Local Reviews
In November 2013, delavalette said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Having tried a number of hotels on the island over the past few years, I find that the OGH is by far the best option. It's location is perfect with meetings usually just a short stroll from the hotel. The addition of the new bar is a great idea as the old one was too small. The staff are genuinely friendly, very professional and willing to help guests no matter how minor the issue may be.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2013, jon d said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We just spent two nights in a suite at the OGH. With a couple of exceptions, everything I have to say about the place is highly, highly complimentary. To be honest, it reminds me of a laid back version of the Ritz, in London. The same off-the-charts service (if not even better), the same atmosphere of being somewhere really special. Perhaps the OGH is a bit less grand, but it is also quite sensibly priced. Meals, room service, drinks, etc are all quite reasonable, despite the almost overwhelming level of quality and service.
There ARE a few quirks. A doorman who never smiles or makes eye contact.....almost a character from the Adams Family, lol. A front desk clerk who didn't speak English well enough to be readily intelligible. Ok, hire Spanish people (notoriously difficult to understand when they attempt to speak English) anywhere else in the hotel....but please, NOT at the reception desk....'my first point of contact. The poor girl is so far from being fluent that she really shouldn't be interacting with customers.
Our suite was a BIT tired....the carpets and furnishings could probably do with a change, though part of the OGH's charm is it's "Old World" character and service.
But these things really pale when juxtaposed with the undeniable charm of the place. The many nooks and crannies that look like parts of a film set of a film about a 19th century luxury retreat. Little bars....reading rooms....they seem to be everywhere. The food is top notch, and the bars and service therein are faultless.
Yes, it's more expensive than the other Guernsey hotels, but there is no other place like it, and what you pay is pretty fair really, considering the experience you get.
In short......I loved the place.
There ARE a few quirks. A doorman who never smiles or makes eye contact.....almost a character from the Adams Family, lol. A front desk clerk who didn't speak English well enough to be readily intelligible. Ok, hire Spanish people (notoriously difficult to understand when they attempt to speak English) anywhere else in the hotel....but please, NOT at the reception desk....'my first point of contact. The poor girl is so far from being fluent that she really shouldn't be interacting with customers.
Our suite was a BIT tired....the carpets and furnishings could probably do with a change, though part of the OGH's charm is it's "Old World" character and service.
But these things really pale when juxtaposed with the undeniable charm of the place. The many nooks and crannies that look like parts of a film set of a film about a 19th century luxury retreat. Little bars....reading rooms....they seem to be everywhere. The food is top notch, and the bars and service therein are faultless.
Yes, it's more expensive than the other Guernsey hotels, but there is no other place like it, and what you pay is pretty fair really, considering the experience you get.
In short......I loved the place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2013, Richard L said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We have just spent 5 nights at the OGH for our 40th anniversary.
Our room was comfortable and came with the nice touch of a bottle of champagne.
From the initial warm welcome, the staff were friendly throughout and being addressed by name was again a nice touch.
Another was a chocolate cake suddenly appearing in our room, as the staff had picked up that my wife was also celebrating her birthday during our stay.
We really cannot fault the service, which was attentive and, as you can see from the above, personalised and thoughtful.
This was one of our best hotel experiences and when we return, which we will, we will definitely be staying at the OGH.
Our room was comfortable and came with the nice touch of a bottle of champagne.
From the initial warm welcome, the staff were friendly throughout and being addressed by name was again a nice touch.
Another was a chocolate cake suddenly appearing in our room, as the staff had picked up that my wife was also celebrating her birthday during our stay.
We really cannot fault the service, which was attentive and, as you can see from the above, personalised and thoughtful.
This was one of our best hotel experiences and when we return, which we will, we will definitely be staying at the OGH.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2013, kariyava said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
The Old Government House Hotel is exactly what I expected -- old and charming. I booked the hotel on a business trip because it was the hotel with the highest star rating and it did not disappoint. Of course, there are the typical old hotel problems (creaky, uneven floors, old building smell), but they have done a good job of keeping the place up while maintaining its charm. And the bathroom was very modern looking and surprisingly nice. I would definitely stay here again if I returned to Guernsey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2013, carebear56 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We just stopped off here for a drink so I am only commenting on the bar area. We had a coffee and brandy in the bar. It has lovely views of St Peter Port and the bay. Well worth a visit. Lovely friendly staff too. I'll definitely come back next time I'm in Guernsey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2013, Marty1122 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
My wife and I have just returned home from a five day Christmas break at this hotel. The whole experience was just about perfect. The standard of the rooms and public areas exceeding our expectations by far. The hotel staff were extremely attentive and professional and saw to our every need. The food and service in both the Brasserie and Curry Room restaurants was exemplary as was the afternoon tea in the Sir John Coward Lounge. The spa, which has a well equipped gymnasium, steam room, sauna and chill out room, was outstanding. I cannot praise this establishment enough. A credit to the owners!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2014, CliveL said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
A very nice place with helpful staff but needs dragging kicking and screaming into this century. We booked a 3 night stay with 2 friends over new year, with a New Year Dinner dance with Jazz band, a black tie do!
When we arrived we were offered an upgrade to a suite, which after looking at the first room we gladly accepted at an extra £70 per night. This gave us a bath that an adult could bathe in which was not the case in the first room.
A suite, with no fridge? We had to ask for a fridge for cold drinks, but the thermostat was broken so it froze all our drinks overnight! Popped coke bottles make a right mess!
The main restaurant is an Indian with limited choice and awful, expensive food. Breakfast was ok but the service was slow and without leadership or organisation with no one knowing if anyone else has asked us for our order or drinks, and a long wait for very small helpings.
The New Years Eve Ball was like a wedding do, with badly behaved children running riot on the dance floor and a pushy waiter trying to sell his wine and champagne for all he was worth (I would be happy if he worked for me!). We retired to a lounge area 30 mins before midnight but were never approached with an offer of drinks so had no way to toast in the new year!
The new bar area is nice and a very helpful bar man reserved us an area for the evening to have snacks and drinks and watch TV, the snacks were very good too.
I have spent less for 2 weeks in the Caribbean but you live and learn!
I think this place just needs to attend to the details, change the Indian restaurant entirely and buy some supportive pillows for all the rooms, improve the room facilities to justify the prices and they could be back in business. But as it is, it's well below modern travellers realistic expectations at these prices.
When we arrived we were offered an upgrade to a suite, which after looking at the first room we gladly accepted at an extra £70 per night. This gave us a bath that an adult could bathe in which was not the case in the first room.
A suite, with no fridge? We had to ask for a fridge for cold drinks, but the thermostat was broken so it froze all our drinks overnight! Popped coke bottles make a right mess!
The main restaurant is an Indian with limited choice and awful, expensive food. Breakfast was ok but the service was slow and without leadership or organisation with no one knowing if anyone else has asked us for our order or drinks, and a long wait for very small helpings.
The New Years Eve Ball was like a wedding do, with badly behaved children running riot on the dance floor and a pushy waiter trying to sell his wine and champagne for all he was worth (I would be happy if he worked for me!). We retired to a lounge area 30 mins before midnight but were never approached with an offer of drinks so had no way to toast in the new year!
The new bar area is nice and a very helpful bar man reserved us an area for the evening to have snacks and drinks and watch TV, the snacks were very good too.
I have spent less for 2 weeks in the Caribbean but you live and learn!
I think this place just needs to attend to the details, change the Indian restaurant entirely and buy some supportive pillows for all the rooms, improve the room facilities to justify the prices and they could be back in business. But as it is, it's well below modern travellers realistic expectations at these prices.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2014, Hoopers070 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
This was our second visit to this little gem of a hotel and we were not disappointed. See our previous review from two years ago. Very quaint, like stepping back in time, in a good way. From sumptuous afternoon teas, to a great bar service and the best lamb curry I have had and customer service second to none . Any request will be catered for with a smile. Great position too for little walks into town. Do not be put off by the minority of bad reviews, this is a lovely charming little hotel, you will not be disappointed .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2014, claytoncast said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
I stayed at the old government house for one night while on a job in Guernsey. Guernsey looks great and although I arrived at dusk, I've marked it out for a longer visit to see more.
The hotel is in the centre of St. Peter Port - excellently placed. A first class welcome from a charming receptionist who made the arrival special. Less so from the porter Stewart who was asked to show me to my room. He took me to the lift and then gave me instructions, which turned out to be had to follow as the second floor is a bit of a warren.
My room, 215, a queen superior was luxuriously appointed, if a little on the compact side. A bit fussy for me, but not doubting a very comfortable and high bed, great well stocked tea tray and two easy chairs.
I didn't bring a cat, but had I done so I would have had a problem swinging it in the very compact bathroom. Great toiletries from L'occitane, but no where near the sink to unpack ones own sponge bag, and a shower that was a tight fit to get out of. No space to stand and dry oneself either.
Excellent service. A call from reception twenty minutes after check in to see if everythign was alright in my room brought a staff member with a wireless router as the interested signal in the room was not good.
First class breakfast, and a nice evening meal in the brasseries.
It's ceryaunky not cheap and at that price I could have done with more space, but no denying the service levels and quality of the place. First class
The hotel is in the centre of St. Peter Port - excellently placed. A first class welcome from a charming receptionist who made the arrival special. Less so from the porter Stewart who was asked to show me to my room. He took me to the lift and then gave me instructions, which turned out to be had to follow as the second floor is a bit of a warren.
My room, 215, a queen superior was luxuriously appointed, if a little on the compact side. A bit fussy for me, but not doubting a very comfortable and high bed, great well stocked tea tray and two easy chairs.
I didn't bring a cat, but had I done so I would have had a problem swinging it in the very compact bathroom. Great toiletries from L'occitane, but no where near the sink to unpack ones own sponge bag, and a shower that was a tight fit to get out of. No space to stand and dry oneself either.
Excellent service. A call from reception twenty minutes after check in to see if everythign was alright in my room brought a staff member with a wireless router as the interested signal in the room was not good.
First class breakfast, and a nice evening meal in the brasseries.
It's ceryaunky not cheap and at that price I could have done with more space, but no denying the service levels and quality of the place. First class
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2014, Leisha H said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
When visiting Guernsey for the weekend my husband and I decided to treat ourselves to a little luxury. We were not disappointed.
We were on an early flight and arrived at The OGH 5hours before our check in time with hope that we could leave our bags and go and explore. We had a warm greeting and was told our room was already ready. We were then asked if we would like to upgrade for an extra £50, which we did. We were offered complimentary breakfast while our new room was made ready.
Our room was plush, if on the small side which made us wonder what the lesser room would have been like. But, as with older buildings the room size was to be expected. Everything about the room was of a high standard from the cushioned walks, gigantic bed and super thick towels and robes. The bathroom was stocked up with quality toiletries too. I was a little disappointed that there was no fridge but reception did send up chilled water on request. The tea/coffee section was fully loaded with filtered coffee and cafeteria, hot chocolate and yummy biscuits.
The concierge was extremely helpful and very professional as were all the staff. Nothing was too much trouble. I can not commend them more than saying it was impeccable service.
Drinks in the bar where reasonably priced and were served with an selection of complementary nibbles.
On returning too our room late in the evening, it had been refreshed and little chocolate biscuits and a little note wishing us a pleasant sleep.
We were offered a later check out of 12 noon we we accepted and made appointments at the spa to indulge in some very beautiful treatments. I admit, I did actually fall asleep during the full body massage!
Again, the concierge explained there was no rush for our room and we could freshen up, keeping our room after our spa treatment.
Later in the afternoon after a wonder around the very empty St Peter Port on a Sunday (be advised to make plans during the winter as everything is closed) we decided to take coffee in the hotel lounge. We were still full from the amazing breakfast (decorated with fresh flowers) in our room or we would have ordered the delectable afternoon teas that were being served. These are open to non residents too.
We did decide to go to the best hotel in Guernsey and got the best service possible in decadent surroundings.
Fine, our room was expensive but if you throw in the fact that we were not charged for either the early check in or late check out and complimentary breakfast on arrival (£15.95 pp to non residents) the difference you would pay in a lesser hotel is not much.
We were even given homemade flapjacks for our journey home.
You get what you pay for and with the OGH you get that little bit more.
We will be visiting the OGH again, as will you if you ever have the pleasure of staying there yourselves.
We were on an early flight and arrived at The OGH 5hours before our check in time with hope that we could leave our bags and go and explore. We had a warm greeting and was told our room was already ready. We were then asked if we would like to upgrade for an extra £50, which we did. We were offered complimentary breakfast while our new room was made ready.
Our room was plush, if on the small side which made us wonder what the lesser room would have been like. But, as with older buildings the room size was to be expected. Everything about the room was of a high standard from the cushioned walks, gigantic bed and super thick towels and robes. The bathroom was stocked up with quality toiletries too. I was a little disappointed that there was no fridge but reception did send up chilled water on request. The tea/coffee section was fully loaded with filtered coffee and cafeteria, hot chocolate and yummy biscuits.
The concierge was extremely helpful and very professional as were all the staff. Nothing was too much trouble. I can not commend them more than saying it was impeccable service.
Drinks in the bar where reasonably priced and were served with an selection of complementary nibbles.
On returning too our room late in the evening, it had been refreshed and little chocolate biscuits and a little note wishing us a pleasant sleep.
We were offered a later check out of 12 noon we we accepted and made appointments at the spa to indulge in some very beautiful treatments. I admit, I did actually fall asleep during the full body massage!
Again, the concierge explained there was no rush for our room and we could freshen up, keeping our room after our spa treatment.
Later in the afternoon after a wonder around the very empty St Peter Port on a Sunday (be advised to make plans during the winter as everything is closed) we decided to take coffee in the hotel lounge. We were still full from the amazing breakfast (decorated with fresh flowers) in our room or we would have ordered the delectable afternoon teas that were being served. These are open to non residents too.
We did decide to go to the best hotel in Guernsey and got the best service possible in decadent surroundings.
Fine, our room was expensive but if you throw in the fact that we were not charged for either the early check in or late check out and complimentary breakfast on arrival (£15.95 pp to non residents) the difference you would pay in a lesser hotel is not much.
We were even given homemade flapjacks for our journey home.
You get what you pay for and with the OGH you get that little bit more.
We will be visiting the OGH again, as will you if you ever have the pleasure of staying there yourselves.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk