Local Reviews
In October 2011, daisydaydream said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
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
In October 2011, Mark W said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
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
In October 2011, reddragonlady said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
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
In October 2011, TheTravelingPickles said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
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
In October 2011, William T said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
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
In October 2011, xtraspesh said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
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
In October 2011, Catananche said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
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
In October 2011, susan b said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
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
In October 2011, JGF458 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
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
In October 2011, Gareth E said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
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