rather than doubles. The furniture in the public rooms could be more comfortable too but nowhere will you find more obliging and efficient staff for whom nothing is too much trouble and whose prime objective is apparently to ensure the comfort and happiness of their guests. This is in keeping with the Tollman service mantra and one of the reasons why the group has such a large faithful client base. The rooms are at the same time elegant, comfortable and functional. The food services are impeccable - ranging from a fully comprehensive breakfast to fine dining at dinner time. The wine list could offer more choice, and reflects the Tollmans' South African roots, to the detriment of European and, in particular, South American alternatives , but the wines on offer are all good quality and very reasonably priced. The service in the dining rooms and bars is faultless, as indeed it is everywhere in the hotel. All in all this is a hotel which richly deserves its five stars - and one to which we look forward to returning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed here for the 2nd time this year. This time for a week and once again with two young children- staff made everything we needed/wanted possible.
Anticipating our needs without having to ask! Faultless!
There is a five star feeling and service throughout the hotel from the decor, food, cleanliness and location.
- I would recommend this hotel to anyone as I feel each staff member plays their own unique part in making all guests stay a five star experience.
Anticipating our needs without having to ask! Faultless!
There is a five star feeling and service throughout the hotel from the decor, food, cleanliness and location.
- I would recommend this hotel to anyone as I feel each staff member plays their own unique part in making all guests stay a five star experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I don't know where to start, as this is the only 5* hotel in guernsey you know it's going to be special but where it stands alone is the level of service you receive from start to finish. I asked if my 6yr old could be accommodated and they provided a small separate bedroom for him which blew me away( mums/dads we know the pain of having to share one big room with little ones!)
Beautiful hotel with shabby elegance of old, they even surprised me with a birthday cake on arrival.
My only moan is I wanted to spend a week there not just. One night
Can't wait to return
Beautiful hotel with shabby elegance of old, they even surprised me with a birthday cake on arrival.
My only moan is I wanted to spend a week there not just. One night
Can't wait to return
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having stayed before, looked forward to staying again, and it never fails to impress. Wonderful hotel,Mrs. Bea Tollman manages to have everything here that one could wish for in an hotel. Superb position overlooking St Peter Port, tasteful decor, filled with beautiful antiques, inviting restaurants and bar, delicious food, relaxing and entertaining pianist in the main restaurant, heated outdoor pool, spa, gym, and as if that weren't enough, the most attentive and kind staff one could wish for. Nothing was too much trouble, the General Manager Andrew Chantrell runs a tight ship, and MD Jonathan Porrit must take a bow. Just wonderful, can't wait for our next visit.Red Carnation Rocks !!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed here a few times now and loved it.The rooms come with so many nice extras e.g. L'occitane toiletries and face masks. The staff were always pleasant and helpful and the food is delicious, especially the Curry Room. Lovely pool side area to relax in, with very comfy loungers. Felt like I was abroad. I also recommend the spa! Not bad value for a five star hotel either, you'd pay more in London for a hotel not nearly as good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
