Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Latest Reviews
Once again, our yearly break in Guernsey comes to an end.
Over the past 10 years or so we have seen many changes in Guernsey, some not always for the better.
But, the OGH has remained constant throughout, the location, the friendly staff, the attention to detail are always spot on, if anything perhaps improving year on year.
We look forward to returning again next year.
Over the past 10 years or so we have seen many changes in Guernsey, some not always for the better.
But, the OGH has remained constant throughout, the location, the friendly staff, the attention to detail are always spot on, if anything perhaps improving year on year.
We look forward to returning again next year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are quite discerning travelers so were most pleasantly surprised at the quality of this hotel and the professionalism of the staff! Of course, we know the Oyster Box and 12 Apostles in South Africa well and have been fortunate to experience these and other properties around the World. And the OGH was superb. The food, the ambiance, the comfort and the staff. Unfortunately not the view over the buildings in front, which does detract from the experience…. but cannot be helped.
If we had to single out a particular member of staff, there would be two, Elena at Front Desk and Louis who carried our very heavy bags to and from our bedroom with pleasure and a smile on his face!
We will certainly be staying at this hotel again and recommending the OGH to our clients and colleagues.
If we had to single out a particular member of staff, there would be two, Elena at Front Desk and Louis who carried our very heavy bags to and from our bedroom with pleasure and a smile on his face!
We will certainly be staying at this hotel again and recommending the OGH to our clients and colleagues.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Living in Guernsey, I pass through the OGH often enough but have never stayed there before (seeing as I have my own house and everything). A 10th wedding anniversary had to be celebrated in style, however, so we packed our bags & drove to town.
If you're going to do it, do it in style; we checked in to The Herm Suite and wow, what a room. From the exquisite furnishings to the small detail like decent bathroom products (all L'Occitane) it was as good as I had hoped it would be.
So to dinner in the Governor's restaurant. The decor might be a bit over-done, but the food certainly wasn't. Different wine for each course made for light conversation and a lighter head.
Overall an excellent experience, so thanks to Andrew and his team. It's really so hard to pick out individuals, but Tomasz, Ken and (the legend that is) Harry are just three examples of the typical front of house team that make this place the success it deserves to be.
If you're going to do it, do it in style; we checked in to The Herm Suite and wow, what a room. From the exquisite furnishings to the small detail like decent bathroom products (all L'Occitane) it was as good as I had hoped it would be.
So to dinner in the Governor's restaurant. The decor might be a bit over-done, but the food certainly wasn't. Different wine for each course made for light conversation and a lighter head.
Overall an excellent experience, so thanks to Andrew and his team. It's really so hard to pick out individuals, but Tomasz, Ken and (the legend that is) Harry are just three examples of the typical front of house team that make this place the success it deserves to be.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As promised I returned to the OGH for the Town Carnival. I booked a table for the "Caribbean Evening" with Tropikal Vizions Steel Band. I have known the musicians for some years and therefore I would like to thank the management and all the people responsible for letting them entertain again.
I invited my Guernsey friends to join in. It was a great evening with Caribbean specialities. We liked the barbecue, the salad bar and the tropical dessert.
Once again I had a great time at the OGH. Everyone welcomed me back some of the staff even remembered my name. I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome. I really felt it was "my home away from home"
This time I had a larger room (King room) and it was well worth it. There was plenty of space I even had separate TV room. This was amazing.
Breakfast was great as there was a lot to choose from. I had lunch and dinner at "The Brasserie" and the food was just perfect. I also liked the plate of sandwiches which I ate "al fresco" in the "Olive Grove".
I will certainly return for the next Town Carnival or if possible earlier for another event or just to relax at the Spa.
I invited my Guernsey friends to join in. It was a great evening with Caribbean specialities. We liked the barbecue, the salad bar and the tropical dessert.
Once again I had a great time at the OGH. Everyone welcomed me back some of the staff even remembered my name. I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome. I really felt it was "my home away from home"
This time I had a larger room (King room) and it was well worth it. There was plenty of space I even had separate TV room. This was amazing.
Breakfast was great as there was a lot to choose from. I had lunch and dinner at "The Brasserie" and the food was just perfect. I also liked the plate of sandwiches which I ate "al fresco" in the "Olive Grove".
I will certainly return for the next Town Carnival or if possible earlier for another event or just to relax at the Spa.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Celebrated my husband's birthday at OGH by staying overnight on romantic break. Beautiful sea-view room, delicious food at their fine dining. And my husband enjoyed his SPA treatments. :)
Thank you to one and all!
Thank you to one and all!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were meant to spend one night at OGH - we arrived on the ferry (from hell) and walked to the OGH (because we needed the fresh air after the worse crossing on a ferry I have ever experienced - witnessing the use of the little white bags by more people than I care to count). We received a warm welcome and was offered a cool drink as we waited for our husbands to check-in, nice touch! The room was not sea facing, but was lovely -- good size bathroom (room to put our toiletries, very spacious), great king size bed, and plenty of room. We ate in the restaurant, which was great -- the wine, food, service .... all perfect!
The only thing missing was a full length mirror in the room and an outlet for my hair dryer under the mirror ;(
We had a fabulous breakfast, checked-out with no worries and the hotel held our luggage as we toured Guernsey for the day -- the concierge arranged a great tour as well.
As the day went on, after checking the sea state - Force 8 on the Channel would lead to another ferry ride from hell (no thank you) - a call to the OGH for another night. The hotel staff had our bags back in the room by the time we returned, different rooms tho. The room we stayed the second night (for the same price as the first night) was a SHOEBOX! Lovely, but small -- if they took some of the furniture out it would feel better. Why they felt we needed a desk that big in a room that small is beyond me, and they stuck it in the entrance way - why? There was no place to put our toiletry bags in the bathroom either. Across the hall our friends' room was almost twice the size for the same price.
Will definitely stay again tho! Oh, we flew back to Southampton on FlyBe - no more ferries, unless of course one takes a Dramamine, we all had thankfully!
The only thing missing was a full length mirror in the room and an outlet for my hair dryer under the mirror ;(
We had a fabulous breakfast, checked-out with no worries and the hotel held our luggage as we toured Guernsey for the day -- the concierge arranged a great tour as well.
As the day went on, after checking the sea state - Force 8 on the Channel would lead to another ferry ride from hell (no thank you) - a call to the OGH for another night. The hotel staff had our bags back in the room by the time we returned, different rooms tho. The room we stayed the second night (for the same price as the first night) was a SHOEBOX! Lovely, but small -- if they took some of the furniture out it would feel better. Why they felt we needed a desk that big in a room that small is beyond me, and they stuck it in the entrance way - why? There was no place to put our toiletry bags in the bathroom either. Across the hall our friends' room was almost twice the size for the same price.
Will definitely stay again tho! Oh, we flew back to Southampton on FlyBe - no more ferries, unless of course one takes a Dramamine, we all had thankfully!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our first visit to Guernsey and Lewis (the young Damien Lewis look-alike Concierge) made our stay at the OGH really special. Whatever we wanted or needed help with he organised with a very pleasant manner. But in fact all the staff were friendly and helpful. The room we were first allocated was small but had a lovely view of the sea. However the TV wasn't able to receive ITV 4 and as my husband is a Tour de France fan it was imperative that he could watch it whilst I was in the gym and spa. They moved us to a much larger room at no extra charge where all TV channels were available. The breakfasts were amazing with so much choice - even boiled eggs with marmite soldiers! The fresh fish every evening was first class but there were other choices for non fish eaters. A very busy hotel but the staff were well trained in treating each guest as individuals. Gym and spa were top notch and so was the attention to detail in all aspects of the hotel. We can't wait to visit again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just got back from a fantastic weekend in Guernsey and there is no question that this is THE place to stay. Great service, brilliant breakfasts. BUT one thing didn't work for me. When I arrived the receptionist says to me, "We have a Sea view room available" great I'm thinking until I am told that will set me back an extra £90 per night. When I get to my classic room it is a shoebox with no view that feels really tight. Didn't sleep well at all because I felt so crammed in. The room set me back £170 per night. Pool was great, drinks well made, seriously everything was perfect except for that, the staff especially were excellent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The building had a great deal of charm & character. The rooms were large and comfortable.
The staff were excellent, caring & helpful and professional. The food and restaurant service was also excellent
The staff were excellent, caring & helpful and professional. The food and restaurant service was also excellent
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed here for a week at the beginning of July. The weather was very average but the hotel was not!
Superb accommodation with a lovely sea/port view, excellent food with a special 'suprise' tasting menu in the Governer's restaurant, high quality bistro and fantastic breakfasts. However underpinning all of this were the staff who were all always friendly and so ready to help. We hope to return soon.
Superb accommodation with a lovely sea/port view, excellent food with a special 'suprise' tasting menu in the Governer's restaurant, high quality bistro and fantastic breakfasts. However underpinning all of this were the staff who were all always friendly and so ready to help. We hope to return soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just arrived back from a long weekend with my Fiancé at the OGH. The hotel was gorgeous and the food was fantastic but what really stood out was the service - the staff really could not do enough for you they were brilliant. Thank you for making our break (and my birthday) a very memorable one, we will definitely be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
After our visit to the hotel last year we could not wait to come back, the hotel staff cannot do enough for you to make your stay enjoyable. We were even able to get the same room and the manager even found time to welcome us back, you would not get that with most other hotels. When we next return, it with be back to the OGH.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I stayed here by default, my husband was in Guernsey on business & as I hadn't been to the island before I decided to join him. I have been lucky enough to do stay in some wonderful hotels before for the same reason but this one is in my top 5. I am sure we will return under our own steam in future as the OGH is perfect. Ideal location, lovely rooms, helpful & considerate staff & excellent food
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Guernsey for one night to celebrate our wedding anniversary and chose OGH as it looked lovely and was convenient for the ferry as we didn't have a car. After an extremely traumatic ferry ride over, it was lovely to enter OGH and feel pampered from the minute we walked in the door. The staff were so welcoming and our room was a good size and the decor was very pleasent. We didn't eat in the hotel as the restaurant was fully booked but the staff in the bar were also very helpful and accomodating. However the next morning we overslept and didn't wake up until 10.45 and at 11.00 the maid was knocking on the door. Then at 11.15 reception called to tell us we needed to be out of the room. At 11.20 the cleaner knocked on the door again. This spoilt our whole experience. I appreciate that check-out was 11.00 which is too early in my opinion, but there is descretion and to hound us out of the room was over the top. This was further compounded by the fact that when we got into St Peter Port every shop was closed so all we had to do was wander around until we caught our ferry. So a disappointing end to what was an enjoyable stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a 4 night stay as a special treat with my mom - this hotel is central (up a a hill so great views), with good rooms and two great restaurants and friendly staff.
The positives
- both restaurants excellent and for an experience of excellent food plus paired wine the 7 course desustation menu (£75) is a must
- rooms well fitted and services, lovely fluffy towels and occitane bathroom products
- lovely spa, pool and relaxation area
- helpful staff especially certain members of the concierge staff
- good location juts 5-10 mins walk from everything cetral in st peters port
Less than positives
It misses a 5 star score from me as I felt on svereal occasions that it sets an expectation of excellent service and then misses. Before our stay we were sent a form asking for pillow choices, newspaper choices etc - we filled these in but on arrival rather than it being as requested, none had been acted upon. Over our 4 day stay my mother did not get the newspaper she requested on any day - always polite apologies but a shame it wasnt right. In fact whenever we asked or politely complained the staff were gracious but you did get a feeling that staff were "in training" and many admitted they had been at the hotel just a few days. There are other examples such as forgetting to offere us dessert and coffee after our main course. None of these spoilt the visit, but with a little bit better attention to detail it could be great.
We did some lovely trips - we took a rib boat ride around Herm to look at the puffins that were in breeding, did a day trip to Herm (do try and go on a Tuesday when the head gardener does his guided tour which is excellent) and Sark, as well as hiring a car for a rour around the island.
If you can afford it this is a lovely hotel for a short stay in Guernsey.
The positives
- both restaurants excellent and for an experience of excellent food plus paired wine the 7 course desustation menu (£75) is a must
- rooms well fitted and services, lovely fluffy towels and occitane bathroom products
- lovely spa, pool and relaxation area
- helpful staff especially certain members of the concierge staff
- good location juts 5-10 mins walk from everything cetral in st peters port
Less than positives
It misses a 5 star score from me as I felt on svereal occasions that it sets an expectation of excellent service and then misses. Before our stay we were sent a form asking for pillow choices, newspaper choices etc - we filled these in but on arrival rather than it being as requested, none had been acted upon. Over our 4 day stay my mother did not get the newspaper she requested on any day - always polite apologies but a shame it wasnt right. In fact whenever we asked or politely complained the staff were gracious but you did get a feeling that staff were "in training" and many admitted they had been at the hotel just a few days. There are other examples such as forgetting to offere us dessert and coffee after our main course. None of these spoilt the visit, but with a little bit better attention to detail it could be great.
We did some lovely trips - we took a rib boat ride around Herm to look at the puffins that were in breeding, did a day trip to Herm (do try and go on a Tuesday when the head gardener does his guided tour which is excellent) and Sark, as well as hiring a car for a rour around the island.
If you can afford it this is a lovely hotel for a short stay in Guernsey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've stayed at this hotel many times over the years , mostly for business. It's always been a logical choice due to its convenient location in St Peter Port, but it was never trying to be more than middle of the road. This has changed under new owners the Red Carnation group. The OGH is now a fairly luxurious boutique hotel. Much internal refurbishment has gone on, and what is now very apparent is the excellence of the staff and the very personal way in which you get treated. Guernsey has long needed a first rate hotel , and the OGH has now significantly raised the bar.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We checked into OGH for four nights after staying one miserable night at an inn also on the island. We went from from extreme to another. OGH is five star and worthy of those stars. It was a pleasure to stay there, the staff are very accommodating and nothing was too much trouble. Our room was of a nice size with tastfull decor and a view over the harbour. The rest of the hotel, lounge, bar ect is also very comfortable and again tastfully furnished and decorated. Staying at OGH made our holiday enjoyable and the red carnation group have several other hotels around the world and I'd certainly like to visit those too. If like us, nice accommodation is a big part of your holiday then OGH is for you too. My only complaint was having to leave.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just returned from our second visit to OGH and we were not disappointed. The staff are truly oustanding and do all they can to ensure that you are made to feel welcome and at home at their wonderful hotel. Special thanks to Harry who is rightly proud of his hotel. We stayed in the Herm Suite which has a fabulous view over St Peter Port and across to Herm and it really is a magical place to watch the sun come up or go down. Our room was large and luxurious with a huge bathroom with plentiful supplies of good quality toiletries. The red carnation group have also bought the Duke of Richmond in St Peter Port and we ate there one night which was very good although for us the OGH remains THE place to stay on Guernsey and we are already planning a return trip.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Thank you to my wonderful Fiancé and the staff at The OGH who made my 40th Birthday a truly memorable one. The staff (who kept the intended proposal a secret!!) made our stay so special. The food was amazing and our room was perfect. We both highly recommend a stay at this hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Interesting property set in the middle of St Peter Port, Guernsey. Feels a little bit like being transported back to the 1950s, so don't expect a contemporary European hotel. Rooms were on the very small side (perhaps the suites are bigger) with equally small bathrooms. They are nicely appointed (the one I was in appeared to have been newly renovated) and was adequate for my one-night stayover - I think it would have been very cramped with the addition of another person or had the stay been any longer.
Service efficient and helpful - bartender particularly on his game - although the scale and decor of the common areas hinted more at a suburban golf club than anything else. My thought is that this is probably still your best bet if you are planning to stay in St Peter Port itself rather than one of the hotels further out of town.
Nothing particularly special but absolutely fine for its purpose - might have a more romantic vibe on weekends - tough to tell.
Service efficient and helpful - bartender particularly on his game - although the scale and decor of the common areas hinted more at a suburban golf club than anything else. My thought is that this is probably still your best bet if you are planning to stay in St Peter Port itself rather than one of the hotels further out of town.
Nothing particularly special but absolutely fine for its purpose - might have a more romantic vibe on weekends - tough to tell.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We returned to the OGH and were not disappointed. We really liked the refurbished rooms and the food and service were again first class.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a long weekend there for the local Half Marathon. Staff service was the best I have experienced anywhere. Facilities were excellent, especially the Gym/Spa. Restaurant superb, even for vegetarians. Not a cheap break but fantastic value for money as a treat. Must do it again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We returned to OGH the last weekend of May and felt like we were returning home. The genuine warmth from all the staff was very clear to see, from the initial pick up at Guernsey airport to the return to the airport.
We fulfilled a promise to ourselves to try the degustation & wine tasting menu at Governors Restaurant - we love our wines and were very impressed with the pairing of the wine selections to the delicious 7 course meal. Our other treat was afternoon tea in our room - honestly, there was so much food, afternoon tea easily doubles as dinner and I think is a really good value.
Breakfasts were fresh and plentiful, and with perfect sunny days, we ate outside in the Olive Grove - just beautiful.
Although our room was a little smaller than our last visit, it suited us just fine and was incredibly comfortable and included everything you needed including stunning decor, huge sash windows that opened & closed smoothly and lovely views over St. Peter Port and the lovely touch of 110v US outlets.
We explored the Island by bus and on foot, something that's so easy and provides a constantly changing scenery plus great people watching. It was nice not to have a car and the dreaded big H that just tells the locals to stay well clear of you!!
We had originally planned to stay on Jersey this visit, but our experience at OGH had been so good last year, we felt it worth staying on Guernsey again and were very pleased we did.
We fulfilled a promise to ourselves to try the degustation & wine tasting menu at Governors Restaurant - we love our wines and were very impressed with the pairing of the wine selections to the delicious 7 course meal. Our other treat was afternoon tea in our room - honestly, there was so much food, afternoon tea easily doubles as dinner and I think is a really good value.
Breakfasts were fresh and plentiful, and with perfect sunny days, we ate outside in the Olive Grove - just beautiful.
Although our room was a little smaller than our last visit, it suited us just fine and was incredibly comfortable and included everything you needed including stunning decor, huge sash windows that opened & closed smoothly and lovely views over St. Peter Port and the lovely touch of 110v US outlets.
We explored the Island by bus and on foot, something that's so easy and provides a constantly changing scenery plus great people watching. It was nice not to have a car and the dreaded big H that just tells the locals to stay well clear of you!!
We had originally planned to stay on Jersey this visit, but our experience at OGH had been so good last year, we felt it worth staying on Guernsey again and were very pleased we did.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I paid for my parents to stay at the OGH for my mother's birthday and they had a fantastic time.
Before the stay I was called on 2 occassions by the hotel to check all was ok and whether they could do anything to help organise the trip. This is truely 5 star service.
The room and bathroom was lovely, breakfast was delicious, and the staff in the hotel could not do enough.
It was a real bonus bumping into Boris Becker and having a chat with him.
Couldn't fault and easily the best hotel in Guernsey.
Before the stay I was called on 2 occassions by the hotel to check all was ok and whether they could do anything to help organise the trip. This is truely 5 star service.
The room and bathroom was lovely, breakfast was delicious, and the staff in the hotel could not do enough.
It was a real bonus bumping into Boris Becker and having a chat with him.
Couldn't fault and easily the best hotel in Guernsey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just returned from a wonderful anniversary break, this is not our first visit and as usual we were made to feel very special from the moment we entered the building. Lots of little extras were provided to make our stay extra special which we so appreciated.
The staff are first class and the food wonderful. We will certainly be returning next year.
Cathy
The staff are first class and the food wonderful. We will certainly be returning next year.
Cathy
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
