Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Latest Reviews
This was a special long weekend break for my wife’s birthday and simply could not have been bettered by the staff and facilities at this superb hotel. Beautifully furnished and decorated with excellent dining - I could not fault it. The staff are the friendliest I have ever encountered and were just there when needed without ever being obtrusive.
For anyone wanting something very special this hotel has to be worth a visit. It isn’t cheap but you get very much what you pay for and we loved it.
For anyone wanting something very special this hotel has to be worth a visit. It isn’t cheap but you get very much what you pay for and we loved it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a proper 5 star hotel: the staff are excellent - attentive withuot being over-bearing; the public areas are very comfortable, superbly furnished and not crowded; the bedrooms are extremely comfortable; the food was also excellent at both dinner and breakfast. thoroughly recommended. We are very pernickity travellers: we do not often give such praise. This is an excellent choice of hotel
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having stayed on Guernsey many times due to family connections, I have tried several hotels and been bitterly disappointed. You will not be disappointed here. Price wise it is superb value. Rooms are on the small side but service is equal to Four Seasons level and staff cannot do enought to help. There is free valet parking and truly wonderful food both in the Bistro and in the Governors restaurant. Even the Bistro food is top notch and the £75, including wine, tasting menu in the Governors restaurant is an absolute bargain.
Don't stay anywhere else. You can walk stright out of the hotel into the main street in St Peter Port too. Lovely outdoor heated pool for summer breaks and a fantastic spa.
Don't stay anywhere else. You can walk stright out of the hotel into the main street in St Peter Port too. Lovely outdoor heated pool for summer breaks and a fantastic spa.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I think this is generally regarded as being _the_ hotel in Guernsey, so I was keen to stay here as part of our trip to the Channel Islands. I booked three nights here - the first two nights in a "Queen" room, and then our last night in a suite. I get the impression all the rooms are different, and perhaps we were just unlucky, but our first room was really very disappointing for the price. It was more expensive than anything we'd paid for during the rest of our time in the Channel Islands, but was smaller, the decor was fairly drab, and all the fittings looked really out of date. Having dragged our bags up the hill in the rain to get here I was not in the best of moods at this point.
In their defense though, I think the hotel handled it well. I spoke to the duty manager and explained that, in essence, I didn't think the room was worth the price, and they offered to upgrade us for free for our second night. So we ended up in the suite for two nights rather than one. The suite was, as you might expect, towards the other end of the spectrum, and was very spacious, with two balconies and two bathrooms, and the decor and fittings were of a much higher standard.
So in summary if you're prepared to splurge and go for one a suite it's a rather grand and impressive place to stay, but if you're going for one of the lower end rooms (which in my opinion were still fairly expensive) it's probably worth asking to see the room before committing. I think for at least some of their rooms they either need to refurbish or perhaps just lower the prices.
In their defense though, I think the hotel handled it well. I spoke to the duty manager and explained that, in essence, I didn't think the room was worth the price, and they offered to upgrade us for free for our second night. So we ended up in the suite for two nights rather than one. The suite was, as you might expect, towards the other end of the spectrum, and was very spacious, with two balconies and two bathrooms, and the decor and fittings were of a much higher standard.
So in summary if you're prepared to splurge and go for one a suite it's a rather grand and impressive place to stay, but if you're going for one of the lower end rooms (which in my opinion were still fairly expensive) it's probably worth asking to see the room before committing. I think for at least some of their rooms they either need to refurbish or perhaps just lower the prices.
Source: google.com
We have been frequent travellers to Guernsey over the years but this was our first stay at the OGH - We were not disappointed!
We booked the romantic package and this began from the airport when we were collected by an OGH car. Within 20 mins we arrived at the hotel and were greeted warmly by the reception staff.
We decided to upgrade our room to one with a sea view and it was worth every penny. Our room was a mini suite and absolutely gorgeous but the best bit by miles was the balcony and the view over the harbour to Herm and the Castle.
As our package promised champagne, flowers and hand made Sark chocolates arrived promptly in our room as we settled in and unpacked.
Before arriving, I had filled in a guest preference form online. I had requested particular pillows and a powerful hairdryer. These were also waiting for us.
The faultless service continued throughout our stay - Room service champagne breakfast, 2 divine evening meals in the Brasserie restaurant and a first class afternoon tea in the cosy, firelit lounge before we left. Nothing was too much trouble.
The spa was luxurious and although we didn't use the wet facilities or the gym I did have an amazing facial.
My tips for staying at the OGH include;
'Upgrade your room' - The classic rooms are small and the 'view' is disappointing. Room 111 comes highly recommended!
'Fill in your preference form' - The little details will make your stay perfect.
'Use the hotel facilities' - You're paying for them and they're worth it.
To summarise, we had a fantastic stay. We felt rested and looked after. The weather was typically cold and wet and the view was often grey and drizzly but I wouldn't change a thing. We left with a warm, glowing feeling of contentment and a longing to return as soon as possible.
We booked the romantic package and this began from the airport when we were collected by an OGH car. Within 20 mins we arrived at the hotel and were greeted warmly by the reception staff.
We decided to upgrade our room to one with a sea view and it was worth every penny. Our room was a mini suite and absolutely gorgeous but the best bit by miles was the balcony and the view over the harbour to Herm and the Castle.
As our package promised champagne, flowers and hand made Sark chocolates arrived promptly in our room as we settled in and unpacked.
Before arriving, I had filled in a guest preference form online. I had requested particular pillows and a powerful hairdryer. These were also waiting for us.
The faultless service continued throughout our stay - Room service champagne breakfast, 2 divine evening meals in the Brasserie restaurant and a first class afternoon tea in the cosy, firelit lounge before we left. Nothing was too much trouble.
The spa was luxurious and although we didn't use the wet facilities or the gym I did have an amazing facial.
My tips for staying at the OGH include;
'Upgrade your room' - The classic rooms are small and the 'view' is disappointing. Room 111 comes highly recommended!
'Fill in your preference form' - The little details will make your stay perfect.
'Use the hotel facilities' - You're paying for them and they're worth it.
To summarise, we had a fantastic stay. We felt rested and looked after. The weather was typically cold and wet and the view was often grey and drizzly but I wouldn't change a thing. We left with a warm, glowing feeling of contentment and a longing to return as soon as possible.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Guernsey is a beautiful island, but for a tourist destination the level of service at its hotels and restaurants is surprisingly average. The OGH is an exception. The staff is always gracious and thoughtful. Also, the bars and restaurants are excellent, and the rooms are well furnished and maintained.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I spent 3 days in the OGH with my boyfriend. This hotel is amazing! Rooms were great, especially great bathroom. It was nice having free wireless. Food was great and the hotel is beautiful. I wouldn't go anywhere
else.
The only down side was our room was way too hot!
The best bit Of the hotel was the spa. Chill out room, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna made such a big difference to our busy trip. Great walking distance from the port and all the restaurants in town.
Thanks to all the staff.
else.
The only down side was our room was way too hot!
The best bit Of the hotel was the spa. Chill out room, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna made such a big difference to our busy trip. Great walking distance from the port and all the restaurants in town.
Thanks to all the staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been visiting the OGH for about five years and we love it. It is a bit of an old worldie type place, but with all the modern facilities you could want. The breakfasts are excellent. The staff are exceptionally helpful and friendly
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had our firms Christmas Party at the OGH. It was excellently organised by the OGH staff.
The hotel was beautifully decorated throughout giving a real christmas feel.
The staff were very well turned out and gave excellent service.
The food was significantly better than last year although the roast potatoes were impossible to eat they were so hard.
This is our one and only opportunity for the whole business tocome together and relax and the OGH provided the perfect backdrop for this,
The hotel was beautifully decorated throughout giving a real christmas feel.
The staff were very well turned out and gave excellent service.
The food was significantly better than last year although the roast potatoes were impossible to eat they were so hard.
This is our one and only opportunity for the whole business tocome together and relax and the OGH provided the perfect backdrop for this,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you are willing to pay the inflated rates you will not be disappointed with this 5 star Hotel. Wonderful professional staff, comfortable rooms, good food (very good breakfast). A good business choice as well as leisure destination. Aside the cost impossible to fault.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The OGH was a lovely place to stay for a recent long weekend. Our room had all the amenities you'd expect and the bed was one of the comfiest (and largest) ever!
The Brasserie provided us with four superb breakfasts; the buffet selection is good in itself but the cooked options are wonderful. Scrambled egg with smoked salmon, full English, kippers and smoked haddock with a poached egg are some of the tasty choices. The staff are all friendly and efficient and it would be unfair to mention anyone in particular.
We also ate in the Brasserie for dinner and again the choices, quality and service were excellent.
Although I would recommend the hotel, the following reasons are why I didn't give it an 'excellent ' rating:
1) There is a strong musty smell in parts of the hotel.
2) In the bar to the side of the Brasserie restaurant there is a large TV with Sky sports on. The volume is turned off and nobody watches it. Surely people don't go to the OGH to watch Sky sports and we found this completely bizarre.
The Brasserie provided us with four superb breakfasts; the buffet selection is good in itself but the cooked options are wonderful. Scrambled egg with smoked salmon, full English, kippers and smoked haddock with a poached egg are some of the tasty choices. The staff are all friendly and efficient and it would be unfair to mention anyone in particular.
We also ate in the Brasserie for dinner and again the choices, quality and service were excellent.
Although I would recommend the hotel, the following reasons are why I didn't give it an 'excellent ' rating:
1) There is a strong musty smell in parts of the hotel.
2) In the bar to the side of the Brasserie restaurant there is a large TV with Sky sports on. The volume is turned off and nobody watches it. Surely people don't go to the OGH to watch Sky sports and we found this completely bizarre.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fantastic week at the OGH. Accommodation, food, service, location all absolutely superb. Room was kept beautifully clean throughout. Cannot find fault in any way.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Easily the best meal was at the brasserie at the OGH. The service was impeccable, the food beautiful and the place itself gave a further taste of luxury. This is the second year we have been to Guernsey for the Tennerfest, so have sampled a good range of restaurants, hotels etc with the OGH very much standing out. We would be tempted to eat there every time - defeating the object of the exercise! The staff clearly realised they were part of a great experience and had the confidence to be relaxed and friendly, while ensuring everything was done in exactly the right way - a great balance. The place itself perfectly combined comfort with luxury.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are a couple who found romance later in life and recently spent our honeymoon at the OGH. Many friends had told us that this would be a hotel to remember but the reality exceeded all expectations.From the moment that we arrived at the OGH the staff made us feel so welcome and nothing was too much trouble. Their "can do" attitude made such a welcome change from the indifference that is now so common in the service industry. Once you enter the reception area you travel back into a timelessly elegant setting and the dream really starts from there. The dining rooms are beautifully decorated and the views of the nearby islands of Herm, Jethou and Sark are stunning. We travel a lot and the breakfasts matched the best that we've had anywhere and with a far better choice. With its history and impressive decor the OGH could be a bit intimidating but the staff run the establishment with such panache and have such a sense of fun that you immediately feel part of a club and very much at home. The location is ideal for exploring St Peter's Port and the car parking system works well. We will be going back for our wedding anniversary!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
OGH is something of a Guernsey institution and has a slightly colonial air to it. This is not a cutting-edge boutique hotel but apparently doesn't aim to be so; instead, it revels in its history and traditions. A set of sherry glasses and a decanter by the front door on arrival (help yourself!) was a nice touch. Staff were unpretentious and very friendly and the public areas well furnished in traditional style.
My double bedroom had been recently refurbished in creams and taupes with heavy drapes and cloth wallpaper; it had a luxurious feel. The room was, however, L-shaped and quite small and I suspect that a couple staying there would feel a little cramped.
There is a small terrace and pretty garden which, on a sunny day, would be a lovely place to eat breakfast or afternoon tea. Unfortunately, it rained on my visit but the views across St Peter Port were still lovely. I would stay here again.
My double bedroom had been recently refurbished in creams and taupes with heavy drapes and cloth wallpaper; it had a luxurious feel. The room was, however, L-shaped and quite small and I suspect that a couple staying there would feel a little cramped.
There is a small terrace and pretty garden which, on a sunny day, would be a lovely place to eat breakfast or afternoon tea. Unfortunately, it rained on my visit but the views across St Peter Port were still lovely. I would stay here again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I spent three nights at The OGH Hotel and we did not want to leave. From the time you arrive you are treated like royalty. Nothing is to much trouble. The restaurants wonderful and the food fantastic. The staff friendly and just wonderful. This is a lovely hotel and we cannot wait to visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are a slightly elderly couple taking a break from a trip in France. Took the fast ferry over from St.Malo and checked in for one night. Staff super without being intrusive. Obvious focus on what the guest wants/needs. Room wonderful, well worth the extra cost for a harbor view. Best internet/wifi connection in weeks. Afternoon tea a delight. Overall the OGHH is at the high end of the cost curve for Guernsey but well worth it! Way better in every dimension than a highly recommended Relais Chateau we stayed in in Normandy for twice the price!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On arrival I gave reception my shoes to be polished. This was not a problem and they arrived in my room in an excellent condition.
The hotel has a great gym with up to date machines.
Room services breakfast was perfect.
Room 219 over looks the pool and sea, but bathroom could do with s refurb. Better shower please.
The hotel has a great gym with up to date machines.
Room services breakfast was perfect.
Room 219 over looks the pool and sea, but bathroom could do with s refurb. Better shower please.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We travelled to Guernsey to visit an elderly relative living on the island. We had booked a Queen room which was not ready on arrival, but our luggage was taken care of and our car parked in the hotel car park by the helpful concierge. The staff at OGH are undoubtedly its best asset. Attention to detail, friendly, charming and very helpful. We wanted to bring our relative to the hotel for dinner that evening and Harry, the guest services manager, "managed to find" us a table in the Brasserie despite it being fully booked. The receptionist Dominika and the concierge went to great lengths to arrange a taxi to pick up our relative and take her home so that we could all enjoy a drink in the evening without worrying about the need to drive.
We did encounter a small problem with our room that contributed to a disturbed night's sleep. As this problem could not be resolved easily we were moved to an upgraded, newly refurbished room that suited our needs much better. It was all done without fuss at at no inconvenience to us. However, we felt that in a five star hotel all rooms, from Standard to the most glorious suite, should be of a faultless quality in its decor, furnishings and upkeep. Nick Brown, the Duty Manager was helpful and not at all sniffy about our complaint.
The hotel itself, as one might expect with an old building, is in places rather tired. There are obvious, continuing problems with damp and roof leaks in some parts of the hotel which makes some areas smell fusty.
Food in the Brasserie (1 dinner and two breakfasts) was good. Again, the waiting staff and restaurant managers were knowledgeable and caring.
In the bar Isa makes a brilliant cocktail - even if it one she hasn't made before, and Gino is very knowledgeable, welcoming and helpful.
Away from the hotel - St Peter's Port is not the most tourist friendly place when using your own car. Parking is a nightmare as nearly all the car parks are for those who have pre-purchased/issued discs.
We did encounter a small problem with our room that contributed to a disturbed night's sleep. As this problem could not be resolved easily we were moved to an upgraded, newly refurbished room that suited our needs much better. It was all done without fuss at at no inconvenience to us. However, we felt that in a five star hotel all rooms, from Standard to the most glorious suite, should be of a faultless quality in its decor, furnishings and upkeep. Nick Brown, the Duty Manager was helpful and not at all sniffy about our complaint.
The hotel itself, as one might expect with an old building, is in places rather tired. There are obvious, continuing problems with damp and roof leaks in some parts of the hotel which makes some areas smell fusty.
Food in the Brasserie (1 dinner and two breakfasts) was good. Again, the waiting staff and restaurant managers were knowledgeable and caring.
In the bar Isa makes a brilliant cocktail - even if it one she hasn't made before, and Gino is very knowledgeable, welcoming and helpful.
Away from the hotel - St Peter's Port is not the most tourist friendly place when using your own car. Parking is a nightmare as nearly all the car parks are for those who have pre-purchased/issued discs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I stayed at the OGH at the end of September and we really enjoyed the time. You need to put modern steel and glass corporate hotels out of your mind, and enjoy the OGH for what it is - a lovely old building with plenty of character, and the most helpful staff I’ve ever experienced in any hotel. Nothing was too much trouble.
Yes, some of the rooms may be on the small side compared to the modern ‘boxes’, but the quality of the furnishings was just as high, and we were in no doubt we were staying somewhere that bit more special. We wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.
Breakfast in the Brasserie was excellent, and we also had meals there on two evenings. Again the food and service were both excellent, and the staff were completely unfazed by the second all-island power cut in three days, right during the busiest evening meal time.
Afternoon tea in the garden also to be recommended.
Sleep quality is difficult to comment on. The bed was great and the linen very high quality. We were on Guernsey during a late summer heatwave, and had to have windows wide open at night. The OGH is only a few hundred yards from the busy port, (the clue is in the name 'St Peter Port'), so a combination of early morning fog horns and a working port can be an issue if you are a light sleeper. Also St Peter Port appears to have the most determined road sweeper driver in the world, keen to leave the streets in the best state for visitors. Commendable, but he does start early! Nothing the hotel can control, of course.
Guernsey itself is lovely, but don’t miss an opportunity to see the other islands. Our day trip to Herm was wonderful, though don’t attempt to walk all the way around the island unless you are reasonably agile, as the cliff path at the southern end has some steep parts, but the views are worth the effort. Belvoir Beach is a particular highlight.
Yes, some of the rooms may be on the small side compared to the modern ‘boxes’, but the quality of the furnishings was just as high, and we were in no doubt we were staying somewhere that bit more special. We wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.
Breakfast in the Brasserie was excellent, and we also had meals there on two evenings. Again the food and service were both excellent, and the staff were completely unfazed by the second all-island power cut in three days, right during the busiest evening meal time.
Afternoon tea in the garden also to be recommended.
Sleep quality is difficult to comment on. The bed was great and the linen very high quality. We were on Guernsey during a late summer heatwave, and had to have windows wide open at night. The OGH is only a few hundred yards from the busy port, (the clue is in the name 'St Peter Port'), so a combination of early morning fog horns and a working port can be an issue if you are a light sleeper. Also St Peter Port appears to have the most determined road sweeper driver in the world, keen to leave the streets in the best state for visitors. Commendable, but he does start early! Nothing the hotel can control, of course.
Guernsey itself is lovely, but don’t miss an opportunity to see the other islands. Our day trip to Herm was wonderful, though don’t attempt to walk all the way around the island unless you are reasonably agile, as the cliff path at the southern end has some steep parts, but the views are worth the effort. Belvoir Beach is a particular highlight.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My short break in Guernsey was greatly enhanced by my stay in this wonderful establishment; with staff who tried to do the utmost to make it enjoyable. One experience highlighted the personal attention to detail for me, something which has never happened before: During my first evening meal, the waitress noticed that I had changed my cutlery setting because I am left-handed and when she returned with the next course, asked if she might lay the cutlery to accommodate this .. how amazing is that?! I felt quite emotional ....
Food great, with a choice to suit every taste; comfortable and well-equipped room and a prime location
Food great, with a choice to suit every taste; comfortable and well-equipped room and a prime location
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I recently stayed at OGH with my wife and i can honestly say this Hotel ranks in our top 5 of all time.We stayed in the Herm Suite which was a large luxurious room with a fabulous view of ST Peters Port harbour and of course Herm.The quality of the room in all respects was exemplary.We experienced all the dining options at the hotel ranging from breakfast(how refreshing to have a breakfast cooked for you instead of the usual buffet)to the fine dining restaurant(a superb restaurant in all respects and definitely worth the money)which is one of our favourite restaurants of all time.Every member of staff was friendly but very professional.Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely refurbished room, with all the amenities of a 5 star hotel. Friendly staff and a great breakfast.
I also revisited the spa for a treatment - my first visit being back in April, which included afternoon tea , worth every penny and highly recommended if you get the chance.
Perfect location and great views from the garden
I also revisited the spa for a treatment - my first visit being back in April, which included afternoon tea , worth every penny and highly recommended if you get the chance.
Perfect location and great views from the garden
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed here for 2 nights on our honeymoon. Had a King room with sea views. Lovely big comfortable bed and very well appointed room. We were given complementary champagne on arrival which was a nice touch.Staff very professional and helpful.
Car parking a bit tight: but they will park the car for you. This was novelty at first for us but this wore off after a while and was a pain if you needed to pop out to the car for something that you had forgotton, but only minor issue.
Hotel is well placed for shops/ restuarants in town.
We enjoyed the stay very much, but it was very expensive.
Car parking a bit tight: but they will park the car for you. This was novelty at first for us but this wore off after a while and was a pain if you needed to pop out to the car for something that you had forgotton, but only minor issue.
Hotel is well placed for shops/ restuarants in town.
We enjoyed the stay very much, but it was very expensive.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a very enjoyable week at the OGH for our honeymoon. The staff were all superb and really went the extra mile to ensure we had a comfortable stay. We had complimentary champagne in our room on arrival which was a nice touch. We had a standard room (202), so we were not expecting a huge suite, but it still felt a little cramped. We did however have a great view of the town and harbour, and the room was in good condition and well furnished/decorated. The evening turn-down service was a nice surprise and the house-keeping staff did a great job.
The breakfasts in the Brasserie were superb and again, the staff were excellent - even letting us eat at the bar so we could watch a Rugby World cup match! I would say that were we definitely the youngest couple at breakfast every morning - but perhaps that was the time of year we went.
We used the spa facilities which were good - just a shame there is no direct access from the spa to the outdoor pool. I didn't really fancy walking through the Brasserie in my dressing gown. We also had spa treatments which we fabulous and a great addition to our stay.
We had dinner in the Brasserie once during our stay, and unfortunately it just didn't quite meet the standard set by other restaurants on the island - which was very disappointing. We had a very long wait between courses, they had run out of our choice of starter and then mixed up our 'second choice' and still charged us the higher price of our original choice. So we were underwhelmed by our meal.
The hotel is in a great location for access into St Peter Port, the harbour and excellent public transport to the rest of the island.
So overall, we enjoyed our stay and were made to feel welcome, there were just a couple of points that meant I couldn't give it 5/5.
The breakfasts in the Brasserie were superb and again, the staff were excellent - even letting us eat at the bar so we could watch a Rugby World cup match! I would say that were we definitely the youngest couple at breakfast every morning - but perhaps that was the time of year we went.
We used the spa facilities which were good - just a shame there is no direct access from the spa to the outdoor pool. I didn't really fancy walking through the Brasserie in my dressing gown. We also had spa treatments which we fabulous and a great addition to our stay.
We had dinner in the Brasserie once during our stay, and unfortunately it just didn't quite meet the standard set by other restaurants on the island - which was very disappointing. We had a very long wait between courses, they had run out of our choice of starter and then mixed up our 'second choice' and still charged us the higher price of our original choice. So we were underwhelmed by our meal.
The hotel is in a great location for access into St Peter Port, the harbour and excellent public transport to the rest of the island.
So overall, we enjoyed our stay and were made to feel welcome, there were just a couple of points that meant I couldn't give it 5/5.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
