It was great, I will definitely go there again. Very tasty food:)

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…

The OGH offered a very personal service in a very convenient location in the centre of St Peter Port. I stayed on two separate occasions during the same week, and the staff made the logistics of this as easy as possible for me, in looking after luggage, arranging transfers, and a late supper.

Everything was faultless with two exceptions - my first room was quite small, and my second (much larger) room, smelled of cigarettes (or rather of copious air-freshener trying to mask it).

I would definitely choose the OGH for future stays.

My mum and I recently spent four nights at the hotel - and our expectations were surpassed. The service here was superb - everything from the complimentary drink when we arrived, to them finding and posting a ring that I had left behind (I can't remember who the lady was who dealt with that, but I was so grateful!).

Whilst there we enjoyed treatments at the spa, delicious breakfasts, and a sensational curry in the curry room. The latter was a true experience and should we return, we won't hesitate to book in again!

The bedroom (121) was beautifully decorated with beautiful toiletries - however we did notice some slight stains on the material on the walls (we mentioned this on our feedback sheet) along with a broken draw. This by no means spoiled our stay, but we do think the cosmetics is one area that could be improved.

Also on one occasion, we overheard a waiter (seemingly) being yelled at by the manager in the restaurant during our breakfast in the Brasserie. We genuinely can not fault the service we received by everyone there - however one of things we appreciate most is when staff appear to respect each other (particularly in public!). This was a one-off, and we only overheard the incident - we know nothing about the context.

All that being said.....

we had a truly excellent stay, and both my mum and I wished we could have stayed for longer. Having met other guests who return every year, it is easy to see why. We certainly hope to return again sometime soon.

Stayed in a classic room on a 4 nights for 3 deal. Exceptional service in reception, concierge, and breakfast room as well as outdoor areas.
However, room was smaller than we have been used to in hotels of this calibre. Shown other rooms of a higher standard by the excellent Nelly and Anthony. Size would still be an issue for us.
Some cosmetic issues with the room (316) which we addressed on our feedback sheet. Minor issues maybe but this is a 5 star hotel.
Also a bit odd not having a small refrigerator or DVD player as standard rather than having to ask the concierge for them.
A lovely hotel but, for us, rooms not up to 5 star standard.

I stayed at this hotel at the beginning of July for a business trip. From the moment I arrived I was made to feel entirely welcome. The staff were accommodating, friendly, and efficient, and never gave the impression that they were looking for anything other than to give me great service. The restaurant was well priced and the food was delicious, with again fast and friendly service. The conference facility was well laid out and efficiently serviced. All in all a good experience

Thank you to the whole Front of House and Concierge team for looking after us so superbly during our 5 night stay this past week at OGH.

From the moment we arrived our bags were portered away and our car valeted. We were offered complimentary drinks in the gardens whilst we waited for our room as we had sailed on the early ferry. The three of us (myself, my husband and my little assistance dog) were immediatley able to begin to relax in the sumptuous surroundings overlooking the beautiful pool terrace.

Our cool air-conditioned room was wonderful. Super king sized bed, lovely balcony with a view of the port and castle, and the extra items we had pre arranged with the hotel. We were there during the heat wave so it was so lovely having the air conditioning-one of the reasons we booked this hotel!

We spent most of our vacation relaxing by the very warm heated pool on the extremely comfortable loungers which have an endless supply of clean towels provided and excellent pool service for drinks and delicious snacks.

My husband enjoyed using the gym facilities which are well stocked and clean. He did however remark the changing room was rather sweaty and airless and could also do with some air con of it's own!

The Brassiere breakfasts were a great buffet, something for everyone, and lots of à la carte cooked choices too. They even provided me with GF toast. Thank you!

The concierge team was always excellent at booking local restaurants and taxis for us, and looking after our needs. We actually hardly ventured outside of the hotel as it was so wonderful just to lie by the pool under the huge sun shades and enjoy the incredible spell of weather, soaking up the beautiful facilitates. Just a point, more loungers were needed as the weekend was very busy, and some lie flat ones would be nice. The ice cold citrus water provided by the pool was delicious.

This was a trip we really needed as I was recovering from a recent surgery. It really gave us both a chance to recharge our batteries in sumptuous surroundings.

Thank you to all the staff for making it so special. We will definitely return.

From arrival at the front steps, it was evident that the staff were smart, polite and keen to help. Nothing was too difficult and they always appeared happy and helpful throughout the whole of our stay. Receptionists met us with a smile, the concierge went out of his way to find out information and make bookings for us and the hotel manager took a personal interest in making sure we were happy and well looked after.
It was also pleasing to note that the more experienced restaurant staff were keen to explain and help those newer to the role. Staff managed to find that delicate balance between being friendly to the customers and yet knowing their place and not being intrusive.
The bar was a little contemporary for my liking but drinks came with nibbles and could be served in other rooms, so very pleasant. Our bedroom was a standard room but it was clean, well appointed and comfortable. My only adverse comment is that the shower entrance was very awkward and narrow. There was a turn-down service at night and biscuits on the pillow!
Outside, there is a shaded patio where meals can be taken, an attractive grassed seating area with fountain and an outside swimming pool with comfortable sunbeds and a good towel service.
Highly recommended.

Wonderful staff who couldn’t do enough to make us welcome and comfortable. Fantastic breakfasts and food in the Curry Room was delicious and well priced. The only meal we didn’t enjoy was lunch from the bar which was a bit tasteless. Lovely rooms which are well appointed and immaculately clean. Sitting around the pool was a luxury with comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas with iced water on tap. We would definitely visit this hotel again.

Position of hotel in St Peter Port is lovely

Warm welcome on arrival after easy journey from airport

Reception staff excellent throughout.

Special mention for Jaro Opletal who really went out of his way to be helpful and ensure that we had a lovely stay.

Herm Suite Room was spacious with great bathroom and comfortable bed.

Attractive pool area and Bars .

Used the Spa and enjoyed it.

Some areas of the hotel need refurbishment as appear shabby.

Breakfast service was inconsistent with a lack of attention to detail . Breakfast food was nice without being particularly flavoursome.

All in all we really enjoyed our stay.

Had a wonderful full massage from Rosemary even though I'm diagnosed with cancer. The treatment was really beneficial and incredible value for money. Rosemary informs me that more staff will be trained to treat cancer patients. I cannot wait to visit again.

Took my wife for a weeks rest and relaxation. I have to say, the service, food and ambiance was of the highest quality. The staff were just exceptional, nothing was to much bother. Will go again. Reception girls could not be faulted. Room was spacious, air conditioning fab and cleaning staff also of a high quality

We wanted to entertain four of our local friends to a special tea at OGH. We have often enjoyed their generosity in the past and as one of our party was celebrating a birthday, this seemed to be just the appropriate opportunity.
A table and comfortable seating was waiting for us in an alcove of the lounge and we were warmly welcomed. Champagne - or Bellinis if preferred - soon came, quickly followed by two wonderful cake stands comprising an imaginative selection of very fresh finger sandwiches and warm scones, some plain, some fruit. These were accompanied by generous portions of clotted cream and jam prompting the usual conundrum, which goes on the scone first?! Then crowning the stands were plates of the most attractive selections of tempting and delicious tasting cakes. A variety of teas (and infusions) and coffees had been offered earlier and replenishments were quickly offered for empty cups.
It was a lovely relaxing afternoon in comfortable surroundings with attentive, friendly, staff and a luxurious and enjoyable tea. Just the right setting for meeting and chatting with valued friends.
A nice touch at the end was the unprompted offer of boxes to take away what we hadn't eaten. This was readily accepted and we later discovered there were no left overs after all!
Thank you OGH for a very special and memorable afternoon.

Lovely stay at the OGH, rooms are decorated well and very comfortable. Service great. Breakfast was delicious - fresh orange juice was amazing. Pool and spa areas great. We ate in the curry room which I would highly recommend!

I have just got home after my visit to the OGH , I absolutely love this place , I have been once a year for the last 4 years and hope to go again next year ! It’s in a great position with the town just a short stroll down the hill ! The staff are all so welcoming nothing is to much trouble, the rooms are very luxurious I had the best nights sleep the beds are amazingly comfortable! The breakfast is very good lots of choice ! If you decide to eat in the hotel in the evening you won’t be disappointed the food is awesome! The gym is very good and have classes as well ! Excellent hotel with fantastic facilities ! Totally recommend!

In a perfect location for exploring st Peter port. The room I had was large and comfortable, a good quality iron and board were provided promptly on request. The staff are very friendly and helpful, although not overly attentive in the restaurant. The building is lovely, with some nice quiet areas to sit and enjoy. The atmosphere is very relaxed. It's pricey, but it doesn't pretend to be anything other than a premium product. Only criticism: the decor/finishing touches could be more 5*. For example the wallpaper in the lobby is dirty and scuffed in places, and i had a stained table cloth under the glass table top in the restaurant one evening. All the food I had was excellent, and the bars are well stocked with a good choice of Gins. I would stay again.

I have always wanted to return to Guernsey and OGH after 40 years as I had happy memories there when staying with my parents and now I have finally done so.
Our stay at OGH could not have been any better. ALL the staff were helpful and eager to make sure our stay was perfect. Nothing was too much for them. It's a beautiful setting right in the heart of St Peter Port and sitting around the pool you wouldn't think you're in a town its so peaceful.The service from housekeeping to restaurants and reception is 5*+.
It was a relaxed and enjoyable stay, thank you all at OGH!
I hope I am able to return...very soon!

Spent 5 nights at the OGH for a walking holiday .
Fabulous service throughout whole Hotel.
We had 3 evening meals, 2 at the Brasserie and 1 in the curry room . Enjoyed every meal . Pool and gardens lovely and relaxing.
We will definitely return !

I recently visited Guernsey during a hiking trip to the Channel Islands with my cousins.
Our travel company booked rooms for us at the Old Government House Hotel, setting our expectations by describing the incredible view and superb hotel.

Sadly, they booked it for us online, never even contacting the hotel to request a room with a view.
Our assigned room, therefore, was not what we were expecting. Harry, the Director of Guests Services, personally escorted us to several other available rooms and we were resettled, marveling at his hospitality and friendliness. He continued to watch over us and
to make sure that our stay was fabulous in every way.

The individuals at the Old Government House, from the front desk staff to the amazing Concierges, helped us to; book restaurants, taxis, confirm our flights and save us from an incorrectly,( our travel agency again) booked airport transfer and a lost United reservation! They are simply an amazing team.

We enjoyed wonderful meals in the beautiful Brasserie, superb food, extensive hot and cold breakfast buffet, all while gazing at the gardens, fountains, birds and sea beyond.

I would like to give everyone at the Old Government House six stars and to let the General Manager know that the wonderful people who work at the Hotel make it a truly
fantastic experience!

Thank you, I cannot wait to return.

We stayed here for a wedding & tagged on a couple of extra days for a holiday. From start to finish the service was exceptional & staff couldn’t do more to help. Breakfast was delicious & the facilities were good. The jacuzzi was very relaxing but book in advance for spa treatments - we left it too late & missed out. The room was small but had everything we needed, including a comfortable bed. My only complaint would be that late room service was very limited & very pricey with a £5 ‘tray charge’.

My husband and I stayed here four nights for our 30 the wedding anniversary and we had a wonderful time. We had the Centennial suite, it was lovely and spacious with views down over the pool to the harbour. All the food was excellent, whether breakfast or dinner. The staff were fantastic and went above and beyond. They were all very professional but friendly and approachable and we can't praise then highly enough. Special thanks to Andrew and Ian. We can't wait to return.

I guess we'd find it difficult to stay in any other hotel on Guernsey having experiencer the 'OGH'. It has remained consistently excellent, indeed we have seen improvements over the ten years we have been visiting.
Key to this is the staff attitude that guests are there to enjoy and thus everything is done to ensure that.
In fine weather one can breakfast in the garden. We did twice this time. It was interesting to see staff adjust swiftly to guests' changing places to get into or avoid direct sunlight or a breeze.
Our room was spotless, and maintained so. But if there be one complaint it is that it had nil view other than the side wall of the opposite wing. It is nice to have a view but than not essential.
The lounge, bar and other public rooms are lovely.
On the huge plus side and typical of OGH hospitality....our flight from Alderney was cancelled for fog. We'd managed to hitch a lift in a returning boat which was 2 hours at sea in the fog. We couldn't find a taxi so walked our bags up the hill arriving at 2100hrs. Greeted with acclaim and Champaign and staff in the restaurant etc alerted. We couldn't have had a more understandingly attentive welcome.

An inauspicious start. Got to the front entrance of the hotel to see a sign saying the car park was in another street - but no directions to get there. Drove around for 10 minutes to find it. As we parked, a hotel courtesy bus pulled in behind us. I asked the driver how to get to reception with our luggage and he said we had to drive back there! He told us there were drivers to valet park - a shame none was visible when we'd driven past twice.
While waiting for our room to be prepared, I asked if it was possible to have a coffee and snack, and was taken to the restaurant. It was 1045. We were given a menu for food to be served from 12. When we enquired if it was the right menu, we were left while the waiter went to find out. He returned to say no, we needed to have something from the breakfast menu, and took the previous one from us. He then came back to say that in fact we should choose from the first menu he'd given us. so 15 minutes later, we finally each ordered a simple toasted sandwich - probably the most basic item on the menu. Thirty minutes later, still no food.
We were eventually told that there was a "system problem" in the kitchen, subsequently translated as the printer had stopped working. I'd ordered a sandwich, not a book, so it's a shame no staff member thought to check given we were the only guests in the room.
Our bedroom was very small, but we knew that would be the case from TA reviews. What we hadn't anticipated was the lurid red vinyl bed and headboard. It looked as if it had been borrowed from a Bangkok brothel. I initially wondered if it was a hallmark of the Red Carnation brand, but was told that each room was different with an individual character. Why anyone ever thought this extraordinarily grotesque item of furniture, totally overwhelming a tiny room, was in keeping with the gentility of Guernsey is an absolute mystery.
Thankfully there were some positives. The reception, bar staff and concierge were excellent. Friendly and helpful, they seemed genuinely keen to ensure we got the most out of our visit. By contrast, staff in the conservatory area were consistently poor. Restaurant waiters were good but the maitre d' spoke very loudly, totally overwhelming the atmosphere of the room. Singing in the middle of breakfast was a step too far. He seemed to think he was the ringmaster of a circus who needed to bellow his views and orders across the entire room.
Breakfast itself was very good. Boiled eggs were cooked exactly as requested and the buffet selection was wide-ranging and high quality. A slight disappointment was that local jams and honey were not served.
Dinner in the brasserie was excellent. Or so I thought until I had a badly upset stomach the following day. It may somehow have been a coincidence, and was certainly a shame, as the starter of lobster, main of Dover Sole and dessert of sublime honeycomb ice cream had been absolutely delicious.
When I next had dinner there, I reminded the staff several times that I am not able to eat any citrus. They assured me they had taken this on board. So why was there a huge chunk of lemon on the side of the plate? This typified the place - very, very mixed performance, with some moments of excellence but others of abject failure.

On a final positive note, when I had a chat with the duty manager before checking out, he was extremly receptive to my comments and discounted part of the price of one of the meals. A reasonable gesture, but not enough to persuade me to return.

The quality of the service at the OGH was among the best we have experienced anywhere in the world. The staff were truly helpful and obliging, from printing off our boarding passes to finding me a quiet room to conduct a webinar. Breakfast was amazing. Location excellent and heated pool great to come back to after a day's trekking round the islands. I visit around 50 hotels a year and the OGH is right up there in the top one per cent.

We spent a couple of nights here because we had journeyed to a wedding on the beautiful island. The welcome we received could not have been bettered. All staff were discreet but friendly.We were accompanied by our boxer doggie and she was delighted to receive not only an extremely warm welcome from staff, but the chef went out of his way to create some doggie-friendly biscuits! Admirable choice for breakfast, (for us, that is)!
The only slight criticism was the lack of a decent car park, but that is understanable given the situation of the hotel. There is a beautiful park within 60 yards of the hotel.