Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Latest Reviews
This was our first visit to the island and It feels churlish to offer any criticism of this hotel in view of the almost endless accolades given by previous reviewers. We would agree with almost all of them regarding the attentiveness of the staff and the general ambience of the hotel. I assume these previous reviewers did not book a standard double room. We however did and although we read the review of Bob1949 from November 2010 we thought he possibly might have exaggerated. Wrong! The hotel has a small corridor of rooms that are narrow, cramped and dark. Concierge staff took us and our suitcases to our room and three in the room with suitcase was some what overcrowded. When he offered to put the suitcase on the stand provided we burst into laughter. We stayed four nights and were stir crazy by the time we checked out.
The TV signal was also out of order for the length of our stay -not a huge problem to us but it would have been nice to watch the weather forecast.
The Olive Garden is a lovely room for breakfast with excellent service from the staff. I couldn't understand why when offering a menu service that many items were pre cooked and kept warm so were delivered dry and overcooked. Black pudding biscuit is not what one expects and Eggs Benedict with solid yolks and Hollandaise Sauce with a crust lessens the experience.
Our stay was therefore full of conflicts. We loved the genteel and attentive ambience together with the comfortable feel of the public rooms. We detested our room. Our very strong view is that a standard room at £153 a night is extremely poor value for money. If you want to stay here for either business or leisure you must book a better room and take the hit on price and make a judgement on value for money. We investigated alternatives for when we return for our second visit to Guernsey in September and there are several.
The TV signal was also out of order for the length of our stay -not a huge problem to us but it would have been nice to watch the weather forecast.
The Olive Garden is a lovely room for breakfast with excellent service from the staff. I couldn't understand why when offering a menu service that many items were pre cooked and kept warm so were delivered dry and overcooked. Black pudding biscuit is not what one expects and Eggs Benedict with solid yolks and Hollandaise Sauce with a crust lessens the experience.
Our stay was therefore full of conflicts. We loved the genteel and attentive ambience together with the comfortable feel of the public rooms. We detested our room. Our very strong view is that a standard room at £153 a night is extremely poor value for money. If you want to stay here for either business or leisure you must book a better room and take the hit on price and make a judgement on value for money. We investigated alternatives for when we return for our second visit to Guernsey in September and there are several.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great location and always a delightful reception by all the " OGH Team" Rebooked as soon as we arrived home.A litter free and courteous Guernsey makes such a difference.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful hotel for our first visit to the island. We were made extremely welcome by all, and the facilities, service, & especially the food were first class.A thoroughly enjoyable stay with a thoroughly enjoyable island.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From the moment we were collected by the Hotel car at the dock to being dropped off by the same means two days later at the airport this Hotel was a delightful experience.
Located in the centre of St Peter Port but at the top of a short hill the Panoramic views from the Seaview Bedrooms are absolutely exceptional and well worth the higher rate.
The room we stayed in (220) was a picture with a mixture of gold & white furniture & fittings plus a chandelier for good measure. My only minor negative was that the 2 bedside chairs could do with a little cosmetic repair but this most definitely did not affect our stay.
Try "Govenors" the small Fine Dining Restaurant (seats less than 20 so intimate); the 7 course dinner is an option but don't be fooled; it is so well balanced it should suit most diners as will the wine selection.
A leisurely Breakfast in the Brasserie is also a pleasure and the attentive & efficient staff add to the overall pleasant ambiance of the dining room.
The outside pool even when windy is well protected by hedging and is a very pleasant sun trap.
We are only sorry that our stay was just 2 nights but we will return and I commend the standards of service that Red Carnation Hotels have obviously instilled in the staff .
So if you like hotels in classic style, some history & a feeling of personal service that makes everybody feel special then "OGH" as it is affectionately called locally is for you.
Located in the centre of St Peter Port but at the top of a short hill the Panoramic views from the Seaview Bedrooms are absolutely exceptional and well worth the higher rate.
The room we stayed in (220) was a picture with a mixture of gold & white furniture & fittings plus a chandelier for good measure. My only minor negative was that the 2 bedside chairs could do with a little cosmetic repair but this most definitely did not affect our stay.
Try "Govenors" the small Fine Dining Restaurant (seats less than 20 so intimate); the 7 course dinner is an option but don't be fooled; it is so well balanced it should suit most diners as will the wine selection.
A leisurely Breakfast in the Brasserie is also a pleasure and the attentive & efficient staff add to the overall pleasant ambiance of the dining room.
The outside pool even when windy is well protected by hedging and is a very pleasant sun trap.
We are only sorry that our stay was just 2 nights but we will return and I commend the standards of service that Red Carnation Hotels have obviously instilled in the staff .
So if you like hotels in classic style, some history & a feeling of personal service that makes everybody feel special then "OGH" as it is affectionately called locally is for you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I had just one night staying at the OGH. We had a very relaxing 24 hours and wish it could have been longer. The staff were all very attentive and pleasant. The bed linen was luxury - 200 thread count Egyptian Cotton.
We had an excellent 3 course meal in the Brasserie and breakfast was delicious.
We had an excellent 3 course meal in the Brasserie and breakfast was delicious.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nothing at all to dislike - excellent service by very professional, very smart staff. Top quality traditional decor throughout especially the lounge and dining areas. A real treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a great stay we had in this beautiful hotel on teh delightful island of Guernsey. The hotel team were so attentive, they could not do enough for my wife and I during our recent visit.
Despite all 68 rooms being full, evryone knew addressed us by our name from the moment we arrived, how do they do that!
The food was wonderful, the facilities marvellous and if they did not have something, they knew where we would find it.
Well done Red Carnation, you should be proud.
Despite all 68 rooms being full, evryone knew addressed us by our name from the moment we arrived, how do they do that!
The food was wonderful, the facilities marvellous and if they did not have something, they knew where we would find it.
Well done Red Carnation, you should be proud.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We decided at very short notice to hop over to Guernsey for the weekend and were not disappointed. The OGH made our short stay perfect. The room, albeit a tad on the small side if staying longer than 2 nights, was clean and the bed was very comfortable. The service from start to finish was friendly, curteous and very attentive without being intrusive. Despite one tiny hiccup, the restaurant and food could not be faulted. On our return we felt so refreshed and relaxed that we have booked again for September. Superb!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a great stay we had in this beautiful hotel on teh delightful island of Guernsey. The hotel team were so attentive, they could not do enough for my wife and I during our recent visit.
Despite all 68 rooms being full, evryone knew addressed us by our name from the moment we arrived, how do they do that!
The food was wonderful, the facilities marvellous and if they did not have something, they knew where we would find it.
Well done Red Carnation, you should be proud.
Despite all 68 rooms being full, evryone knew addressed us by our name from the moment we arrived, how do they do that!
The food was wonderful, the facilities marvellous and if they did not have something, they knew where we would find it.
Well done Red Carnation, you should be proud.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just returned from a weekend stay at the Old Government House Hotel & have to say this is probably one of the best hotels we have stayed in. We travel all around the world & have stayed in some amazing 5 star hotels & this is very muchup there with them. The staff are exceptional, from the minute you arrive you are made to feel so welcome, to anything you may need during your stay, nothing is too much trouble. The food is amazing. We were at the hotel celebrating my Father-in-laws 80th Birthday, which at breakfast one of the waiters had picked up on. During the meal that evening, the same waiter had organised & brought out a surprise birthday cake & the staff sang "Happy Birthday". This had not been prompted in anyway & goes to show the exceptional level of care & attention every member of staff puts in to there jobs. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel to anyone wanting some luxury & friendly approach during a stay in Guernsey. We are about to book again for another visit next year!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The room was lovely and spotlessly clean. Breakfasts, brasserie and afternoon tea fantastic. The Spa treatments were totally luxurious - I'm now hooked! Can't wait to go back and wallow in the lap of luxury again......................
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just returned from a weekend stay at the Old Government House Hotel & have to say this is probably one of the best hotels we have stayed in. We travel all around the world & have stayed in some amazing 5 star hotels & this is very muchup there with them. The staff are exceptional, from the minute you arrive you are made to feel so welcome, to anything you may need during your stay, nothing is too much trouble. The food is amazing. We were at the hotel celebrating my Father-in-laws 80th Birthday, which at breakfast one of the waiters had picked up on. During the meal that evening, the same waiter had organised & brought out a surprise birthday cake & the staff sang "Happy Birthday". This had not been prompted in anyway & goes to show the exceptional level of care & attention every member of staff puts in to there jobs. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel to anyone wanting some luxury & friendly approach during a stay in Guernsey. We are about to book again for another visit next year!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The room was lovely and spotlessly clean. Breakfasts, brasserie and afternoon tea fantastic. The Spa treatments were totally luxurious - I'm now hooked! Can't wait to go back and wallow in the lap of luxury again......................
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We recently stayed at this hotel for 4 nights. Nothing was too much trouble and all the staff were great, especially Gino who runs the hotel bar. We had dinner in the Restaurant on 2 occasions and both times the food and the service were superb. Would thorougly recommend this hotel and we will return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were a group of 5 ladies and arrived on the weekend of the Guernsey first Literary Festival. Such a treat for us as we planned our trip as a result of the famous Potato Peel Pie book that wehad read in our book club. The book inspired our trip to the Island. The hotel was busy on our arrival but we were welcomed warmly and given a super tour of the hotel and introduced to our rooms. We did have a few initial problems in that our beds were made up as doubles rather than twins, but this was very efficiently and quickly sorted by the staff. The food was excellent. The service was also very discrete and also excellent. We were really looked after and our lovely waiter even organised for us to have our books signed by the author who was speaking in the hotel during our stay. Pool and spa were beautiful. It felt like good old fashioned service. Tea in the lounge was served on beautiful Wedgewood china. Drinks were served by the glorious pool. The room was spotless, beds comfortable and imaculate bed linen was very much appreciated from some very discerning Surrey ladies!! Nothing was too much trouble and Olaf was totally charming. We will definitely return, probably bringing our other halfs next time! Thank you for a wonderful weekend and for your lovely island.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an excellent hotel in every way. The staff were friendly and polite and did everything they could to enhance our stay. The hotel was quiet (no awful, noisy, late functions that some hotels provide) and the room was comfortable, individual and 'homely' , while the dining room was spacious and quiet (no vacuous 'music'). Food was of a high standard with plenty of variety and room service was fast and efficient. The total warmth and friendliness of the hotel is a rarity these days and we congratulate the quality of management. We love Guernsey and we will be back to this hotel!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I recently stayed at this charming hotel, having moved out of another on the Island that we did not like. What a gem it is, the service in particular in the restaurants was fantastic and the food delicious, best crab we have ever eaten!
The main restaurant was full both nights and the food and beverage manager offered plenty of alternatives.Luckily for us he called us whilst we were outshopping and advised he had managed to squeeze us in. As i said the food and service was phenominal. The rooms were very comfortable and beautifully decorated.
We will deffinately recommend this hotel.
The main restaurant was full both nights and the food and beverage manager offered plenty of alternatives.Luckily for us he called us whilst we were outshopping and advised he had managed to squeeze us in. As i said the food and service was phenominal. The rooms were very comfortable and beautifully decorated.
We will deffinately recommend this hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were looking for some where to spend Christmas, which was very traditional, and the OGH lived up to and even exceeded expectations. We booked into a room with a balcony and it was very spacious and comfortable. The staff at the OGH were welcoming and made our stay most enjoyable. Christmas Eve we were greeted with a glass of mulled wine and we had carol singing in the lounge area which had a log fire
Christmas morning we were greeted with a stocking full of presents hanging on our door, which was a lovely surprise The leisure facitlies were excellent, we had a very relaxing time in the spa, preparing ourselves for a wonderful 4 course Christmas Dinner.
We would thoroughlly recommend this wonderful hotel and are looking forward to our next trip which is booked for June.
Special thanks go to Andrew (General Manager) and Harry (Guest Services Director) for welcoming us to your wonderful hotel.
Christmas morning we were greeted with a stocking full of presents hanging on our door, which was a lovely surprise The leisure facitlies were excellent, we had a very relaxing time in the spa, preparing ourselves for a wonderful 4 course Christmas Dinner.
We would thoroughlly recommend this wonderful hotel and are looking forward to our next trip which is booked for June.
Special thanks go to Andrew (General Manager) and Harry (Guest Services Director) for welcoming us to your wonderful hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From the moment we arrived at the OGH we felt as though we were staying with really good friends. We have travelled all over the world and this is one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. The staff are so friendly and efficient and nothing seems to be too much trouble. Unfortunately, the first room we were shown had a restricted view. As soon as this was mentioned to the reception staff we were dealt with politely & efficiently and shown to a suite (we then negotiated on the price). The room was spacious with a stunning view and a balcolny large enough to host a drinks do for a friends birthday. The staff provided us with champagne buckets and glasses and plates for the nibbles, all with charm and efficiency. We ate in the hotel on three occasions. The food is delicious with the entertainment provided by a great singer/organ player. Tea & cakes can be served by the very sheltered pool area which is kept beautifully. Valet parking just added to our overall excellent experience. Also Guernsey is a beautiful place to visit - when you do - just stay at the OGH & you will have a fabulous trip.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed at the OGH last July for our 20th wedding anniversary. We had an excellent time in all respects and promised ourselves to write a review but like so many things, it slipped us by until we were reminded by the fact that we are going back in two months time..... It's a measure of how much we enjoyed ourselves that we are returning this July for our 21st anniversary. The thing that stood out for us more than anything last time (and the time before) was the quality of service from every single member of staff - and how friendly and kind they were to our six-year-old daughter - which really made a big difference to our stay. We'd also highly recommend the tasting menu in the Governer's restaurant - a memorable meal for a special occasion.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nice hotel, great location, staff friendly. Annoyingly we arrived early and were unable to check in, the receptionist said we would have to wait for our roo , unless we wanted to pay for an upgrade and could then check into a room now! What a con, obviously the way the hotel makes profit but trying this with guests! When checked into the room, it was ting, the smallest hotel room, I have eve stayed in. Great view ove the pool but room tiny and could not walk properly around the bed without walking into the wall. The tv on the wall was hanging off the bracket and had to be fixed a could have easily fallen off and injured us, sadly the hotel were not concerned by health and safety and di not offe us another room t move too. Tv was fixed the following day as promised by a helpful and polite. Restaurant staff helpful and polite with my food allergies. Although no chance of a romantic night in the restaurant as although there was only 2 other tables occupied, we got stuck righ on top on them and could hear the conversations word for ward, hardly romantic at all and very unnecessary as the restaurant was empt. Spa staff helpful, I had a shellac treatment which went wrong and they corrected it no problem at all and were lovely. Would def recommend the spa but not the hotel, fo the price of the rooms, they are far too small and not worth it,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We received the best service we have ever received at any Hotel anywhere. Exceptionally helpful staff in all roles from reception, concierge, waiting and cleaning staff. Nothing was too much trouble, clean, pompt, friendly at all times. Our hire car was brought to the door promptly and parked every time.
We were unable to get a table at the Governors restaurant which was disappointing as we would have loved to try the degustation menu. We went to the Brasserie restaurant instead, really enjoyed it, very well prepared food and good menu. Served by excellent friendly staff.
I am afraid breakfast was always a little disappointing mainly because the choice wasnt there and portions a bit small. Wife had smoked haddock and poached egg, very small portion. Nevertheless it didn't spoil our stay
Loved it, an individual hotel with real quality.
We were unable to get a table at the Governors restaurant which was disappointing as we would have loved to try the degustation menu. We went to the Brasserie restaurant instead, really enjoyed it, very well prepared food and good menu. Served by excellent friendly staff.
I am afraid breakfast was always a little disappointing mainly because the choice wasnt there and portions a bit small. Wife had smoked haddock and poached egg, very small portion. Nevertheless it didn't spoil our stay
Loved it, an individual hotel with real quality.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A return visit after 20 years and what a great idea. We stayed in the Classic room which was very comfortable and we think better value than the Queen room which our friends stayed in.
The service provided by the staff was very good throughout the hotel. The attention to detail and the little extras such as a card with the next day's weather forecast, were very welcome. Not that you need this as you can look this up in the Internet TV in your room, but why can't you get Radio2?
On Saturday we ate in the Govenor's Fine Dinning room and had the Degustation menu with wine. This is seven courses with wines chosen for each course. This is something we highly recommend you try. The service provided was superb, the food amazing and the wines fantastic.
We won't be waiting another 20 years before we return again!
The service provided by the staff was very good throughout the hotel. The attention to detail and the little extras such as a card with the next day's weather forecast, were very welcome. Not that you need this as you can look this up in the Internet TV in your room, but why can't you get Radio2?
On Saturday we ate in the Govenor's Fine Dinning room and had the Degustation menu with wine. This is seven courses with wines chosen for each course. This is something we highly recommend you try. The service provided was superb, the food amazing and the wines fantastic.
We won't be waiting another 20 years before we return again!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From the minute we arrived, we were treated to exceptional service and felt very special; the room was outstanding overlooking the port and superbly decorated and equipped. We ate in the Brasserie, the Intimate Governors Restaurant and enjoyed Champagne High Tea. Quality of Food was superb and a very high level of service. Simply nothing was too much trouble. Monique and Ken were exemplary in their service and customer skills. An excellent 3 nights in a heavenly enviroenment and we can't wait to return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I spent a night at the OGH for our wedding anniversary and we had a wonderful stay. Our room was amazing, huge and spacious and with lovely views over town and the other islands of Herm and Sark. The room was tastefully regal - complete with an extremely comfy 4 poster bed - yet it had all the modern amenities you would expect cleverfully hidden away. We loved the way you pressed a button and the TV appeared out of a bookcase!
We had come for a relaxing weekend so were able to make the most of the lovely spa facilities (and because the hotel is conveniently situated in the middle of the town centre we were able to go and buy a pair of bathers for my husband who forgot his!)
We were most impressed by the staff. Nothing was too much for them and they always addressed us by name - even if we hadn't met them before and been introduced - we have never come across this level of service in a hotel before!
We dined at the Governor Restaurant and really enjoyed the 'surprise' 7 course menu. - every course was delicious and extremely well presented.
We had a couple of really nice surprises - fruit and champagne in our room with a card congratulating us on our wedding anniversary, and I was given a present - a really lovely photo frame - when we went down for breakfast on mothers day. We thought they were really lovely touches which made our stay even more special.
For our honeymoon 5 years ago we treated ourselves to a stay at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York, where we had a lovely time, however we have both agreed that our stay at the OGH was much more impressive!
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend the OGH to family and friends.
We had come for a relaxing weekend so were able to make the most of the lovely spa facilities (and because the hotel is conveniently situated in the middle of the town centre we were able to go and buy a pair of bathers for my husband who forgot his!)
We were most impressed by the staff. Nothing was too much for them and they always addressed us by name - even if we hadn't met them before and been introduced - we have never come across this level of service in a hotel before!
We dined at the Governor Restaurant and really enjoyed the 'surprise' 7 course menu. - every course was delicious and extremely well presented.
We had a couple of really nice surprises - fruit and champagne in our room with a card congratulating us on our wedding anniversary, and I was given a present - a really lovely photo frame - when we went down for breakfast on mothers day. We thought they were really lovely touches which made our stay even more special.
For our honeymoon 5 years ago we treated ourselves to a stay at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York, where we had a lovely time, however we have both agreed that our stay at the OGH was much more impressive!
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend the OGH to family and friends.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
