Local Reviews
In March 2016, Liz M said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Spent an enjoyable long weekend here. The staff are all excellent. Our particular room was far too warm and the aircon could not lower the temperature enough. The gym hours are odd, the weekend hours are very limited. The lounge is off limits in the afternoon as it is used for afternoon tea. Food in the restaurant was first class.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, bridgetturnbull said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
This really is a hidden gem on the beautiful island of Guernsey! Impeccable service from the moment we arrived. We were booked for afternoon tea, and they were very accommodating with the vegetarian option (myself being vegetarian). However we had a late dinner in the MDR in the evening, and I was a bit shocked to find there was only one vegetarian option for the main course on the menu. So, I went with this option, and was a little bit disheartened to find that it was simply a pasta in a tomato sauce sort of dish. I have been to a few restaurants and often find there is more than one option. The dessert was great, but I just thought a hotel of this caliber may have been a bit more inventive with their evening menu. I understand being vegetarian is not as common as I would hope, therefore the menu is catered mainly for people who enjoy a steak. I'm sorry OGH, but this was the only let down; An alternative option on the menu would be great. The hot breakfast was a a traditional fry up without the meat, there were no alternatives, for example, vegetarian sausages. I would definitely stay there again if I know the options for vegetarian diners have been improved!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, PhilGillCunningham said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We have just enjoyed our second long stay at this elegant and stylish hotel. The food is delicious and the levels of comfort and service are outstanding. The pianist - singer in the restaurant/bar is a joy to listen to. We will definitely be back again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, GeneralJock said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We have just spent a wonderful week at the OGH and there is nothing I would really fault it on. The service, staff, food, accommodation, and the pool were all fantastic. This hotel really retains an ancient charm that is getting rarer.
We booked really last minute, and while we were too late to get joining rooms or a full suite to accommodate ourselves and the two kids, we had a junior suite in which the staff provided a sofa bed and a further bed which provided perfectly good bedding for the two boys. The room served well as both a base for St Peter Port and the pool and also a place to relax between trips.
First the food: we had breakfast each morning and dinner twice. All dishes excellent. Staff went out of their way for us, especially Mr Ken Ramoo who made our little'uns laugh no end.
Accommodation: very classical in style, you may find it stuffy if you prefer minimalist/modern chique. Everything very clean, room service excellent with an unobtrusive daily turn-down. No mini-bar, but good room service.
Pool: a modest sized pool kept extremely clean and we found it very warm. Fantastic pool-side service with drinks and snacks served right to your lounger.
Staff: universally good, made our stay as nice as possible. All the restaurant and bar staff are very friendly. Nice to see some seniors managing the service and keeping everything running perfectly.
The car park requires valet parking which is a slight pain but understandable given Guernsey space constraints. Only used the car twice and they were very prompt on both occasions.
Afternoon tea: exceptional, with a special version for the kids. Lovely cakes and just the right amount (we still couldn't eat them all).
The Brasserie bar was apparently a favourite of Oliver Reed, and I can absolutely see him sitting in it necking his Gin and shouting some great stories in this near unique old world atmosphere.
Sorry I missed that, but a very enjoyable and memorable week in any case.
We booked really last minute, and while we were too late to get joining rooms or a full suite to accommodate ourselves and the two kids, we had a junior suite in which the staff provided a sofa bed and a further bed which provided perfectly good bedding for the two boys. The room served well as both a base for St Peter Port and the pool and also a place to relax between trips.
First the food: we had breakfast each morning and dinner twice. All dishes excellent. Staff went out of their way for us, especially Mr Ken Ramoo who made our little'uns laugh no end.
Accommodation: very classical in style, you may find it stuffy if you prefer minimalist/modern chique. Everything very clean, room service excellent with an unobtrusive daily turn-down. No mini-bar, but good room service.
Pool: a modest sized pool kept extremely clean and we found it very warm. Fantastic pool-side service with drinks and snacks served right to your lounger.
Staff: universally good, made our stay as nice as possible. All the restaurant and bar staff are very friendly. Nice to see some seniors managing the service and keeping everything running perfectly.
The car park requires valet parking which is a slight pain but understandable given Guernsey space constraints. Only used the car twice and they were very prompt on both occasions.
Afternoon tea: exceptional, with a special version for the kids. Lovely cakes and just the right amount (we still couldn't eat them all).
The Brasserie bar was apparently a favourite of Oliver Reed, and I can absolutely see him sitting in it necking his Gin and shouting some great stories in this near unique old world atmosphere.
Sorry I missed that, but a very enjoyable and memorable week in any case.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, John C said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
This is a 5 star hotel and it truly achieves that status in every way. The staff are extremely efficient and friendly and they cannot do enough to help. The welcome at reception by Andi was marvellous. She took the trouble to give a tour of the hotel and explain things to do and see. The room was perfect with a very comfortable bed.
An outstanding hotel.
Will be going back soon.
An outstanding hotel.
Will be going back soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Blackth0rn said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
A conveniently situated hotel just a couple of minutes walk from the High Street and harbour, but sufficiently out of town that you’re not going to get too much in the way of any noise. In particular it’s on quite a minor road, and we certainly couldn’t hear any traffic or such like. The welcome was certainly very professional, with a porter unloading our bag from the taxi and delivering it to our room whilst we having a glass of champagne and a tour of the hotel’s facilities. We opted for one of the suites as these were on a “3 nights for the price of 2” deal, and whilst it was a decent enough room I think the use of the term suite was perhaps a little ambitious – it was really just a good sized room with a sofa and a desk. At the “discounted” price we paid it was probably about right, but I’d certainly have been disappointed if I had been paying the list price of over £400 per night. Facilities included tea/coffee making facilities including a box containing a good selection of teas as well as a Nespresso machine, and a hand written card welcoming us was another nice touch. A couple of bottles of water were left in the room, and these were replenished twice a day. We also had some treats such as shortbread or fudge left in the evening which was nice. The bed was very big and very comfy whilst the bathroom was fine – nothing particularly special, but clean and tidy, although the shower was rather small and the temperature fluctuated somewhat.
Breakfast was a combination of hot food cooked to order and a help yourself buffet. The buffet had a very good selection of fruit, all sorts of prepared grapefruit, orange, fruit salad, apricots and so on whereas the choice in some other areas was a little less – only three cheeses, three cold meats and three pastries for example, whereas typically I would expect a five star hotel to have a more extensive selection. The hot menu offered a good choice and whilst we were there we tried the Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon & Scrambled Egg and a Smoked Haddock with Poached Egg and with the exception of the Eggs Benedict being served pretty much stone cold, it was all very good. An Irish Benedict was an unusual offering consisting of a poached egg atop a corned beef hash. Service was prompt and efficient with a warning that the haddock was cooked from fresh and would take 10 – 12 minutes, which was pretty much spot on.
Overall I thought this was a very nice hotel in a great location. Just be aware of what you’re paying and don’t expect too much in terms of the room size in relation to the price.
Breakfast was a combination of hot food cooked to order and a help yourself buffet. The buffet had a very good selection of fruit, all sorts of prepared grapefruit, orange, fruit salad, apricots and so on whereas the choice in some other areas was a little less – only three cheeses, three cold meats and three pastries for example, whereas typically I would expect a five star hotel to have a more extensive selection. The hot menu offered a good choice and whilst we were there we tried the Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon & Scrambled Egg and a Smoked Haddock with Poached Egg and with the exception of the Eggs Benedict being served pretty much stone cold, it was all very good. An Irish Benedict was an unusual offering consisting of a poached egg atop a corned beef hash. Service was prompt and efficient with a warning that the haddock was cooked from fresh and would take 10 – 12 minutes, which was pretty much spot on.
Overall I thought this was a very nice hotel in a great location. Just be aware of what you’re paying and don’t expect too much in terms of the room size in relation to the price.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Ranald M said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
I have previously reviewed the OGH Hotel on several occasions during the last five years. I have had the very great pleasure of staying there at least once a month and my high regard for the hotel and its staff will have been very clear. Inevitably I have got to know many of the staff fairly well and they are truly outstanding as far as I am concerned. I know that it is ultimately a job that they do but they do it so well and make you feel so good that when I left today for the last time (my work in Guernsey being completed) I came away with a strong feeling of loss. Not many hotels can lead to that feeling in a guest.
A place and people that I shall never forget.
