Local Reviews
In May 2016, jonathan h said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
The good bits. A lovely Old Colonial Building in a central position . A great gym for a hotel.
The bad. On booking I was informed that due to a function taking place there would be noise and I should upgrade my sea view balcony room to be away from this noise . I paid for this upgrade prior to arrival. As we queued to check in we overheard another couple being informed that due to a function taking place their room had been upgraded free of charge to one similar to ours (we had paid for). We asked about this and eventually after being made to feel very guilty for raising this point we were given our upgrade for free like other guests. But a big point was made of this.
On check out this was raised again several times by the receptionist and we were made to feel very small.
On booking we received an email to tell us that we would receive a voucher on arrival giving us 50 pounds off our food at the hotel. This wasn't however taken off our bill (we ate in the Curry room) . I queried this and produced the email. I was told grudgingly that they would honour this just this once but vouchers changed all the time and how was she to know? This is a 5 star establishment . How about im very sorry Sir / Madam for us over looking this and a smile? Very poor and a disappointing that ultimately leaves a bad taste.
Breakfast was mixed. Our first effort we were told there is table in the middle over there for you by the stressed man on sign in. We weren't shown to table nor were we attended to until we went and asked to be, after waiting a good 15-20 minutes.
The second time was far better we were shown to our table (different head waiter) and our order taken immediately.
Rooms are ok . Shower lacks power and bathrooms small.
In all an ok stay spoilt by the extremely rude reception and mixed service.
The bad. On booking I was informed that due to a function taking place there would be noise and I should upgrade my sea view balcony room to be away from this noise . I paid for this upgrade prior to arrival. As we queued to check in we overheard another couple being informed that due to a function taking place their room had been upgraded free of charge to one similar to ours (we had paid for). We asked about this and eventually after being made to feel very guilty for raising this point we were given our upgrade for free like other guests. But a big point was made of this.
On check out this was raised again several times by the receptionist and we were made to feel very small.
On booking we received an email to tell us that we would receive a voucher on arrival giving us 50 pounds off our food at the hotel. This wasn't however taken off our bill (we ate in the Curry room) . I queried this and produced the email. I was told grudgingly that they would honour this just this once but vouchers changed all the time and how was she to know? This is a 5 star establishment . How about im very sorry Sir / Madam for us over looking this and a smile? Very poor and a disappointing that ultimately leaves a bad taste.
Breakfast was mixed. Our first effort we were told there is table in the middle over there for you by the stressed man on sign in. We weren't shown to table nor were we attended to until we went and asked to be, after waiting a good 15-20 minutes.
The second time was far better we were shown to our table (different head waiter) and our order taken immediately.
Rooms are ok . Shower lacks power and bathrooms small.
In all an ok stay spoilt by the extremely rude reception and mixed service.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, SarniaExpat said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
I was lucky enough to enjoy afternoon tea as a birthday treat with my daughter. We are "old hands" at the afternoon tea circuit, and am so glad that we came here after visiting other establishments which, as it turns out, are not particularly good!
The whole ambience in the snug is delightful, from the lovely laundered linen down to the attentive, polite and informative waiting staff who have this serving lark down to a "t"!
The list of available teas to drink is extensive and I settled for the South African Earl Gray, which had violet in it. Lovely, smoky and with lots of citrus. Once chosen the tea pot remained topped up at regular intervals. I have never drunk so much tea in one sitting.
You must forget other less indulgent spreads when it comes to the OGH afternoon tea - this one really ticks all the boxes.
The waiter brought in the cake stand with some delicious looking cakes and pastries on board.
The sandwiches was absolutely fresh as a daisy, no curled corners here. There was a choice for me of ham, smoked salmon, chicken mayo and egg - with my daughter's veggie choice being cucumber and cream cheese, egg, cheddar and pickle and avocado.
We had toasted Guernsey Gache served in a crisp linen napkin.
Then a huge scone, with clotted cream and jam.
then the cakes - teeny chocolate eclairs, fruit tartlets, limoncella soaked sponge, shortbread biscuits and almond tarts.
We couldn't eat the cakes - as we were honestly full to bursting, but there is no problem asking the waiter to supply a lovely carry out box.
In all, we were very pleased and delighted with the whole experience and I plan to bring the rest of my family back again very soon. You will not be disappointed, and more importantly you will not be hurried through your enjoyment of the afternoon.
The whole ambience in the snug is delightful, from the lovely laundered linen down to the attentive, polite and informative waiting staff who have this serving lark down to a "t"!
The list of available teas to drink is extensive and I settled for the South African Earl Gray, which had violet in it. Lovely, smoky and with lots of citrus. Once chosen the tea pot remained topped up at regular intervals. I have never drunk so much tea in one sitting.
You must forget other less indulgent spreads when it comes to the OGH afternoon tea - this one really ticks all the boxes.
The waiter brought in the cake stand with some delicious looking cakes and pastries on board.
The sandwiches was absolutely fresh as a daisy, no curled corners here. There was a choice for me of ham, smoked salmon, chicken mayo and egg - with my daughter's veggie choice being cucumber and cream cheese, egg, cheddar and pickle and avocado.
We had toasted Guernsey Gache served in a crisp linen napkin.
Then a huge scone, with clotted cream and jam.
then the cakes - teeny chocolate eclairs, fruit tartlets, limoncella soaked sponge, shortbread biscuits and almond tarts.
We couldn't eat the cakes - as we were honestly full to bursting, but there is no problem asking the waiter to supply a lovely carry out box.
In all, we were very pleased and delighted with the whole experience and I plan to bring the rest of my family back again very soon. You will not be disappointed, and more importantly you will not be hurried through your enjoyment of the afternoon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, Jayne_WM said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Travelled with my 2 dogs and when my dogs are welcomed I am happy! The staff are genuinely friendly, welcoming, helpful and made a fuss so that we didn't feel an intrusion. The hotel is pricey but it is the only 5 star in Guernsey. The rooms are lovely - we has a Queen suite with balcony. Dog beds and bowls provided - I've never had that kind of service at a hotel before. Beds are really comfortable and the rain shower is glorious. I would return even without the dogs but I'm not sure they'd let me! Breakfast was very tasty, afternoon tea lovely. Only criticism was dinner in the brasserie was rather average but they did have a function on so I'll give the benefit of the doubt here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, Hampshire166 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Went to the OGH for a 3 night break. We were met at the airport and quickly taken to the hotel in a car arranged by the hotel. Check-in was swift and hassle free undertaken by a friendly welcoming receptionist. In fact throughout our stay we found all the staff prepared to go the extra mile to make us feel welcome and valued guests. A smile and a friendly hello goes a long way towards making one feel at home. Our suite, at the back of the hotel was very comfortable although the view from the window was not the most inspiring. We did find that the bed was one of the most comfortable we have found in a hotel. The selection of hot and cold food at breakfast was good and again the staff could not be more helpful. Dinner in the brasserie was slightly
disappointing with a limited choice. Having recently stayed at the Bath Priory and Spa we found that the food at dinner compared unfavourably with that hotel. This was quite surprising given the number of excellent restaurants on Guernsey. In conclusion would we come again, yes for the friendliness of the staff and the comfort of the suite but no to eating in the brasserie.
disappointing with a limited choice. Having recently stayed at the Bath Priory and Spa we found that the food at dinner compared unfavourably with that hotel. This was quite surprising given the number of excellent restaurants on Guernsey. In conclusion would we come again, yes for the friendliness of the staff and the comfort of the suite but no to eating in the brasserie.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, caro0650 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
All staff, with no exceptions gave wonderful and very good service - attentive without being intrusive. Our room was beautiful and we especially liked the night light in bathroom which was very helpful in the dark to find our way!
Stunning grounds and comfortable public areas.
On asking if we could purchase some of the lovely coffee to go home, we were told it was not possible. However, we were then presented with some to take home with us.A caring hotel!! Just lovely.
Stunning grounds and comfortable public areas.
On asking if we could purchase some of the lovely coffee to go home, we were told it was not possible. However, we were then presented with some to take home with us.A caring hotel!! Just lovely.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, Caroline1345 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
What an incredible experience staying at this grand establishment, so sorry that it was only for two nights. First class service, attentive and well trained staff. Beautiful room, with every creature comfort imaginable.... the bathroom toiletries are sheer bliss. Excellent restaurants - all in all, a wonderful place to stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, doreenh930 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
called in for evening meal and pre dinner drinks, the service and food were very good the fish main course was excellent very fresh and cooked just right. Compliments to the chef.Very nice hotel quite central
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Ann H said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Apart from the hill it's ideally set in the middle of the town. Climbing up from the waterfront after dinner made us puff, but it was well worth the effort. Wonderful hotel still maintaining the best of old fashioned standards in a modern and friendly way. Bedrooms are lovely, restaurant and bars charming, the food's good and the staff are just wonderful. Would have no hesitation in recommending it to friends and family.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, alanabird said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We are fans of the Red Carnation Group and OGH did not disappoint. We stayed four nights in a Harbour View with Balcony room (#122) and it was well appointed although surprisingly there is no full length mirror. The enclosed balcony has electrically controlled buttons to open/close the window and mesh net. There are standard light switches and the air conditioning controls are user friendly. The bathroom is a reasonable size with a good shower cubicle. Toiletries are good quality as would be expected and the room was serviced daily to a high standard.
A nice touch is that reception phoned fifteen minutes after we had the room to ask if we were satisfied with the room or if there was anything that we needed.
We had dinner twice in The Brasserie on successive evenings and surprisingly the ‘fish of the day’ was the same each evening (lemon sole). I wouldn’t expect this given the choice of excellent seafood in Guernsey and as some guests seemed to be on half board I would hope this was unusual rather than laziness. The food quality was fine.
We also had a meal in The Curry Room which was excellent and outstanding value at £38 for three courses. Beautifully cooked and served in a delightful and intimate room.
The hotel grounds are lovely and well maintained and the staff uniformly helpful, eager to please and willing to go the extra mile.
The breakfast cold buffet is comprehensive but surprisingly no ham is on offer. Your hot selection is cooked to order.
The hotel has a policy of adding 10% to all meals and beverages bills and when I asked I was told that these monies go to the food and beverages staff only. This is a new one on me and maybe it is now policy throughout Red Carnation Hotels but for me it is confusing and unfair. The hotel does I suspect get a lot of walk ins for drinks and dining and I can see reasoning behind adding a service charge for non-residents but I much prefer that residents be given the option of making their own choice re distributing tips. The system in place seemingly leaves the non food and beverages staff at a disadvantage with housekeeping and reception staff for example not having a share. On checking out a quick run through my final bill showed that I had around £45 added in tips for our food/beverages purchases during our stay and I added a further £100 on the understanding that it would go into the tronc to be shared by all staff. I just thought that the system in place was ‘messy’ and for me the housekeeping lady who services my room is as deserving as the barman serving my drinks.
The staff were faultless throughout but we got to know Daniel well as he always seemed to be on duty wherever we were and our thanks to him and all of his colleagues for making our stay so pleasant and memorable.
A nice touch is that reception phoned fifteen minutes after we had the room to ask if we were satisfied with the room or if there was anything that we needed.
We had dinner twice in The Brasserie on successive evenings and surprisingly the ‘fish of the day’ was the same each evening (lemon sole). I wouldn’t expect this given the choice of excellent seafood in Guernsey and as some guests seemed to be on half board I would hope this was unusual rather than laziness. The food quality was fine.
We also had a meal in The Curry Room which was excellent and outstanding value at £38 for three courses. Beautifully cooked and served in a delightful and intimate room.
The hotel grounds are lovely and well maintained and the staff uniformly helpful, eager to please and willing to go the extra mile.
The breakfast cold buffet is comprehensive but surprisingly no ham is on offer. Your hot selection is cooked to order.
The hotel has a policy of adding 10% to all meals and beverages bills and when I asked I was told that these monies go to the food and beverages staff only. This is a new one on me and maybe it is now policy throughout Red Carnation Hotels but for me it is confusing and unfair. The hotel does I suspect get a lot of walk ins for drinks and dining and I can see reasoning behind adding a service charge for non-residents but I much prefer that residents be given the option of making their own choice re distributing tips. The system in place seemingly leaves the non food and beverages staff at a disadvantage with housekeeping and reception staff for example not having a share. On checking out a quick run through my final bill showed that I had around £45 added in tips for our food/beverages purchases during our stay and I added a further £100 on the understanding that it would go into the tronc to be shared by all staff. I just thought that the system in place was ‘messy’ and for me the housekeeping lady who services my room is as deserving as the barman serving my drinks.
The staff were faultless throughout but we got to know Daniel well as he always seemed to be on duty wherever we were and our thanks to him and all of his colleagues for making our stay so pleasant and memorable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Ecosse Claire said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
From our arrival to departure we could not have asked for better service. We had ordered a car through the hotel to collect us from the airport, however as our flight was delayed by a couple of hours, the car booked was cancelled. OGH very kindly sent David to collect us and said there would be no charge. We were very warmly welcomed by Andi and her front of house team and were shown round the beautiful hotel and its grounds. As our room was not quite ready, we went to explore St. Peter Port. On our return we were shown to our beautiful King Sea View Room (No 108), which was both spacious and attractive and glorious views over the pool and beautiful seafront. (There is some building work being carried out in front of the hotel which is a shame, but out of the hotel's control). We had been advised that there was a wedding at the hotel on our first night and that there may be some noise. We chose to eat out (pre booked Le Petit Bistro which was busy and bustling and had amazing food). When we returned at around 10pm there was a little noise but nothing to worry about and stopped by 10.30pm. On our second evening we booked the Curry Room - small and cosy restaurant where we were very well looked after by Joseph. Super 3 course menu and we chose to have the wine flight as well. Lovely evening and very relaxing. On our final day my husband unfortunately was ill and so as we had an evening flight, I asked if we could extend our checkout. Although, extremely busy, we were very grateful that they agreed. The helpfulness and flexibility at OGH just made our trip so special and we can highly recommend it as a perfect place to stay and relax. This is our fifth Red Carnation hotel that we have visited - cannot fault them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk