Local Reviews
In May 2009, Timmy5573 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Spent a long weekend here with the family (7 adults) we wre immediatly made to feel at home but special. In addition to the excellent loction, clean building excellent facilities the staff actually made it that special at every contact they were polite, cared, and always provide a special service. Our last night meal in the brasserie was made even better by Thomas the waiter and the wine waiter always there for you but allowed us time with our own company, they might have invented exceptional service.
Not cheap but good value for money, would always recommend.
Not cheap but good value for money, would always recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2009, Squx said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
It's very rare you go somewhere new for a weekend and end up spending half your time at the hotel - but that's what happened. It's a lovely, relaxing place with friendly, engaging staff (but not in your face like in so many hotels) and some really nice spaces to hang around and read / chat / drink / sweat in the sauna.
I'd also mention that the food is excellent, whether at the Brasserie or at the Governors' restaurant. Best fish soup either side of the Channel. We came with the Gourmet Package which covers use of the spa, reduced double room rates and a full Degustation menu at the Governor's including a different wine for each of the seven courses.
We're definitely going back - fully recommended.
I'd also mention that the food is excellent, whether at the Brasserie or at the Governors' restaurant. Best fish soup either side of the Channel. We came with the Gourmet Package which covers use of the spa, reduced double room rates and a full Degustation menu at the Governor's including a different wine for each of the seven courses.
We're definitely going back - fully recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2009, Bee42 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
I've stayed in various hotels in Guernsey, and OGH is the best by far. The staff are incredibly helpful and friendly, the location is fantastic, the breakfast is delicious and the view of the other islands from the Brasserie and garden is spectacular. We will definitely be staying here whenever we come back to Guernsey. Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2009, anchmer said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
I stayed with a friend at OGH over the Late May Bank Holiday weekend. Overall the stay was disappointing, but there were a few rays of light.
I booked online directly from the hotel web site, which is something I don't normally do but made an exception given there was a 3-for-2 nights promotion. My first impression of the hotel was excellent, as the pictures on the web are very impressive and my booking was immediately acknowledged. Reception even rang me directly to confirm, as the booking had gone through twice rather than only once, so that was appreciated.
Upon check-in to the room things weren't great though. We had a king room with a sea view. The view was fabulous - very relaxing and wonderful to have the option of opening the balcony door to get the fresh air. The room, however, was anything but fresh. It must have been one of the few still waiting to be redecorated, which is a shame. Although clean, the room was well worn and if given a choice I would have rather had a nice room without the sea view.
The breakfast each morning was very fancy - a warning though, as the breakfast area gets VERY warm! The food was good enough, but the service on our first morning was off-point. We were kept waiting for so long for our food that we had to ask the staff to check on it. The kind waiter returned to say sorry and that our order had been skipped - the food would be right out. He handled it well, but at a hotel and resturant of that caliber I wouldn't expect my order to go missing, and I would have thought the team would be more proactive to see that everyone seated around us was getting their food except for us. No issues on the next morning though.
The front desk staff, although polite, also were a bit disappointing, save for one or two. We tried to use the computer to check in to our flights on line, and given the reaction you would have thought that no one had ever asked to do this before. We also had an issue with noise one evening, as our room seemed to be directly over the event space where an MC was talking on a mic and there was a band until midnight. When we first realised the noise and rang the desk, they didn't really seem to take our concern on-board - they just said that the even would end at midnight. And whilst I'm all for functions and music, I really don't want to have to listen to someone elses until midnight when I am paying over 200GBP per night for a room and want to sleep. After about an hour and three or four phone calls, the manager finally did come to our room and arrange for us to sleep in a different room (a refurbished room - very nice) for the one night.
Overall I would recommend that others stay, as the lobby and location are both great, and the gym is a nice bonus. Other reviews on this hotel, as you can see, are also very positive. However, I would warn people to allow plenty of time for breakfast and to specifically request a room that has been refurbished and which is not located over the function rooms.
I booked online directly from the hotel web site, which is something I don't normally do but made an exception given there was a 3-for-2 nights promotion. My first impression of the hotel was excellent, as the pictures on the web are very impressive and my booking was immediately acknowledged. Reception even rang me directly to confirm, as the booking had gone through twice rather than only once, so that was appreciated.
Upon check-in to the room things weren't great though. We had a king room with a sea view. The view was fabulous - very relaxing and wonderful to have the option of opening the balcony door to get the fresh air. The room, however, was anything but fresh. It must have been one of the few still waiting to be redecorated, which is a shame. Although clean, the room was well worn and if given a choice I would have rather had a nice room without the sea view.