A place and people that I shall never forget.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, mrchristopherpiper said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
What a location to celebrate a marriage milestone!! From arrival to departure it was a superb experience. The room was double aspect, light and airy and the ensuite bathroom well equipped. Attentive, friendly and knowledgeable staff for whom nothing was too much trouble. Valet parking meant our car was brought to front hotel whenever required.Magnificent breakfast in the Olive Garden in the sun gave a good start to our day. The Brasserie Restaurant and various bars were also very good. A 5star hotel in every way.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2019, Susannah T said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
After such a magnificent stay here last July we simply had to return to the OGH this summer. By the time we had finished the check-in process and been handed our welcome drinks, our bags had already been unloaded from our car and whisked away to our room. Everything we had specified had been accommodated for: a fridge for my medications, the cosiest bed for our assistance dog and all the other little touches that make the OGH so special.
We had time to savour our drinks and relax with the view from our balcony before our dinner reservation in the Brasserie. The menu is eclectic with lots of fish dishes and 'catch of the day', as one would expect, my husband particularly enjoyed his fish and chips. Breakfasts in the Brasserie are a sumptuous affair with a cornucopia of delights served buffet style and hot dishes catering for every whim. We must thank Chef who was able to cater for my husband’s sweet tooth on more than one occasion! It is such a beautiful setting looking out on to the garden with the olive trees and all the window boxes and planters of red geraniums.
We were exceedingly lucky with the weather, once again. We chose to spend the majority of our time resting and recuperating for my medical reasons by the crystal clear pool under a parasol when the Guernsey sun became too warm for us. There was an endless supply of fresh towels brought to us and pool service drinks and menus available, whilst we sunned and relaxed.
My husband used the gym every day - note: old size £1 coins for the lockers, so the gym lent him a token!
As with last year, on our final day Guernsey was experiencing a record temperature heat wave, but the interior of the OGH with its air conditioning is so beautifully cool you would not have known. We were so sad to be leaving and know that we will definitely return next summer.
We would like to thank all of the staff because everyone made our stay so very special and really comfortable, but we’d like to mention the following by name: Nelly on Reception, whose smile and joy just light up the whole foyer, and Danielle too, such a lovely welcome team. Stewart-you carried all our luggage up to our room, not to forget my extremely heavy medical trunk, thank you. Alessandro in the Brasserie at breakfast, just the kindest and friendliest gentleman. Matilde and Casper in the pool area, thank you for all the offers of drinks and all the fresh towels. And of course, Jaro Opletal. Thank you for your extreme care in all areas and for looking after our every need. And last but not least, it was lovely to talk to Andrew -this is an exceptional hotel. We have really fallen in love with it and hope we will be able to return for many more years.
We had time to savour our drinks and relax with the view from our balcony before our dinner reservation in the Brasserie. The menu is eclectic with lots of fish dishes and 'catch of the day', as one would expect, my husband particularly enjoyed his fish and chips. Breakfasts in the Brasserie are a sumptuous affair with a cornucopia of delights served buffet style and hot dishes catering for every whim. We must thank Chef who was able to cater for my husband’s sweet tooth on more than one occasion! It is such a beautiful setting looking out on to the garden with the olive trees and all the window boxes and planters of red geraniums.
We were exceedingly lucky with the weather, once again. We chose to spend the majority of our time resting and recuperating for my medical reasons by the crystal clear pool under a parasol when the Guernsey sun became too warm for us. There was an endless supply of fresh towels brought to us and pool service drinks and menus available, whilst we sunned and relaxed.
My husband used the gym every day - note: old size £1 coins for the lockers, so the gym lent him a token!
As with last year, on our final day Guernsey was experiencing a record temperature heat wave, but the interior of the OGH with its air conditioning is so beautifully cool you would not have known. We were so sad to be leaving and know that we will definitely return next summer.
We would like to thank all of the staff because everyone made our stay so very special and really comfortable, but we’d like to mention the following by name: Nelly on Reception, whose smile and joy just light up the whole foyer, and Danielle too, such a lovely welcome team. Stewart-you carried all our luggage up to our room, not to forget my extremely heavy medical trunk, thank you. Alessandro in the Brasserie at breakfast, just the kindest and friendliest gentleman. Matilde and Casper in the pool area, thank you for all the offers of drinks and all the fresh towels. And of course, Jaro Opletal. Thank you for your extreme care in all areas and for looking after our every need. And last but not least, it was lovely to talk to Andrew -this is an exceptional hotel. We have really fallen in love with it and hope we will be able to return for many more years.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2019, Nigel T said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Just returned from a wonderful week in The Old Government House, Guernsey. I must say, this has got to be one of the best hotels I have stayed in. The staff were brilliant, the food was fabulous and the rooms very spacious, we stayed in a king room 322. Can’t recommend this hotel enough...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk