In January 2017, DrandMrsC said:
To all the staff at the Old Government House especially Andrew Chantrell and Andi Raziya.
In a similar way to last year and not wishing to replicate information from the review at this time I do have to offer my apologies for not writing this letter to you upon our return from the most wonderful hotel, the Old Government House. Once again the pressures of work dictate what occurs and it goes without stating the obvious that our stay at the Old Government House was once again, one of relaxation and enjoyment.
On arriving at the Old Government House, as we entered through the glass double doors, Andi, the House Manager was there. Upon seeing my wife and I, Andi, as if by magic, flew from behind the reception desk to greet the two of us with hugs and sincere and honest pleasure at seeing us there again. This first meeting was one of total genuine pleasure and made my wife and I feel as though this was, in the words of Founder and President of the Red Carnation Group, Bea Tollman “ home away from home” (if only it was, we wish!). Following a few moments of reflection of the year that had passed, Andi introduced us to Aaron who was one of the most pleasant young gentleman you would ever have the pleasure of meeting. Aaron, took some of our bags and led the way to our room whilst articulating his extensive knowledge of the Red Carnation hotels throughout the world. Upon arrival at our room Aaron was more than obliging in the offer of anything that we required to let him or Andi know.
The room was just as we remembered, having a huge lengthy balcony with a panoramic view overlooking the harbour, most amazing. As the evening drew in, Castle Cornet, which was fully lit, completed the ambience of this most wonderful room and hotel. At any time of year, the situation of the Old Government House does make it ideally suited for the shops which are only a very short walk away as soon as you exit the hotel. It has to be stated once again that the Old Government House, itself, is absolutely amazing, from the point you enter the main door all the staff are so welcoming. There is a general feel of great cohesion where all the staff in the Old Government House appear to work so well together. With a role model of Andi, there is no wonder that the philosophical belief of the owner resonates through her whole persona.
Andi is a true ambassador of the Red Carnation Hotels’ philosophy of “home away from home”. Andi is the most excellent “front person” my wife and I have ever known and had the pleasure to meet; Andi’s genuine friendliness and ever efficient organisation is amazing and most importantly the sincere kindness and commitment to her guests - her “family friends”, is never far from your mind, we thank you sincerely for this.
During our stay at the Old Government House there were many of the staff who deserve a special mention in their emulation of Andi as the ideal role model. Aaron, who assisted with cases and was so knowledgeable was a great help. Alexandra, Anna and Olga in the restaurant were exceptional in the way that their friendliness made us feel so welcome. All the staff in the kitchen in the preparation of their culinary cuisine was exceptional and we thank you for all the effort that you have gone to make our stay so welcoming with your gastronomic delights. Under Andi’s guidance there was Bianca whose creativity is kept in a shadow and could be utilised more, nevertheless, a most kind and thoughtful person. In a similar way there is Holly and Olivia (who did eventually get my name correct!), who were always there to assist when required, in whatever way they could, once again, exemplary role models for the staff at the Old Government House. One of the gentlemen that we did meet was De-Silva (apologies if we have spelt your name incorrectly), who was charged with the responsibility for ensuring the surroundings are maintained to the high standards that one would expect of the Red Carnation hotel group. There was also Miguel, who upon our departure was kind enough to take my wife and I with our luggage to the airport. Miguel is a very intelligent young man with a great deal to offer, essentially an artist at heart, but with an underpinning philosophy entrenched in the work he undertakes. Within the spa facilities, the young lady by the name of Jo was and still is incredibly gifted in her ability to physically manipulate, on this occasion, my wife’s neck and shoulders due to a strain. This made our stay even more pleasant as there was a great relief from the pain experienced by my wife, thank you Jo for this.
The manager, Andrew, did make himself available to focus upon some very important issues whilst staying at the Old Government House. It was very reassuring to know that the thoughts and perceptions of this “adopted family” could be listened to with a reassuring understanding of what was being discussed. It goes without saying that as guests (adopted family) there is a genuine concern for the well-being of each and every family member and this is something that should be celebrated and capitalised upon. The sincerity that was demonstrated by Andrew is one seldom witnessed in organisations as huge as this. The individual attention that he, as well as Andi, demonstrate are a credit to the organisation and should be recognised as such. We would strongly recommend to any visitor to Guernsey to stay, if possible, at the Old Government House and soak up the whole experience of this exquisite hotel and relax in the comfort of this “home away from home”. If you would not mind Andrew, could you please forward this communication to Bea Tollman, that would be appreciated, as both my wife and I feel that you, all your staff and especially Andi do possess that extra immeasurable quality which makes you all the exceptional people you are. There is certainly a comprehensive understanding of what the founder, Bea, advocates and inspires. Thank you for making our short break with you the exceptional time it was. Your time and attention to detail is unrivalled, thank you once again.
John and Diane Connell
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk