Local Reviews
In August 2006, HarpmanUK said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We have just returned from a 2 day 'Romantic Break' at the OGH and have nothing but praise for this splendidly run hotel. The reception staff were friendly and helpful. Harry the Customer Services Director happily lent me a pair of cuff links and the whole atmosphere was informal, relaxed and friendly.
The public rooms were decorated to very high standard, having recently undergone a £2.5m refurbishment and the Brasserie, Terrace, Breakfast Room and Lounges had splendid views and were a delight.
Food was good and plentiful and of a very high standard. The young, mostly Eastern European staff were highly trained and extremely helpful.
Corridors and staircases were less attractive and betrayed the hotel's traditional 'grand hotel' origins. The bedroom itself was huge, comfortable and well equipped in a traditional style, with a large balcony and fantastic views of Sark, Herm and the harbour.
The break which included a complimentary bottle of champagne and canapes on arrival, dinner in the amazing fine dining restaurant, a champagne breakfast with smoked salmon and strawberries, a free hire car or bicycles and use of the spa and fitness suite, was astonishing value and we can't wait to book again.
Many thanks OGH for a delightful ‘5 star’ experience.
The public rooms were decorated to very high standard, having recently undergone a £2.5m refurbishment and the Brasserie, Terrace, Breakfast Room and Lounges had splendid views and were a delight.
Food was good and plentiful and of a very high standard. The young, mostly Eastern European staff were highly trained and extremely helpful.
Corridors and staircases were less attractive and betrayed the hotel's traditional 'grand hotel' origins. The bedroom itself was huge, comfortable and well equipped in a traditional style, with a large balcony and fantastic views of Sark, Herm and the harbour.
The break which included a complimentary bottle of champagne and canapes on arrival, dinner in the amazing fine dining restaurant, a champagne breakfast with smoked salmon and strawberries, a free hire car or bicycles and use of the spa and fitness suite, was astonishing value and we can't wait to book again.
Many thanks OGH for a delightful ‘5 star’ experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2006, Domlena said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Just returned from a weekend break at the OGH.
We had a standard room with king size bed - really comfortable.
Dinner was fantastic value (Tennerfest -local food festival) in comfortable, atmospheric brasserie. However the breakfast was the clincher - wonderful quality food - fantastically cooked Engish Breakfast, fresh fruit, pastries, hams etc accompanied by a fantastic views of Herm, Sark, Alderney and France through the picture window. And good attentive service. It was a real pleasure as we have looked for similar hotels on mainland UK but have been disappointed. Superb!!! We didn't want to leave.
We had a standard room with king size bed - really comfortable.
Dinner was fantastic value (Tennerfest -local food festival) in comfortable, atmospheric brasserie. However the breakfast was the clincher - wonderful quality food - fantastically cooked Engish Breakfast, fresh fruit, pastries, hams etc accompanied by a fantastic views of Herm, Sark, Alderney and France through the picture window. And good attentive service. It was a real pleasure as we have looked for similar hotels on mainland UK but have been disappointed. Superb!!! We didn't want to leave.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2006, TJJ3757 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We stayed in the OGH on December 8th 2006 - the same night as the Cable and wireless Christmas party in the function room below us.
The hotel had already pre-warned us proir ro our stay and left a letter stating that there was a party on and a voucher for complimentry tea, coffee or soft drinks - a nice gesture. But, they also stated they had tried to position guests not at the party away from the venue room and in our case this didn't happen and the noise was awful ( I can tell you the last slow dance song was Robbie Williams - Angels !!! Unusual choice for the DJ. I thought as it is usually a funeral song !!! )
Room was really clean, nice soft bed, plenty of products in the bathroom, chilled free mineral water. It is now valet parking which is a bit of a pain - quite slow and awkward process.
Would stay again and use the spa facilities which looked great but, not during the Christmas party season.
The hotel had already pre-warned us proir ro our stay and left a letter stating that there was a party on and a voucher for complimentry tea, coffee or soft drinks - a nice gesture. But, they also stated they had tried to position guests not at the party away from the venue room and in our case this didn't happen and the noise was awful ( I can tell you the last slow dance song was Robbie Williams - Angels !!! Unusual choice for the DJ. I thought as it is usually a funeral song !!! )
Room was really clean, nice soft bed, plenty of products in the bathroom, chilled free mineral water. It is now valet parking which is a bit of a pain - quite slow and awkward process.
Would stay again and use the spa facilities which looked great but, not during the Christmas party season.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2007, pollyLancashire said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
The public areas are very impressive. Ate in the brasserie - the food was very good. The breakfast is cooked to order and is good value. Spent a lot of time in the John Coward lounge which is grand but cosy. The service, from reception, to the waiters, bar staff, cleaners, etc was exceptional. Harry, Service Director does a fantastic job in looking after his guests.
Our room was above the function room. Unfortunately there was a party there and we didn't get a wink of sleep until 2 am.
Bedroom disappointing for the price, tired and dilapidated. Apparently a number of rooms are being refurbed at the end of the season and ours was one of them - which was a shame for us. However on complaining, we were offered a new room immediately.
St Peters Port was a bit disappointing. The harbour side is not as picturesque as you would imagine. Surprisingly lots of litter and cigarette ends in the town.
Herm is a fabulous island to walk round. It takes 20 minutes to sail there and a 2 hour leisurely walk round the perimeter. There are 2 beach cafes on white sand beaches. The white sand beaches are almost deserted and probably the cleanest I've ever seen. If you need to mentally 'bail out', this is the place to go.
The food on the island was very good. And the locals are very friendly. Everytime I got a map out to read it, a local would come over and help me, whether I needed it or not!
The bus service was frequent and the routes easy to understand using the timetable and route planner from the bus station. All fares are 60p irrespective of how far you're travelling.
Taxi's are few and far between. If you're not out of the airport first, you may have to wait quite a while for a taxi. Book your return taxi well in advance, particularly if you're flying home early.
Our room was above the function room. Unfortunately there was a party there and we didn't get a wink of sleep until 2 am.
Bedroom disappointing for the price, tired and dilapidated. Apparently a number of rooms are being refurbed at the end of the season and ours was one of them - which was a shame for us. However on complaining, we were offered a new room immediately.
St Peters Port was a bit disappointing. The harbour side is not as picturesque as you would imagine. Surprisingly lots of litter and cigarette ends in the town.
Herm is a fabulous island to walk round. It takes 20 minutes to sail there and a 2 hour leisurely walk round the perimeter. There are 2 beach cafes on white sand beaches. The white sand beaches are almost deserted and probably the cleanest I've ever seen. If you need to mentally 'bail out', this is the place to go.
The food on the island was very good. And the locals are very friendly. Everytime I got a map out to read it, a local would come over and help me, whether I needed it or not!
The bus service was frequent and the routes easy to understand using the timetable and route planner from the bus station. All fares are 60p irrespective of how far you're travelling.
Taxi's are few and far between. If you're not out of the airport first, you may have to wait quite a while for a taxi. Book your return taxi well in advance, particularly if you're flying home early.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2008, Skyraider said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
My wife and I spent New year at the OGH and thoroughly enjoyed it. The standard of service throughout was first rate, friendly and efficient, but not intrusive. The public rooms are beautiful and create just the right atmosphere - classically elegant. The breakfast is exceptionally good (the New Year's day 'brunch' was extraordinary - sadly hardly anyone took full advantage).
It is not the cheapest hotel, but with free use of a very nice gym and spa (we had it to ourselves for almost all of two afternoons) it seemed reasonably priced. I guess my only 'complaint' would be that the room was rather ordinary (though with a very nice bathroom), but that is only because everything else is so good. We certainly plan to return.
It is not the cheapest hotel, but with free use of a very nice gym and spa (we had it to ourselves for almost all of two afternoons) it seemed reasonably priced. I guess my only 'complaint' would be that the room was rather ordinary (though with a very nice bathroom), but that is only because everything else is so good. We certainly plan to return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2008, bucko_globetrotters said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Stayed here for 1 week on a corporate rate, but it was still quite expensive. However, it is a decent hotel, one of the best on the island, and I had a pleasant stay.
The hotel building itself is nice and very central, rooms were reasonable (although mine was a little small), service at breakfast could be improved but the food was of a decent standard. I never used the restaurant as there are plenty of other options near by.
Thus, if you are happy with the quoted rates, there is no reason not to stay here.
The hotel building itself is nice and very central, rooms were reasonable (although mine was a little small), service at breakfast could be improved but the food was of a decent standard. I never used the restaurant as there are plenty of other options near by.
Thus, if you are happy with the quoted rates, there is no reason not to stay here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2008, Kapitanwalker said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
This hotel sits within the maze of narrow streets on a hill near to the quay in St Peter Port. It’s a picturesque location. The outside of the building is really attractive and it is clearly steeped in history.
Finding the place was tough as many streets are tiny, the one way system is confusing and a key road was temporarily closed.
Inside, the décor of the place is a flowery kind of English “high tea” style. It’s a bit fussy and twee (some might call this cute) in places and although not entirely to my taste it is generally in reasonable order. The building does retain some of the more historic architectural features which adds character.
Our room was warm and comfortable and had a fantastic view over St Peter Port but was a little tacky in design.
So in certain respects the place was a little disappointing. However, we ate in the restaurant on the first night and found the food truly superb. The waiter was attentive, knowledgeable, and recommended some excellent matching wines. We were so impressed we ate there again having this time the degustation menu (ie 7 smallish courses with different wines to compliment the food). The quality was very high and we were again really impressed. A minor comment from us brought out the chef to apologise who clearly took his art very seriously – we didn’t feel this was necessary but really demonstrates the focus on quality.
Added to this we were met by the Director of Guest Services a charming man from Mauritius. His attention to detail and desire to make sure our stay was successful was exceptional.
Overall we’d strongly recommend this place and certainly intend to return maybe when the weather is better from the winter storm we saw.
Finding the place was tough as many streets are tiny, the one way system is confusing and a key road was temporarily closed.
Inside, the décor of the place is a flowery kind of English “high tea” style. It’s a bit fussy and twee (some might call this cute) in places and although not entirely to my taste it is generally in reasonable order. The building does retain some of the more historic architectural features which adds character.
Our room was warm and comfortable and had a fantastic view over St Peter Port but was a little tacky in design.
So in certain respects the place was a little disappointing. However, we ate in the restaurant on the first night and found the food truly superb. The waiter was attentive, knowledgeable, and recommended some excellent matching wines. We were so impressed we ate there again having this time the degustation menu (ie 7 smallish courses with different wines to compliment the food). The quality was very high and we were again really impressed. A minor comment from us brought out the chef to apologise who clearly took his art very seriously – we didn’t feel this was necessary but really demonstrates the focus on quality.
Added to this we were met by the Director of Guest Services a charming man from Mauritius. His attention to detail and desire to make sure our stay was successful was exceptional.
Overall we’d strongly recommend this place and certainly intend to return maybe when the weather is better from the winter storm we saw.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2008, LeicesterActor said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
My goodness me-if ever an hotel deserves it's 4 stars then this is the one. In fact 5 stars would not go amiss. My wife and myself stayed here from August 13th to the 17th. and from the moment we arrived were made to feel important visitors. The staff here are second to none. From reception, through to waiters, from customer relations to maids ,you will NEVER EVER come across a more friendly, corteous and obliging team. The manager deserves full congratulations for his recruitment skills.
The hotel itself is spotlessly clean and full of the most beautiful furniture and fine works of art. The dining rooms boast and provide the most splendid menues. The gardens and swimming pool area are, needless to say, immaculate. The choice of bedrooms are varied and all are exceptionally clean and well maintained. Whilst you are at dinner, your bed is turned down, side lamps lit and any towels etc. changed. This on top of the usual morning visit. With regards to bedrooms if possible opt for one with a harbour view and balcony. These rooms are very large with easy chairs and tables etc. with the most stunning views of the harbour and across to the islands of Herm and Sark. A twenty minute ferry ride will take you to the car free tiny Island of Herm.....an absolute paradise. A WORD OF WARNING regarding harbour view rooms. I understand the previous owner of the hotel allowed the building of a new office block on land on the harbour side of the hotel. Through no fault of his or indeed the present owners....it seems some sort of action is being taken..., the black roof of the new building is level with and almost touching, the balcony of rooms 118,119 and 120 and extends outwards for about 14 ft and this can spoil the view. Indeed in room 118 the lift shaft top rises up about 2 ft. above the balcony floor and I feel sure would prove very disappointing-particularly as you pay a considerable amount extra for balcony rooms on this side of the hotel. I repeat this is no fault of the hotels but I would suggest you make it clear on booking you require rooms on the next level.The smaller bedrooms overlooking the gardens, with a partial sea view ,are also a delight .As with any hotel, rooms from time to time need decorating, and this hotel has a policy of causing minimum disruption to guests.
A hotel then for the connoisseur of good taste and old fashioned courtesy. It is ABSOLUTELY SPLENDID
The hotel itself is spotlessly clean and full of the most beautiful furniture and fine works of art. The dining rooms boast and provide the most splendid menues. The gardens and swimming pool area are, needless to say, immaculate. The choice of bedrooms are varied and all are exceptionally clean and well maintained. Whilst you are at dinner, your bed is turned down, side lamps lit and any towels etc. changed. This on top of the usual morning visit. With regards to bedrooms if possible opt for one with a harbour view and balcony. These rooms are very large with easy chairs and tables etc. with the most stunning views of the harbour and across to the islands of Herm and Sark. A twenty minute ferry ride will take you to the car free tiny Island of Herm.....an absolute paradise. A WORD OF WARNING regarding harbour view rooms. I understand the previous owner of the hotel allowed the building of a new office block on land on the harbour side of the hotel. Through no fault of his or indeed the present owners....it seems some sort of action is being taken..., the black roof of the new building is level with and almost touching, the balcony of rooms 118,119 and 120 and extends outwards for about 14 ft and this can spoil the view. Indeed in room 118 the lift shaft top rises up about 2 ft. above the balcony floor and I feel sure would prove very disappointing-particularly as you pay a considerable amount extra for balcony rooms on this side of the hotel. I repeat this is no fault of the hotels but I would suggest you make it clear on booking you require rooms on the next level.The smaller bedrooms overlooking the gardens, with a partial sea view ,are also a delight .As with any hotel, rooms from time to time need decorating, and this hotel has a policy of causing minimum disruption to guests.
A hotel then for the connoisseur of good taste and old fashioned courtesy. It is ABSOLUTELY SPLENDID
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2008, Issie14 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We stayed for one night and I wished we could have stayed longer.
It was one of the best and most comfortable hotels I had ever stayed in and I usually stay in a lot of hotels with my job
We were on arrival greeted with a wonderful smile and welcome for the French Receptionist
The smell of lilies as you walk around the hotel was wonderful, everything was so colonial, so clean, so finished off.
I couldn't get over the way all the staff SMILED and ask how you were.
The food was excellent and the Sommelier certainly knew his trade, we had a wonderful rose wine recommended, which we will source again.
The views from the gardens and pool area over St Peters Port is lovely.
We had a look at the Spa and what a way to relax.
The service throughout our stay was excellent and we loved the way in the evening we came back to our lovely room to find the bed had been turned back the curtains pulled and the lamps put on, Oh and the complementary L'Occitane in the bathroom was a lovely luxury.
We are looking to book again for our next visit in October but will be staying a little longer than a nigh and hopefully be visiting their luxury spa.
It was one of the best and most comfortable hotels I had ever stayed in and I usually stay in a lot of hotels with my job
We were on arrival greeted with a wonderful smile and welcome for the French Receptionist
The smell of lilies as you walk around the hotel was wonderful, everything was so colonial, so clean, so finished off.
I couldn't get over the way all the staff SMILED and ask how you were.
The food was excellent and the Sommelier certainly knew his trade, we had a wonderful rose wine recommended, which we will source again.
The views from the gardens and pool area over St Peters Port is lovely.
We had a look at the Spa and what a way to relax.
The service throughout our stay was excellent and we loved the way in the evening we came back to our lovely room to find the bed had been turned back the curtains pulled and the lamps put on, Oh and the complementary L'Occitane in the bathroom was a lovely luxury.
We are looking to book again for our next visit in October but will be staying a little longer than a nigh and hopefully be visiting their luxury spa.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2008, sayursay said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We stayed for 4 nights. Nice enough hotel although the deco needs updating. Also there are some issues in the room that needs looking into. We keep hearing this banging sound coming from the closet and with this, the lights will start flickering. We were wondering at first if the place will blow up. Anyway, in terms of food, you can't complain coz they offer good selection at breakfast. Staff are very nice and very polite. The atmosphere of the home though lean towards old generation. The best thing about the place was the accessibility to the main town, to interesting places and activities to do at Guernsey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk