Local Reviews
In October 2010, TimelessContentment said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
* OUR EVENT: We celebrated our 25th over four days within this beautiful, well maintained Hotel; our room was excellent, decorative, clean and very comfortable with a balcony and a lovely sea view.
* DINING: We dined in both the sunny Brassiere and refined Governor’s Restaurant, both very pleasant surroundings. Within the plush Governor’s restaurant we were seated into a private intimate booth. We both enjoy good quality food and this food is mouth wateringly delicious, superb standard of presentation and outstanding service; the A La Carte, “Degustation menu,” was fabulous, exceptional high standard of culinary art, the chefs know their stuff and our individual tastes were catered for. They have a good selection of wines to choose from. Even our taste in music was catered for, playing low-key in the background. Good old fashioned afternoon tea in the lounge is a must!
* RECEPTION: The reception staff are very pleasant and accommodating, we arrived at 08:30 and were able to check in earlier and on departure we were able to check out later at no extra cost.
* ALL STAFF: They are pleasant and friendly; each showed a high standard of professionalism, from Jane in reservations, Arun’s service in the Governor’s restaurant Gino in the restaurants and bar. A special thank you to Harry, director of guest services for a delightful surprise of bubbly and fruit dips served in our room on our special day.
* SPA: The facilities of the Spa along with steam room, sauna and chill out room was included within our price and we enjoyed these very refreshing facilities.
* SUM UP: Our every need was catered for. Our stay was an absolute pleasure, we highly recommend the OGH and we will have no hesitation in returning. If ever the Red Carnation Group want me to be a mystery guest in one of their hotels, please don't hesitate to contact me! :)
* DINING: We dined in both the sunny Brassiere and refined Governor’s Restaurant, both very pleasant surroundings. Within the plush Governor’s restaurant we were seated into a private intimate booth. We both enjoy good quality food and this food is mouth wateringly delicious, superb standard of presentation and outstanding service; the A La Carte, “Degustation menu,” was fabulous, exceptional high standard of culinary art, the chefs know their stuff and our individual tastes were catered for. They have a good selection of wines to choose from. Even our taste in music was catered for, playing low-key in the background. Good old fashioned afternoon tea in the lounge is a must!
* RECEPTION: The reception staff are very pleasant and accommodating, we arrived at 08:30 and were able to check in earlier and on departure we were able to check out later at no extra cost.
* ALL STAFF: They are pleasant and friendly; each showed a high standard of professionalism, from Jane in reservations, Arun’s service in the Governor’s restaurant Gino in the restaurants and bar. A special thank you to Harry, director of guest services for a delightful surprise of bubbly and fruit dips served in our room on our special day.
* SPA: The facilities of the Spa along with steam room, sauna and chill out room was included within our price and we enjoyed these very refreshing facilities.
* SUM UP: Our every need was catered for. Our stay was an absolute pleasure, we highly recommend the OGH and we will have no hesitation in returning. If ever the Red Carnation Group want me to be a mystery guest in one of their hotels, please don't hesitate to contact me! :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2010, Floridachick2606 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Another fabulous stay at the OGH. We were lucky to catch the 'Tenner Fest' and had two wonderful meals in the brasserie. A very nice touch now is the staff greeting us by name, very reminiscent of Raffles in Singapore, wonderful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2010, Judi7 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
A disappointing break in all, chiefly due to the small size of our room and unhelpful attitude at the reception desk and other staff members.
This 2 night break was booked by the Co-Operative Travel company which was unusual for me as I normally tend to do things independantly via the web or phone. Their local service was exemplary I have to say and we set off with short local flights, private transfers and a 'Classic Double' room with breakfast tucked under our belt all for the princely sum of £715 via Premier holidays. I had been shown a picture of what to expect in their brochure, a large, spacious, light filled, high ceilinged, long windowed, room with a large ensuite to boot.. however, what we actually were given was an unacceptable small room at the side of the hotel via a long corridor walk, even if you took the lift...with one small high window without a decent view, low ceilings as it was at the very top floor in the eaves and a badly designed tiny bathroom that two people could not share comfortably at any time! The TV screen was badly positioned so that when in use it blocked the door to the bathroom ! Disappointed bleats to reception gained us zero response and lame excuses. The double wardrobe was placed adjacent to my side of the bed and we couldn't access our belongings easily once the doors were open!! It was a joke but as this was a corporate/ pleasure visit we had little time to address the problems as we had places to be at and schedules to keep.
Please could someone responsible for this place take note! It was such a shame as we had met the South African owners there during last years stay, from Carnation hotels; a charming couple who had high hopes for this beautiful building in it's refurbishment and fresh start. They had just taken over this historic place and were revamping the pool and spa area which meant yet again we didn't get what we'd hoped for but we were understanding on that occasion despite not being informed of this when we booked. To have it happen twice is careless!
Sorry to be a grouch but some of the staff were dreadful...we had booked dinner at their expensive in- house restaurant but decided to take champagne on the terrace beforehand...our waiter didn't approve and made some sarcastic remark as we ordered! WHAT was that all about! When we finally entered the dining area in a small intimate room full of clients except for one visibly empty table (ours) the server let us walk in and promptly left us to suddenly attend to others before seating us!! We were just left standing in the midst of people eating... What was that all about???!!
Perturbed, uneasy,disgusted springs to mind! Who trains these people? Are they in the right job.. it begs the question... on a positive note there was a lovely young chatty waitress who looked after us beautifully during our stay, usually at breakfast and she made the difference along with the pleasant barman.
We visit Guernsey every single year and the problem is that there is little choice for quality hotels near the Port where we have to be for business but I doubt I would return here sadly unless I was given certain assurances.I couldn't even arrange anything in the spa as it was fully booked up ;-(
In total the expense with all meals, beverages and incidentals at the hotel by far exceeded the original price and it still irks me months later that I didn't have a pleasant experience to warrant it. It could be so wonderful in so many ways, sad.
This 2 night break was booked by the Co-Operative Travel company which was unusual for me as I normally tend to do things independantly via the web or phone. Their local service was exemplary I have to say and we set off with short local flights, private transfers and a 'Classic Double' room with breakfast tucked under our belt all for the princely sum of £715 via Premier holidays. I had been shown a picture of what to expect in their brochure, a large, spacious, light filled, high ceilinged, long windowed, room with a large ensuite to boot.. however, what we actually were given was an unacceptable small room at the side of the hotel via a long corridor walk, even if you took the lift...with one small high window without a decent view, low ceilings as it was at the very top floor in the eaves and a badly designed tiny bathroom that two people could not share comfortably at any time! The TV screen was badly positioned so that when in use it blocked the door to the bathroom ! Disappointed bleats to reception gained us zero response and lame excuses. The double wardrobe was placed adjacent to my side of the bed and we couldn't access our belongings easily once the doors were open!! It was a joke but as this was a corporate/ pleasure visit we had little time to address the problems as we had places to be at and schedules to keep.
Please could someone responsible for this place take note! It was such a shame as we had met the South African owners there during last years stay, from Carnation hotels; a charming couple who had high hopes for this beautiful building in it's refurbishment and fresh start. They had just taken over this historic place and were revamping the pool and spa area which meant yet again we didn't get what we'd hoped for but we were understanding on that occasion despite not being informed of this when we booked. To have it happen twice is careless!
Sorry to be a grouch but some of the staff were dreadful...we had booked dinner at their expensive in- house restaurant but decided to take champagne on the terrace beforehand...our waiter didn't approve and made some sarcastic remark as we ordered! WHAT was that all about! When we finally entered the dining area in a small intimate room full of clients except for one visibly empty table (ours) the server let us walk in and promptly left us to suddenly attend to others before seating us!! We were just left standing in the midst of people eating... What was that all about???!!
Perturbed, uneasy,disgusted springs to mind! Who trains these people? Are they in the right job.. it begs the question... on a positive note there was a lovely young chatty waitress who looked after us beautifully during our stay, usually at breakfast and she made the difference along with the pleasant barman.
We visit Guernsey every single year and the problem is that there is little choice for quality hotels near the Port where we have to be for business but I doubt I would return here sadly unless I was given certain assurances.I couldn't even arrange anything in the spa as it was fully booked up ;-(
In total the expense with all meals, beverages and incidentals at the hotel by far exceeded the original price and it still irks me months later that I didn't have a pleasant experience to warrant it. It could be so wonderful in so many ways, sad.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2010, kpf1987 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We spent three days at the OGH for a special occasion. This was our fourth visit to Guernsey and our first stay at The OGH - it certainly will not be the last. The service was exemplary -precise, painstaking, and caring without being overwhelming. We honestly felt that the staff actually cared about our stay at their hotel - this applied to all staff. It was also welcoming to be spoken to by name - a real effort was made to make us at home. Being centrally located there is immediate access to all the shops and restaurants of St Peter Port. Having said that, the hotel's cuisine is exceptional, notably the freshly prepared and wide ranging breakfast available. Our compliments to the management and staff and we look forward to our next visit in the not too distant future. Incidentally, we found no negatives to call - perhaps the best hotel we have stayed in on our wide travels.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2010, Terry66_10 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
As we drew up outside the hotel in our hire car, a member of staff came out, unloaded our luggage, took it into the hotel and offered to valet park the car. This set the scene for the rest of the holiday, with the most helpful and obliging staff ready to assist us during our stay. The same high standard of service greeted us in the restaurant each evening, which combined with the quality of the food were truly excellent.
I would not hesitate in recommending the hotel to anyone and will certainly be going back there.
I would not hesitate in recommending the hotel to anyone and will certainly be going back there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2010, ashrafcair said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
I have just read the previous comment and felt compelled to write as we had our company Christmas party at the OGH on Saturday night and I must say had a very different experience and since returning to the office all I have heard is positive comments from my colleagues about the wonderful evening that was had by all.
Our party was in the Colborne room which was tastefully decorated and had the most beautiful table decorations. The bar was well manned from the beginning of the evening until the end and a big thank you must be said to the guys behind the bar who did a great job at serving lots of thirsty people all in the festive spirit! It was a busy bar but I haven’t been to a Christmas party yet where the bar is not busyl!
The service throughout the meal was to the standard that you expect from the OGH, the room was well staffed with wine and water being replenished throughout the evening. The food was good - all the meals were served on hot plates and the food was hot was when it reached us (this I found quite an achievement as more often than not when you are part of a big party this is sometimes overlooked!). Food was very tasty, the risotto was scrummy, lots of turkey that was very moist, well cooked sprouts, carrots and swede, (maybe the quantity of the vegetables could be slightly increased) and the chocolate terrine was a great way to finish off the meal. My partner had the seafood ballotine, lamb and Xmas pudding which he throughly enjoyed.
As I said we had a great night in a perfect setting, with good food and very attentive staff , in fact it was so good that we have already booked our Christmas party for next year at the OGH!
Our party was in the Colborne room which was tastefully decorated and had the most beautiful table decorations. The bar was well manned from the beginning of the evening until the end and a big thank you must be said to the guys behind the bar who did a great job at serving lots of thirsty people all in the festive spirit! It was a busy bar but I haven’t been to a Christmas party yet where the bar is not busyl!
The service throughout the meal was to the standard that you expect from the OGH, the room was well staffed with wine and water being replenished throughout the evening. The food was good - all the meals were served on hot plates and the food was hot was when it reached us (this I found quite an achievement as more often than not when you are part of a big party this is sometimes overlooked!). Food was very tasty, the risotto was scrummy, lots of turkey that was very moist, well cooked sprouts, carrots and swede, (maybe the quantity of the vegetables could be slightly increased) and the chocolate terrine was a great way to finish off the meal. My partner had the seafood ballotine, lamb and Xmas pudding which he throughly enjoyed.
As I said we had a great night in a perfect setting, with good food and very attentive staff , in fact it was so good that we have already booked our Christmas party for next year at the OGH!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2010, Roger M said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Having recently stayed at The Old Government House Hotel on Guernsey we would like to share with you what a wonderful find this hotel was for us.
The room was extremely comfortable and of a very high quality of both fittings and the little extras supplied.
The really memorable experience we took away with us was the highly efficient, friendly and helpful staff from the management down. Nothing was too much trouble. The food was excellent throughout especially the fine dining experience. We would not hesitate in recommending this hotel to anyone.
Having stayed in many hotels all over the world this is the first time we have felt this strongly about any hotel and thoroughly recommend The OGH.
The room was extremely comfortable and of a very high quality of both fittings and the little extras supplied.
The really memorable experience we took away with us was the highly efficient, friendly and helpful staff from the management down. Nothing was too much trouble. The food was excellent throughout especially the fine dining experience. We would not hesitate in recommending this hotel to anyone.
Having stayed in many hotels all over the world this is the first time we have felt this strongly about any hotel and thoroughly recommend The OGH.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2011, Fionamusic said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We stayed at the OGH Hotel for one night and had a fabulous time. From check-in to departure the experience was wonderful. The staff were friendly, courteous and helpful and nothing was too much trouble. The room was gorgeous. A great stay and one we would highly recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2011, FarehamDiane said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Having stayed at this delightful hotel before, we decided we would like to spend Christmas there. Our visit met and even exceeded our expectations which were very high anyway.
The staff are all friendly and helpful, and all the rooms which we have stayed in have been elegant and comfortable but still homely.
The food is excellent, both in the Brasserie and in "The Governors" Fine Dining Restaurant.
OGH as it is known, is a very short walk from the town centre. There is an excellent bus service round the island from the town, making the hotel an ideal base on the island.
The hotel is an exceptional place to stay and we are looking forward to our next visit.
The staff are all friendly and helpful, and all the rooms which we have stayed in have been elegant and comfortable but still homely.
The food is excellent, both in the Brasserie and in "The Governors" Fine Dining Restaurant.
OGH as it is known, is a very short walk from the town centre. There is an excellent bus service round the island from the town, making the hotel an ideal base on the island.
The hotel is an exceptional place to stay and we are looking forward to our next visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2011, randjcheshire said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We stayed at OGH for three nights to celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary and treated ourselves to their gourmet dinner. OGH is a great hotel offering excellent service which more than made up for the weather in Guernsey in January.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk