Those of you who have been following my Red Carnation Blog will remember that last summer I left a scone crumbs trail for my parents, so they will better find their way back to the Old Government House Hotel in St Peter Port, Guernsey. Well… it seemed like my masterplan had worked, as we have found ourselves in the OGH yet again. What a treat!

Arriving and Check-In
Big heavy raindrops fell form the sky as we landed in Guernsey. Big heavy rain drops fell on my head as we ran the short distance from the aeroplane to the terminal building. Our luggage came out in a matter of minutes, still shimmering with the grow of fresh rain drops. Just like last year, my parents were on the lookout for a man holding an iPad with our family’s name on it. And yet, instead of such a man, a familiar face holding a large umbrella approached us. Could it be Mr. C (the top chap of the OGH)? - my father had asked himself. Yes it was (I, of course, had no doubt about it). Mr. C told us that because of the weather (big heavy rain drops) and our delay, there was a problem with the normal car service and so our airport transfer got upgraded and personalised. Or, as my father explained to me later, someone monitored the flight situation, someone thought things through and someone cared enough about us and made sure that our vacation will be as comfortable as possible from the get go.
At check-in, over a glass of juice (my parents were offered the bubbly sort) I started to worry. Where was the sun that I had been promised by my parents? Are my plans for lazy days by the pool eating noting but strawberries, popcorn and olives have all been dashed? Noticing that some of us are concerned, Mr. C assured us that the rain was just a hiccough and that starting the next day all shall be well again and that the sun will return to the little Channel Island - (and sure enough it did).

The Herm Suite
After the swift check-in process was over, we found our way to our room by the help of Daniella, from the front desk team, who even helped to carry my little precious Trunki. Up the lift, down a corridor, down some stairs and up some stairs (what a terrifically Hogwartsy place the OGH is), we found our magnificent lavish suite overlooking St Peter Port Harbour. What a view!!! (even better 'live' than the webcam stream found at the hotel’s website). The room, apart from being equipped with a view, also featured my cot, a bathrobe made in my size, a special soap befitting a child's delicate skin and a Guernsey Bath-time Rubber Puffin. My parents were happy to find some stuff for them, such as: A most comfy four-poster bed, lots of cupboard space, a Nespresso machine, a lavish bathroom with a free-standing bath, complete with lion's legs (will any other do?) and some nice smelling bathroom amenities. With yet another touch of OGH wizardry we discovered that our luggage has already apparated in our room before we even got there, so all which was left to do was to go downstairs (up some stairs, up a hallway and down the lift) to the celebrate our arrival with some food and drink.

The Crown Bar
Arriving downstairs we were greeted by Chris, another attentive member or the OGH team. Seeing that the hour was drawing late, we were helped to a table at the hotel's Crown Bar for a quick bite. Apart from some olives and popcorn, I also shared with my parents a yummy-delicious Guernsey Lobster Roll and a Locally (also yummy-delicious) Smoked Salmon Sandwich, all beaming with freshness (as my dad described it). All which left to do now was to get into those comfy looking beds and start afresh on the following day.

The Breakfast
The sun was out (Mr. C has delivered on his promise). I got up. It was early. A bit too early to my parents liking while on a holiday. Nonetheless, we made good use of the time and headed to breakfast. Lots of fresh berries, along side some other fresh fruits, awaited my (and other guests') arrival . Some very inviting Danish pastries, a selection of smelly cheeses, my parents are fond of, breakfast cereals, yoghurts and a good selection fresh juices were present, as well. We sat in the conservatory looking out into the garden and I got in my hands a menu, from which I could choose a hot breakfast. My parents ordered some of their favourites (my father is still taking about those Eggs Royale) while I was quite content with a fresh scrambled egg and a side of everything else my parents had order. My daily breakfast also consisted a stroll through the hotel's well tended gardens and daily check of the water pressure of the fountain (still as good as last year).

The Curry Room
We celebrated my dad’s birthday at the Curry Room restaurant. An ornate space with some wonderful things to look at and inspect. Entering this part of the hotel will transport your spirit to all manner or distant regions, whilst keeping corporeal self stationary by its tables laid with inviting nibbles. My parents were happy to find a revamped menu, which featured, along side some old favourites, like the Bengal Fish Curry and the Indian Rice Pudding new stuff like Mango Spiced Scallops and Goan Lobster Curry. I was offered a less spicy 'kids' menu', which every adult will happy with too. Nonetheless, seeing that I had had already helped my parents with some very crispy, very yummy poppadoms, by the time it was time for me to have something from the menu, the explorer's deco of the room beckoned my adventurous side and I was off to investigate what was going on anywhere but at my parents table. I did, however, allowed my parents to enjoy some quality time with a glass of some of their favourite South African wines and a quick dessert (I managed to find time in my busy exploration schedule for the Indian Flavours Inspired Ice Cream).

The Pool
From the hotel's gardens I could see a very inviting body of water with some very inviting looking sun loungers. This area is also known as the hotel's pool. Paddling pool aside, long legged beings may also enjoy the adult ‘deep end’ part of the pool. Attentive staff are alway overlooking the area should a guest need something and making sure that lounging chairs are always decked with fresh towels. At this point of our vacation my wish for popcorn and olives has been fulfilled. But the highlight was the special refreshing water there. My dad told me that what made those drinking water so special was the fact that they had been infused with orange, lemon and lime - hence their refreshing quality (have I mention how well they pair with popcorn and olives?).

The Outstanding Team
Above and beyond anything else (apart, maybe, from my scone crumbs trail) what bought us back to the OGH was its dedicated team. Team members like Jaro, who always offered his help to carry my buggy and was once, when I fell asleep in my buggy, even kind enough to go all the way to our room to make sure that it has been serviced and ready for the continuation of my midday nap. Andrew, who always offered to help me carry my all important balloons around. Nellie, who used her ’Spidey Sense’ to know what my parents are going to ask for before they could even open their months. Later I was told by my father that a ‘Spidey Sense’ doesn’t actually exists, but attentiveness, professionalism and kindness do and this is how one can foresee the wishes of one’s guests. This point has made me think about the level of service I am receiving at home. How come my parents do not have a ’Spidey Sense’ when it comes to me? How come I am asked to articulated my wishes and not have them fulfilled right away? Standards are defiantly slipping at home…

Check-Out (for now)
It was time for checkout. It was time to say goodbye. It was time for me to get impatient. It was time for my father to run after me, so I shan’t run into the street alone. It was time to get into the car and a time to forget our laptop rucksack at reception. By the time my father had noticed that whilst grabbing me he left his rucksack at reception, Andrew, who drove us to the airport, told us that someone had already noticed the rucksack and that it is currently speeding its way towards us by another member of the hotel’s team. Andrew pulled over by the curb, took the rucksack and not even 5 minutes had passed before we were back on way to the airport. Did my father forget the rucksack because we was busy scrabbling after me or did he hatch up a complicated ploy to return to the OGH next year to ‘rescue’ the rucksack? I guess we will never know, but I also guess that we will surely return here (come of think of it, I forgot to leave a new scone crumbs trail).

Stayed at this hotel for three nights and had a wonderful time. We hired a car and there is free parking at the hotel. You can even drop your car outside and a member of staff will park it for you.

Food at the hotel was very good, breakfast was superb and we had a meal in the curry house, which although very expensive, was excellent.

The location is great for exploring all the island, with the shops and ferries close by.

There's an outdoor pool and jacuzzi / stream room / sauna indoors, which are all very nice.

The rooms were old fashioned, but that fits the overall style of the property. In July, the room was quite hot at night, but the hotel has some great fans which you can ask for to help.

Would definitely return if I ever visit Guernsey again!

Mum has always wanted to go back to Guernsey - she'd last visited on her honeymoon in 1950. When we, (the kids), wanted to create something special for her 92nd birthday, Guernsey was the obvious destination. I booked an Aurigny flight from Southampton and one of the grandchildren picked the hotel. (Great choice!) We wanted everything to go well (one could imagine all sorts of calamities befalling an elderly traveller!) but it really could not have been better. The staff were faultlessly helpful and polite, left a gift in the room and produced a fabulous cake! For the hotel -the room was well equipped, air-conditioned and windows had fabric blinds plus super -heavy draped curtains. Beds were extremely comfortable and were turned down each evening and topped with a gift box of home-made cakes or cookies . We found the thickest bathrobes and towels hanging in the spotless bath and shower room. Mum loves textiles and was delighted at every turn by elegant decor (many walls and some ceilings are fabric-covered), beautiful flower arrangements, bountiful artworks and hand embroidered cushions throughout. Kept gardens, bordered with scarlet geraniums - (a perfect foil to the architecture, mum says,) surround a sheltered suntrap pool and terrace views. The ambiance and wholly brilliant staff really did make her feel special, which after all, was just the idea!

First thing to mention is that the website talks of the fabulous sea views, which happen to be only viewed from selected rooms. We had a view of the car park and some buildings that may have been of the staff quarters, but certainly in need of refurbishment. You cannot specify that you want a sea view, when you book, but when we complained that our room did not have a view, we were offer a change of room for two of our four night stay. If you can't book a sea view, why didn't they give our room to the later arrivals. The hotel is very old fashioned, but doesn't quite come across as a five star luxury hotel. The staff don't speak to you, without you talking to them first, not even a "good morning". Strange decor as most of the walls are covered in padded fabric, some of which does smell a bit. The bathrooms are tiny and more reminiscent of a B&B or guesthouse. Would I go again, probably not, but it was the combination of the hotel and Guernsey itself that did not tick all my boxes.

We had a fantastic 3 night stay at the OGH, which included my wife's birthday, and we would certainly not hesitate to recommend this hotel to family and friends. The service was certainly 5 star, nothing was too much trouble. The room was very comfortable and had every facility we could have hoped for, we ate out during the evenings, as we prefer to do when away exploring local eateries, but breakfasts were plentiful with superb choice and the quality was again excellent. The location of the hotel is a short walk to the town, harbour, restaurants and attractions. If you are visiting Guernsey and want a touch of luxury book up at the OGH.

Having stayed in other of The Red Carnation Hotels it was an easy decision to spend our Silver Wedding Anniversary At The Old Government House in Guernsey.

The quality and excellence of service far exceeded even our expectations, what other hotel will provide Iced lemon water and sun cream by the pool. Staff who recognise you and address you by name, the very tops in fine linen and towels, all changed with incredible regularity.

Being on the anniversary package it was a pleasure to be met at the airport by Adam looking very smart and sporting the signature Red Carnation ready to drive us to the hotel. The perfect start.

We had an ambition to eat breakfast in The Olive Grove, we did, every day together with Dinner.

Speaking of dinner, the choice of food is very comprehensive ranging from a sandwich through light bite half portions to large steaks and lobsters. Just take you pick, it is all of the highest standard and beautifully served.

Having absorbed the beautiful furnishings and comfort in all areas - Bea Tollman is a genius and the inspiration behind the R.C.Group- The crowning glory of the Old Government House is it's situation on a ledge in the centre of St Peter Port commanding views across the Harbour and out to the isles of Herm, Sark and even to Jersey and France.

Wish we were still sat on our balcony glass in hand absorbing all these delights.

G.Bamforth

We enjoyed 3 nights in the OGH as part of my partner's 50th birthday. The staff were very attentive and everything was done with a lovely smile, with everyone knowing your name. We had a lovely room with a balcony overlooking the harbour and nearby Islands with everything that we could possibly need provided. We enjoyed a wonderful curry in the Curry Club in very intimate surroundings and the following evening a wine tasting session with Catalin, who was very knowledgable and passionate about the Bouchard Finnlayson wines. Nothing was too much trouble and personally I would not have changed a thing, we shall return. It was a fantastic way to celebrate my 50th, I was made to feel very special for my time here. I can only echo the comments made by my wonderful girlfriend and thank her for the opportunity to enjoy our time here together.

We stayed at the OGH for 3 nights, we had an amazing time, the hotel was perfect in every way, all of the staff were brilliant, extremely attentive, we only had a classic room , but still very comfortable and with all of the luxuries! The gym was great and a good choice of fitness classes! The breakfasts are amazing , so much choice . The hotel is in a great position and only a short walk into town , where there is plenty of lovely restaurants . Hoping to return later in the year and would recommend this hotel!

Fantastic hotel that we come back to time after time, the service is excellent and the recent refurb has made it even better, 5*. We usually book the Herm Suite which has beautiful views over St Peter Port. You can't beat the location so handy to stroll into the town and the food is superb. We have been coming here for 10 years and its always my first choice in Guernsey. The staff are so attentive and friendly, always service with a smile!

Once again we were made to feel very welcome. It was nice to see some familiar faces, Keith and Paul in the Crown Club. Big Ken who Iv'e named the New Steak man who cooked an amazing Steak Dianne for me (you must try it). I must also mention Oliver, Sophie and Zoe who really looked after us round the pool. My only slight niggle was confusion whether you are allowed scones round the pool or not, this seemed to depend on which manager was on duty and caused irritation to some guests.
Anyway all in all we had a great time and intend to be back next year.