The breakfast each morning was very fancy - a warning though, as the breakfast area gets VERY warm! The food was good enough, but the service on our first morning was off-point. We were kept waiting for so long for our food that we had to ask the staff to check on it. The kind waiter returned to say sorry and that our order had been skipped - the food would be right out. He handled it well, but at a hotel and resturant of that caliber I wouldn't expect my order to go missing, and I would have thought the team would be more proactive to see that everyone seated around us was getting their food except for us. No issues on the next morning though.
The front desk staff, although polite, also were a bit disappointing, save for one or two. We tried to use the computer to check in to our flights on line, and given the reaction you would have thought that no one had ever asked to do this before. We also had an issue with noise one evening, as our room seemed to be directly over the event space where an MC was talking on a mic and there was a band until midnight. When we first realised the noise and rang the desk, they didn't really seem to take our concern on-board - they just said that the even would end at midnight. And whilst I'm all for functions and music, I really don't want to have to listen to someone elses until midnight when I am paying over 200GBP per night for a room and want to sleep. After about an hour and three or four phone calls, the manager finally did come to our room and arrange for us to sleep in a different room (a refurbished room - very nice) for the one night.
Overall I would recommend that others stay, as the lobby and location are both great, and the gym is a nice bonus. Other reviews on this hotel, as you can see, are also very positive. However, I would warn people to allow plenty of time for breakfast and to specifically request a room that has been refurbished and which is not located over the function rooms.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2009, dsp1999 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We have just returned from a long weekend for my partners birthday. We took the advice from previous reviews and booked a newly decorated room with a sea view and were not disappointed. The price is higher than the other rooms but worth it for a special occassion. We found the staff very helpful and attentive, always a hello when passing and happy to help with any problems or queries. The location enabled us to quickly walk into the centre of town. Gym facilities were good but I didn't get chance to use the pool although it looked very nice. The staff even brought a small cake and birthday card to our room which was a very nice touch.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2009, rafkam said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
My company has an office in Guernsey and they have corporate rates with the OGH, which is why I ended up staying here for a night. The location is a highlight, as it’s a very easy walk to downtown. The hotel grounds are very well maintained and the pool did look appealing, despite the less-than-tropical Guernsey weather. This place is also full of history, with grand ballrooms and nice traditional bars.
My room was a refurbished spacious sea view double. The room featured a modern bathroom with shower and bath, and everything was extremely clean. Although it had everything going for it, in terms of the view, the room felt a bit stuffy, with dark carpets, outdated furniture and a general feeling that it was in bad need of a redecoration (despite everything being new). In short, it was adequate, but it felt like the target crowd was definitely senior citizens.
Service was excellent, but I found the breakfast buffet to be lacking in variety. Everything is made to order, which is fine when you have the time, but in my case I didn’t feel like waiting 5 minutes for a few slices of toast.
Based on its exhorbitant prices, I would not recommend this place. The rooms feel like “1950s luxury”. Also, don’t come here looking for a buzzy atmosphere. This hotel is definitely popular with seniors and the most excitement you’ll see will be around high tea time.
My room was a refurbished spacious sea view double. The room featured a modern bathroom with shower and bath, and everything was extremely clean. Although it had everything going for it, in terms of the view, the room felt a bit stuffy, with dark carpets, outdated furniture and a general feeling that it was in bad need of a redecoration (despite everything being new). In short, it was adequate, but it felt like the target crowd was definitely senior citizens.
Service was excellent, but I found the breakfast buffet to be lacking in variety. Everything is made to order, which is fine when you have the time, but in my case I didn’t feel like waiting 5 minutes for a few slices of toast.
Based on its exhorbitant prices, I would not recommend this place. The rooms feel like “1950s luxury”. Also, don’t come here looking for a buzzy atmosphere. This hotel is definitely popular with seniors and the most excitement you’ll see will be around high tea time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2009, NewlywedSurrey said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
For our honeymoon, we decided on a Channel Islands break with 5 nights on Jersey and 5 on Guernsey. We booked our 5 night stay at the OGH online but this was followed up with a telephone call. We were delighted to be told that as we were staying 5 nights we were entitled to the 'Romantic break' which meant a fabulous room for a very reasonable price. Our deal included a bottle of champagne on arrival (a very nice welcome indeed) which we enjoyed on the balcony attached to our room; also included was a three course meal in the Brasserie - we only paid for the drinks - and a champagne breakfast which was brought to our room to enjoy. We really did feel pampered. I forgot to mention there was also a box of delicious handmade chocolates from Sark in the room which didn't last long once opened!
We found our whole experience at OGH to be a pleasure. Nothing was too much to ask and when we had a problem with a leaky ceiling in the bathroom we were immediately offered an alternative room until repairs were made. As it was, we loved our room so much we put up with a few drips until it was sorted out! The manager made the effort to seek us out and check we were happy with the situation which we were impressed with.
All the meals we enjoyed at the hotel were delicious. My husband is a little fussy about what he will and won't eat but found plenty to enjoy on the Brasserie menu. The breakfast was very good although we did have to wait for a little while for the cooked items when it was busy. (They do say on the menu to let them know if you are in a rush so perhaps they might provide a speedier service when needed).
Overall, the OGH provided a perfect base for a relaxing end to our honeymoon. Having stayed in a very modern hotel in Jersey which had a real 'buzz' to it, the OGH was a great contrast with its history and more relaxed feel. We didn't want to leave and we will definitely go back!
We found our whole experience at OGH to be a pleasure. Nothing was too much to ask and when we had a problem with a leaky ceiling in the bathroom we were immediately offered an alternative room until repairs were made. As it was, we loved our room so much we put up with a few drips until it was sorted out! The manager made the effort to seek us out and check we were happy with the situation which we were impressed with.
All the meals we enjoyed at the hotel were delicious. My husband is a little fussy about what he will and won't eat but found plenty to enjoy on the Brasserie menu. The breakfast was very good although we did have to wait for a little while for the cooked items when it was busy. (They do say on the menu to let them know if you are in a rush so perhaps they might provide a speedier service when needed).
Overall, the OGH provided a perfect base for a relaxing end to our honeymoon. Having stayed in a very modern hotel in Jersey which had a real 'buzz' to it, the OGH was a great contrast with its history and more relaxed feel. We didn't want to leave and we will definitely go back!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2009, MazSolihull said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
If all hotels were like this one tripadvisor would be out of business.
We couldn't fault it. The service, food, staff , everything was superb. We had a king bed sea view which was spotless. All the linen, towels etc were 1st class. The management presented us with champagne and fruit on our anniversary which was a wonderful gesture. We ate 2 nights in the brasserie and the food was very good, 1 night in the Governors restaurant sampling the 7 course degustation meal which couldn't be faulted. The breakfast also was very good.
If we ever go back we wouldn't hesitate in staying again at this wonderful hotel.
We couldn't fault it. The service, food, staff , everything was superb. We had a king bed sea view which was spotless. All the linen, towels etc were 1st class. The management presented us with champagne and fruit on our anniversary which was a wonderful gesture. We ate 2 nights in the brasserie and the food was very good, 1 night in the Governors restaurant sampling the 7 course degustation meal which couldn't be faulted. The breakfast also was very good.
If we ever go back we wouldn't hesitate in staying again at this wonderful hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2009, CamilleWiltshire said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Fabulous stay from the airport pick up to drop off. Beautifully refurbished public rooms and our bedroom was very tasteful with gorgeous Occitane toiletries and pool view.
The gourmet experience dinner was superb and the breakfast excellent; the afternoon tea was also a real treat.
Staff were friendly and helpful without being intrusive.
A rare occasion when expectations were not only met but exceeded.
The gourmet experience dinner was superb and the breakfast excellent; the afternoon tea was also a real treat.
Staff were friendly and helpful without being intrusive.
A rare occasion when expectations were not only met but exceeded.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2009, Pam Daws said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We recently stayed in the Old Government House Hotel, recommended to us by a friend. From arriving to leaving the staff were very amiable and eager to please. A car parking facitlity was availble at no extra cost and our stay was made enjoyable by the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The room itself, which although there was no sea view, was pleasant, clean and catered for all needs including an umbrella! The bistro was light and airy with views of the port whereas the restaurant was more intimate with fewer tables. The only down side was the temperature in the restaurant, this was a little on the warm side and would have been better for diners if the air con was on, even if only for a short time.
Although we didn't swim in the pool, the area looked clean and inviting as was the remainder of the gardens with places to sit and enjoy the view or have a drink.
In summary, the hotel is ideal for a comfortable and central stay in Guernsey with friendly staff who want to make your stay memorable.
Although we didn't swim in the pool, the area looked clean and inviting as was the remainder of the gardens with places to sit and enjoy the view or have a drink.
In summary, the hotel is ideal for a comfortable and central stay in Guernsey with friendly staff who want to make your stay memorable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk