Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Latest Reviews
The OGH was a lovely place to stay for a recent long weekend. Our room had all the amenities you'd expect and the bed was one of the comfiest (and largest) ever!
The Brasserie provided us with four superb breakfasts; the buffet selection is good in itself but the cooked options are wonderful. Scrambled egg with smoked salmon, full English, kippers and smoked haddock with a poached egg are some of the tasty choices. The staff are all friendly and efficient and it would be unfair to mention anyone in particular.
We also ate in the Brasserie for dinner and again the choices, quality and service were excellent.
Although I would recommend the hotel, the following reasons are why I didn't give it an 'excellent ' rating:
1) There is a strong musty smell in parts of the hotel.
2) In the bar to the side of the Brasserie restaurant there is a large TV with Sky sports on. The volume is turned off and nobody watches it. Surely people don't go to the OGH to watch Sky sports and we found this completely bizarre.
The Brasserie provided us with four superb breakfasts; the buffet selection is good in itself but the cooked options are wonderful. Scrambled egg with smoked salmon, full English, kippers and smoked haddock with a poached egg are some of the tasty choices. The staff are all friendly and efficient and it would be unfair to mention anyone in particular.
We also ate in the Brasserie for dinner and again the choices, quality and service were excellent.
Although I would recommend the hotel, the following reasons are why I didn't give it an 'excellent ' rating:
1) There is a strong musty smell in parts of the hotel.
2) In the bar to the side of the Brasserie restaurant there is a large TV with Sky sports on. The volume is turned off and nobody watches it. Surely people don't go to the OGH to watch Sky sports and we found this completely bizarre.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fantastic week at the OGH. Accommodation, food, service, location all absolutely superb. Room was kept beautifully clean throughout. Cannot find fault in any way.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Easily the best meal was at the brasserie at the OGH. The service was impeccable, the food beautiful and the place itself gave a further taste of luxury. This is the second year we have been to Guernsey for the Tennerfest, so have sampled a good range of restaurants, hotels etc with the OGH very much standing out. We would be tempted to eat there every time - defeating the object of the exercise! The staff clearly realised they were part of a great experience and had the confidence to be relaxed and friendly, while ensuring everything was done in exactly the right way - a great balance. The place itself perfectly combined comfort with luxury.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are a couple who found romance later in life and recently spent our honeymoon at the OGH. Many friends had told us that this would be a hotel to remember but the reality exceeded all expectations.From the moment that we arrived at the OGH the staff made us feel so welcome and nothing was too much trouble. Their "can do" attitude made such a welcome change from the indifference that is now so common in the service industry. Once you enter the reception area you travel back into a timelessly elegant setting and the dream really starts from there. The dining rooms are beautifully decorated and the views of the nearby islands of Herm, Jethou and Sark are stunning. We travel a lot and the breakfasts matched the best that we've had anywhere and with a far better choice. With its history and impressive decor the OGH could be a bit intimidating but the staff run the establishment with such panache and have such a sense of fun that you immediately feel part of a club and very much at home. The location is ideal for exploring St Peter's Port and the car parking system works well. We will be going back for our wedding anniversary!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
OGH is something of a Guernsey institution and has a slightly colonial air to it. This is not a cutting-edge boutique hotel but apparently doesn't aim to be so; instead, it revels in its history and traditions. A set of sherry glasses and a decanter by the front door on arrival (help yourself!) was a nice touch. Staff were unpretentious and very friendly and the public areas well furnished in traditional style.
My double bedroom had been recently refurbished in creams and taupes with heavy drapes and cloth wallpaper; it had a luxurious feel. The room was, however, L-shaped and quite small and I suspect that a couple staying there would feel a little cramped.
There is a small terrace and pretty garden which, on a sunny day, would be a lovely place to eat breakfast or afternoon tea. Unfortunately, it rained on my visit but the views across St Peter Port were still lovely. I would stay here again.
My double bedroom had been recently refurbished in creams and taupes with heavy drapes and cloth wallpaper; it had a luxurious feel. The room was, however, L-shaped and quite small and I suspect that a couple staying there would feel a little cramped.
There is a small terrace and pretty garden which, on a sunny day, would be a lovely place to eat breakfast or afternoon tea. Unfortunately, it rained on my visit but the views across St Peter Port were still lovely. I would stay here again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I spent three nights at The OGH Hotel and we did not want to leave. From the time you arrive you are treated like royalty. Nothing is to much trouble. The restaurants wonderful and the food fantastic. The staff friendly and just wonderful. This is a lovely hotel and we cannot wait to visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are a slightly elderly couple taking a break from a trip in France. Took the fast ferry over from St.Malo and checked in for one night. Staff super without being intrusive. Obvious focus on what the guest wants/needs. Room wonderful, well worth the extra cost for a harbor view. Best internet/wifi connection in weeks. Afternoon tea a delight. Overall the OGHH is at the high end of the cost curve for Guernsey but well worth it! Way better in every dimension than a highly recommended Relais Chateau we stayed in in Normandy for twice the price!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On arrival I gave reception my shoes to be polished. This was not a problem and they arrived in my room in an excellent condition.
The hotel has a great gym with up to date machines.
Room services breakfast was perfect.
Room 219 over looks the pool and sea, but bathroom could do with s refurb. Better shower please.
The hotel has a great gym with up to date machines.
Room services breakfast was perfect.
Room 219 over looks the pool and sea, but bathroom could do with s refurb. Better shower please.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We travelled to Guernsey to visit an elderly relative living on the island. We had booked a Queen room which was not ready on arrival, but our luggage was taken care of and our car parked in the hotel car park by the helpful concierge. The staff at OGH are undoubtedly its best asset. Attention to detail, friendly, charming and very helpful. We wanted to bring our relative to the hotel for dinner that evening and Harry, the guest services manager, "managed to find" us a table in the Brasserie despite it being fully booked. The receptionist Dominika and the concierge went to great lengths to arrange a taxi to pick up our relative and take her home so that we could all enjoy a drink in the evening without worrying about the need to drive.
We did encounter a small problem with our room that contributed to a disturbed night's sleep. As this problem could not be resolved easily we were moved to an upgraded, newly refurbished room that suited our needs much better. It was all done without fuss at at no inconvenience to us. However, we felt that in a five star hotel all rooms, from Standard to the most glorious suite, should be of a faultless quality in its decor, furnishings and upkeep. Nick Brown, the Duty Manager was helpful and not at all sniffy about our complaint.
The hotel itself, as one might expect with an old building, is in places rather tired. There are obvious, continuing problems with damp and roof leaks in some parts of the hotel which makes some areas smell fusty.
Food in the Brasserie (1 dinner and two breakfasts) was good. Again, the waiting staff and restaurant managers were knowledgeable and caring.
In the bar Isa makes a brilliant cocktail - even if it one she hasn't made before, and Gino is very knowledgeable, welcoming and helpful.
Away from the hotel - St Peter's Port is not the most tourist friendly place when using your own car. Parking is a nightmare as nearly all the car parks are for those who have pre-purchased/issued discs.
We did encounter a small problem with our room that contributed to a disturbed night's sleep. As this problem could not be resolved easily we were moved to an upgraded, newly refurbished room that suited our needs much better. It was all done without fuss at at no inconvenience to us. However, we felt that in a five star hotel all rooms, from Standard to the most glorious suite, should be of a faultless quality in its decor, furnishings and upkeep. Nick Brown, the Duty Manager was helpful and not at all sniffy about our complaint.
The hotel itself, as one might expect with an old building, is in places rather tired. There are obvious, continuing problems with damp and roof leaks in some parts of the hotel which makes some areas smell fusty.
Food in the Brasserie (1 dinner and two breakfasts) was good. Again, the waiting staff and restaurant managers were knowledgeable and caring.
In the bar Isa makes a brilliant cocktail - even if it one she hasn't made before, and Gino is very knowledgeable, welcoming and helpful.
Away from the hotel - St Peter's Port is not the most tourist friendly place when using your own car. Parking is a nightmare as nearly all the car parks are for those who have pre-purchased/issued discs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I stayed at the OGH at the end of September and we really enjoyed the time. You need to put modern steel and glass corporate hotels out of your mind, and enjoy the OGH for what it is - a lovely old building with plenty of character, and the most helpful staff I’ve ever experienced in any hotel. Nothing was too much trouble.
Yes, some of the rooms may be on the small side compared to the modern ‘boxes’, but the quality of the furnishings was just as high, and we were in no doubt we were staying somewhere that bit more special. We wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.
Breakfast in the Brasserie was excellent, and we also had meals there on two evenings. Again the food and service were both excellent, and the staff were completely unfazed by the second all-island power cut in three days, right during the busiest evening meal time.
Afternoon tea in the garden also to be recommended.
Sleep quality is difficult to comment on. The bed was great and the linen very high quality. We were on Guernsey during a late summer heatwave, and had to have windows wide open at night. The OGH is only a few hundred yards from the busy port, (the clue is in the name 'St Peter Port'), so a combination of early morning fog horns and a working port can be an issue if you are a light sleeper. Also St Peter Port appears to have the most determined road sweeper driver in the world, keen to leave the streets in the best state for visitors. Commendable, but he does start early! Nothing the hotel can control, of course.
Guernsey itself is lovely, but don’t miss an opportunity to see the other islands. Our day trip to Herm was wonderful, though don’t attempt to walk all the way around the island unless you are reasonably agile, as the cliff path at the southern end has some steep parts, but the views are worth the effort. Belvoir Beach is a particular highlight.
Yes, some of the rooms may be on the small side compared to the modern ‘boxes’, but the quality of the furnishings was just as high, and we were in no doubt we were staying somewhere that bit more special. We wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.
Breakfast in the Brasserie was excellent, and we also had meals there on two evenings. Again the food and service were both excellent, and the staff were completely unfazed by the second all-island power cut in three days, right during the busiest evening meal time.
Afternoon tea in the garden also to be recommended.
Sleep quality is difficult to comment on. The bed was great and the linen very high quality. We were on Guernsey during a late summer heatwave, and had to have windows wide open at night. The OGH is only a few hundred yards from the busy port, (the clue is in the name 'St Peter Port'), so a combination of early morning fog horns and a working port can be an issue if you are a light sleeper. Also St Peter Port appears to have the most determined road sweeper driver in the world, keen to leave the streets in the best state for visitors. Commendable, but he does start early! Nothing the hotel can control, of course.
Guernsey itself is lovely, but don’t miss an opportunity to see the other islands. Our day trip to Herm was wonderful, though don’t attempt to walk all the way around the island unless you are reasonably agile, as the cliff path at the southern end has some steep parts, but the views are worth the effort. Belvoir Beach is a particular highlight.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My short break in Guernsey was greatly enhanced by my stay in this wonderful establishment; with staff who tried to do the utmost to make it enjoyable. One experience highlighted the personal attention to detail for me, something which has never happened before: During my first evening meal, the waitress noticed that I had changed my cutlery setting because I am left-handed and when she returned with the next course, asked if she might lay the cutlery to accommodate this .. how amazing is that?! I felt quite emotional ....
Food great, with a choice to suit every taste; comfortable and well-equipped room and a prime location
Food great, with a choice to suit every taste; comfortable and well-equipped room and a prime location
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I recently stayed at OGH with my wife and i can honestly say this Hotel ranks in our top 5 of all time.We stayed in the Herm Suite which was a large luxurious room with a fabulous view of ST Peters Port harbour and of course Herm.The quality of the room in all respects was exemplary.We experienced all the dining options at the hotel ranging from breakfast(how refreshing to have a breakfast cooked for you instead of the usual buffet)to the fine dining restaurant(a superb restaurant in all respects and definitely worth the money)which is one of our favourite restaurants of all time.Every member of staff was friendly but very professional.Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely refurbished room, with all the amenities of a 5 star hotel. Friendly staff and a great breakfast.
I also revisited the spa for a treatment - my first visit being back in April, which included afternoon tea , worth every penny and highly recommended if you get the chance.
Perfect location and great views from the garden
I also revisited the spa for a treatment - my first visit being back in April, which included afternoon tea , worth every penny and highly recommended if you get the chance.
Perfect location and great views from the garden
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed here for 2 nights on our honeymoon. Had a King room with sea views. Lovely big comfortable bed and very well appointed room. We were given complementary champagne on arrival which was a nice touch.Staff very professional and helpful.
Car parking a bit tight: but they will park the car for you. This was novelty at first for us but this wore off after a while and was a pain if you needed to pop out to the car for something that you had forgotton, but only minor issue.
Hotel is well placed for shops/ restuarants in town.
We enjoyed the stay very much, but it was very expensive.
Car parking a bit tight: but they will park the car for you. This was novelty at first for us but this wore off after a while and was a pain if you needed to pop out to the car for something that you had forgotton, but only minor issue.
Hotel is well placed for shops/ restuarants in town.
We enjoyed the stay very much, but it was very expensive.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a very enjoyable week at the OGH for our honeymoon. The staff were all superb and really went the extra mile to ensure we had a comfortable stay. We had complimentary champagne in our room on arrival which was a nice touch. We had a standard room (202), so we were not expecting a huge suite, but it still felt a little cramped. We did however have a great view of the town and harbour, and the room was in good condition and well furnished/decorated. The evening turn-down service was a nice surprise and the house-keeping staff did a great job.
The breakfasts in the Brasserie were superb and again, the staff were excellent - even letting us eat at the bar so we could watch a Rugby World cup match! I would say that were we definitely the youngest couple at breakfast every morning - but perhaps that was the time of year we went.
We used the spa facilities which were good - just a shame there is no direct access from the spa to the outdoor pool. I didn't really fancy walking through the Brasserie in my dressing gown. We also had spa treatments which we fabulous and a great addition to our stay.
We had dinner in the Brasserie once during our stay, and unfortunately it just didn't quite meet the standard set by other restaurants on the island - which was very disappointing. We had a very long wait between courses, they had run out of our choice of starter and then mixed up our 'second choice' and still charged us the higher price of our original choice. So we were underwhelmed by our meal.
The hotel is in a great location for access into St Peter Port, the harbour and excellent public transport to the rest of the island.
So overall, we enjoyed our stay and were made to feel welcome, there were just a couple of points that meant I couldn't give it 5/5.
The breakfasts in the Brasserie were superb and again, the staff were excellent - even letting us eat at the bar so we could watch a Rugby World cup match! I would say that were we definitely the youngest couple at breakfast every morning - but perhaps that was the time of year we went.
We used the spa facilities which were good - just a shame there is no direct access from the spa to the outdoor pool. I didn't really fancy walking through the Brasserie in my dressing gown. We also had spa treatments which we fabulous and a great addition to our stay.
We had dinner in the Brasserie once during our stay, and unfortunately it just didn't quite meet the standard set by other restaurants on the island - which was very disappointing. We had a very long wait between courses, they had run out of our choice of starter and then mixed up our 'second choice' and still charged us the higher price of our original choice. So we were underwhelmed by our meal.
The hotel is in a great location for access into St Peter Port, the harbour and excellent public transport to the rest of the island.
So overall, we enjoyed our stay and were made to feel welcome, there were just a couple of points that meant I couldn't give it 5/5.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spa afternoon followed by afternoon tea was perfect! What lovely staff - so professional and attentive in such wonderful surroundings!
Thoroughly recommend!!
Thoroughly recommend!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a very relaxing week at this hotel which is just a 5 minute walk from St Peter Port main street and harbour. Breakfast was wonderful in the Brasserie restaurant with views of the sea and Herm Island. The service is excellent and the bed extememely confortable. There is a small carpark for which they offer valet parking and may wish you to hand over your car keys so they can move cars around. This was a perfect hotel to relax and unwind.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
All the staff in the hotel were superb, nothing was too much trouble. I would like to give special praise to Nick Bosse who was excellent in every way.
Our room was very comfortable, providing everything that you would expect from a five star hotel. Although we did not experience the Govenor's Fine Dining Restaurant the food we had in the Brasserie was very good.
The only drawback to the hotel was it's location. For more elderly guests it requires you to walk up a steep incline from the port back to the hotel.
Our room was very comfortable, providing everything that you would expect from a five star hotel. Although we did not experience the Govenor's Fine Dining Restaurant the food we had in the Brasserie was very good.
The only drawback to the hotel was it's location. For more elderly guests it requires you to walk up a steep incline from the port back to the hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Agree with all the excellent reviews. Know Guernsey very well and know the transformation of a few of the 1970s hotels over the last few years. This is very posh and amazing service but it is very expensive. It feels very grand and the breakfasts and brasserie are very good. My only criticism was that there was no local input into hotel management. I enquired why the satellite Tv did not have any channel TV. No one seemed to have heard of it! I said as this was thepremiere hotel of Guernsey this was strange. It fell on deaf ears! A small detail but one they should look at for perfection!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having been a visitor to the lovely island of Guernsey for over 35 years and stayed at several of the islands hotels over this period and having just returned from a few days stay, I and my travelling colleague agree that The Old Goverment House Hotel & Spa is now the best hotel to stay at, certainly as far as we are concerned. Yes the hotel costs are not low in relative terms but considering the quality of service, food and the overall ambience of the hotel it is value for money. What also sets this hotel apart from others on the island is the friendly 'home from home' atmosphere that the management and staff genuinely convey and the effecient but not over the top attention to detail and personal awareness of the guests and their needs that the staff deliver. One other plus factor as far as we are concerned is the location of the hotel with the main town easliy accessible, if a little hilly. Unless of course one requires a rural location then look elsewhere. We will return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having initially been booked to stay at the Fermain Valley we were thankfully transfered to the OGH by our travel company after complaining. What a lucky escape we had! The OGH was everyting we expect from a hotel and much more. The standard of service, food and accomodation was first class. We will certainly be back for a return visit and will definately make a point of staying at a red carnation hotel next time we stay in London to see if they match the OGH excellent standards.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just returned from two nights at the OGH for my Husband's 40th, it was excellent. We can highly recommend this 5 star hotel, the concierge service, wating service and in general all staff at the hotel were so attentive to your needs, the attention to detail in every area of the hotel was excellent. We ate at the Governors Fine dining restaurant and chose the 7 course degustation which made us feel like kings, the somelier was brilliant, so knowledgeable, we felt very special and we would definitely return again to this restaurant.
I can not recommend this hotel enough for a special occasion!
Leek Staffordshire
I can not recommend this hotel enough for a special occasion!
Leek Staffordshire
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a lovely room here- a suite looking over the pool and down to the harbour. Had a taster menu in the restaurant which was fun and the hotel really quickly sorted a hire car for us one morning. We were disappointed in the spa- we went to have a jacuzzi one day before dinner and were told it was all shut early as it was a weekend! And it was near impossible to have a slot for any treatment although we were there for six nights in total- we got the impression it was a lovely hotel with an independent spa next door. And if you wanted to use the pool then a sauna you would have to traipse through the hotel bar and restaurant to get there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had the pleasure of attending a friend's wedding at the OGH recently. We decided to stay in the hotel with our baby daughter for convenience and I'm so glad we did. Although it wasn't the cheapest option, the hotel is absolutely beautiful and the service is truly outstanding. I don't think I've ever stayed anywhere else in the world where the staff are so attentive - nothing is too much trouble. The little touches, like the turndown service, newspaper, gorgeous toiletries, yummy biscuits and chocs on the pillows at night, made the whole experience feel more luxurious. The only slight negatives were we found the hotel had a lot of stairs which made it difficult with a pram and also our room was a bit too small to comfortably accommodate a travel cot. If we return we'd try and ensure we were placed in a larger room, ideally on the ground floor. Nevertheless, if you're thinking of visiting Guernsey, make sure you stay here. You won't be disappointed!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We recently spent 7 nights at OGH and the hotel excellent in all respects. All the staff couldn't have been friendlier & helpfull. The room & bathroom were immaculate, with a stunning view over the harbour. Best breakfasts ever. We hope to return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
