In July 2018, 559ThomasD said:
Not one year old and already my second review of one of the hotels belonging to the Red Carnation chain… My father is so lucky to have me point out things for him…
Arriving
After a short flight over from the continent, I found myself being carried out of an aeroplane by my parents. Seeing that Guernsey has a small airport, we had our luggage (and my buggy) in our hands in no time at all and as soon as we stepped out to the arrivals hall, we saw a man holding a sign with our family’s name on it. We approach him, he immediately offered us help with our stuff (babies need lots and lots of stuff) and we were on our way to the Old Government House Hotel. Negotiating the small streets and alleyways of Guernsey the man pointed out that he had already informed the hotel to expect us. My father thought that this was a very thoughtful thing to do (call the hotel about our approximated arrival time) and also inform us that he did it so, so we will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy our vacation, knowing that we are in good hands.
Check in went very smoothly. Lots of smiles, loads of attention, a couple of glasses of bobbles (a bottle - water only - for me) and when I was (we were) good and ready we were guided to our room. Seeing that our luggage has already magically materialised in our room, all which was left to do was to admire the view of St Peter Port from our balcony and for me to come to terms with the idea that, much like at the Montague, my parents are ones who are going to sleep in the ‘big bed’, while I will get to sleep in the baby cot made up especially for me.
Breakfast
All of my mornings started almost the same… Up by 6am (didn’t really listen when my parents said I can sleep longer because we are on vacation) got dressed (with a little help) and walked out of room on my dad’s hand to patrol the hotel and its grounds. Although it was still quite early, I met a lot of busy people making the hotel ready for the day. Despite their comings and goings, they found the time to smile at me as I passed by. I also almost made friends with a round shaped red lad with a very long nose named Henry, but I was a bit afraid of the sound he made. My routine then led me outside to the hotel’s well groomed garden, where I examined the water pressure coming out of the fountain, the leaves on the blooming bushes and the soft grass.
After my patrol had come to an end, and I saw that everything was shipshape, we headed for breakfast, which was a real treat. After a couple of days, the breakfast team already knew that one us will be needing a highchair, so it was pulled out for us without even having to ask for it and all that was felt to do was to enjoy freshly squeezed juices, coffee, tea and water to begin with. A buffet of fresh seasonal fruit, various types of ‘smelly’ cheese, some lovely Danish pastries (I was particularly partial to the cinnamon swirls) and an a al carte menu to chose from for the warm dishes. I was also often asked if something special could be made for me, but most of the time I was content with what was offered on the buffet or to share with my parents; enjoying a long side them what my dad had described as ‘the best Eggs Benedict he had ever had’.
Afternoon Tea
Who knew that such a treat as ‘afternoon tea’ exists!? Although this was my first afternoon tea, I was told by parents that it is one of the best they had sat to (Still can’t understand why I was never taken to one of those before, but maybe the fact that I wasn’t born yet has something to do with it). Sitting in the hotel’s pleasant garden, we enjoyed some good sandwiches (the cucumber-cream cheese ones were my favourite) scones topped with Guernsey clotted cream and a truly remarkable selection of tea cakes. Who could ask for more? In fact, we were asked if we need something more, but what was presented to us was already more than enough, even with me helping out a bit.
Dinners
I accompanied my parents to 2 early dinners at the hotel. One at the Brasserie and the other one at the Governor’s Curry Room. While both were excellent experiences for my parents, the Curry Room was truly exceptional. From the novel ‘colonial’ design of the restaurant down to the uniquely South African inspired curries, the place was a treat. The Naan Bread was a favourite of mine, as I had to keep away from the more elaborately spiced stuff. My parents were also happy to find some of the excellent South African wines they’ve learnt to enjoy during their stays at the Montague in London.
Spa
I didn’t get to enjoy the spa first hand, but I did get to enjoy a lovely walk in the nearby park with either of my parents while the other one unwinded in the Spa. I was told that the treatments were pleasant and professional and that my mum could highly recommend the Lava Shell treatment for all of those trying to have the daily stress melted away from them.
My Conclusion
It would seem to me, from I have been told by my parents, that the team of the OGH truly understand the meaning of ‘going on vacation’. Meaning that being on one does not only mean a nice setback, some good food and drink and family activities, but also relaxing from the daily toll of having to take care of things and constantly sorting things out. Seeing that the team of the OGH took such good care of my parents, they had even more time for me - an equation which I can honestly appreciate. Hence, I was told, that we will try to return here, sooner rather than later, knowing that an awesome time will await us. In light of that, it so good that I’ve left a scone-crumb trail for us to follow back, but I suspect that the hotel’s dedicated team had already taken care of it…
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk