Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Latest Reviews
Rooms – excellent – we had a wonderful spacious room the first night but a rubbish view, then a small room the rest of the stay, with an absolutely superb view of the harbour and the other islands, as the front rooms with the views are not all suites. This equalled it out and the price seemed fair enough with the 4 nights for 3 deal.
A rather strange excuse why our room wasn’t ready – “Oh sorry, we thought it was one person so we have to prepare it for two.” Prepare such a spacious room for two?
I was impressed that they warned us about the noisy music from a wedding reception below our room on the Saturday evening, and said it would end at 2300, which it did, on the dot.
Room IT system – the slowest and most user-unfriendly TV-centered internet and music system we’ve ever seen – I hope the hotel didn’t pay too much for whoever conned them into buying it.
Spa and treatments – brilliant. Worth staying here just for that.
Brasserie restaurant – excellent. Governor’s Restaurant – 7-course menu very good, but they tried to overcharge us by over £100 (inc the service charge on the overcharge). As soon as the waiter saw us scrutinising the bill, which seemed a bit high, he whipped it away with an “Oh sorry, I’ve made a mistake.” They had charged us for 2 bottles of dessert wine at c.£50 each instead of 2 glasses at c.£5. Who ever has a bottle of dessert wine each? Seems a rather careless mistake to make, and I would have expected a more embarrassed and fulsome apology!
Staff – excellent, except a last minute glitch – the reception staff sent us on a wild goose chase costing £10 by taxi when we urgently needed a pharmacy on a Sunday when the shops are closed. The reception staff did their best, but they just didn’t have the knowledge. In the end I had to get hold of a Sunday paper and see which pharmacies were on duty on Sunday and which time they were open, which the staff could have done in the first place (and so could I, if I’d known the staff were so unknowledgeable).
A rather strange excuse why our room wasn’t ready – “Oh sorry, we thought it was one person so we have to prepare it for two.” Prepare such a spacious room for two?
I was impressed that they warned us about the noisy music from a wedding reception below our room on the Saturday evening, and said it would end at 2300, which it did, on the dot.
Room IT system – the slowest and most user-unfriendly TV-centered internet and music system we’ve ever seen – I hope the hotel didn’t pay too much for whoever conned them into buying it.
Spa and treatments – brilliant. Worth staying here just for that.
Brasserie restaurant – excellent. Governor’s Restaurant – 7-course menu very good, but they tried to overcharge us by over £100 (inc the service charge on the overcharge). As soon as the waiter saw us scrutinising the bill, which seemed a bit high, he whipped it away with an “Oh sorry, I’ve made a mistake.” They had charged us for 2 bottles of dessert wine at c.£50 each instead of 2 glasses at c.£5. Who ever has a bottle of dessert wine each? Seems a rather careless mistake to make, and I would have expected a more embarrassed and fulsome apology!
Staff – excellent, except a last minute glitch – the reception staff sent us on a wild goose chase costing £10 by taxi when we urgently needed a pharmacy on a Sunday when the shops are closed. The reception staff did their best, but they just didn’t have the knowledge. In the end I had to get hold of a Sunday paper and see which pharmacies were on duty on Sunday and which time they were open, which the staff could have done in the first place (and so could I, if I’d known the staff were so unknowledgeable).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We just came home from spending five nights in this wonderful hotel. We have enjoyed every minute of it. The room (number 102) was beautifully done, perhaps the bed was a bit on the small side, but we didn't care. The view was breathtaking and the room very comfortable. The bathroom was small but nice, enjoyed taking a bath in the evening after all the walking around town. The staff was very friendly and dinner and breakfast were wonderful. We had dinner one night at the Governors which was suburb! Lovely wines, fantastic food and a very romantic atmosphere. The spa with it's wonderful whirlpools and fantastic relaxation room was very nice on a wet and cold day. We even took a couples massage which was fantastic! In the afternoon we enjoyed a nice afternoon tea, it was lovely as well.
Nothing was too much for the staff, arranging things, helping with everything and making us feel very special. The chocolates at night on the bed were a treat every night and the bottle of champagne and fresh fruit that was in our room on arrival was a wonderful gift.
Thank you so very much for a great time, it made the last days of our honeymoon in Guernsey very special. We hope to be back in the future, on one of our anniversaries!
Nothing was too much for the staff, arranging things, helping with everything and making us feel very special. The chocolates at night on the bed were a treat every night and the bottle of champagne and fresh fruit that was in our room on arrival was a wonderful gift.
Thank you so very much for a great time, it made the last days of our honeymoon in Guernsey very special. We hope to be back in the future, on one of our anniversaries!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wow what a hotel you are treated like the queen all the time staff are extremely friendly and polite. the breakfast is fantastic and nothing is too much trouble. The room we had was luxurious and the service to the room was amazing. The gym and spa are tucked away down stairs but for me it was lovely to have the feeling that you were the only one that knew it was there what a treat. Luxury!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed at the OGH for a week at the end of June and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We had a lovely sea-view room with balcony, and although our bathroom was a bit on the small side it was immaculate and we loved the l'occitaine toiletries, big soft towels, bathrobes and slippers. The staff at this hotel are second to none - we were greeted by name each morning, each and every one was polite and courteous and we felt very well looked after .
The Brasserie, where we had breakfast each morning, was lovely, and we actually dined there on four occasions during our stay - we usually prefer to try out the local restaurants when we go on holiday - but the food was so good we were happy to 'eat in' as it were. Our only observation (not a complaint!) was that sometimes we found the dining room a little quiet and thought maybe some tasteful background music would have helped.
We would recommend the OGH to anyone visiting Guernsey - it should have a 5th star!
The Brasserie, where we had breakfast each morning, was lovely, and we actually dined there on four occasions during our stay - we usually prefer to try out the local restaurants when we go on holiday - but the food was so good we were happy to 'eat in' as it were. Our only observation (not a complaint!) was that sometimes we found the dining room a little quiet and thought maybe some tasteful background music would have helped.
We would recommend the OGH to anyone visiting Guernsey - it should have a 5th star!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Its all been said before so I will keep it brief.
Welcome and Service faultless, especially round the pool.
Food/Breakfast very good.
Our room was a standard double, very clean maybe a bit small and basic for some but it was fine for us and wouldnt hesitate in having a standard double next time.
Our lasting impression is of the staff - polite, attentive, friendly etc etc, the brasserie manager even remembered our names.
I would not even consider looking anywherte else.
Thank you OGH, see you soon.
Welcome and Service faultless, especially round the pool.
Food/Breakfast very good.
Our room was a standard double, very clean maybe a bit small and basic for some but it was fine for us and wouldnt hesitate in having a standard double next time.
Our lasting impression is of the staff - polite, attentive, friendly etc etc, the brasserie manager even remembered our names.
I would not even consider looking anywherte else.
Thank you OGH, see you soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were visiting Guernsey with my Father and I wanted somewhere special to stay for 3 nights. Having searched Tripadvisor I was set on a couple of choices including OGH.
The Hotel proved to be perfect for us in every way.
Firstly the service was exceptional, there were so many examples as to the special touches, here's one example that stood out. On day 2 I had mentioned to the breakfast staff how much I love my Earl Grey tea. That night, I noticed only Earl Grey tea had been added to our in room tea caddy!
This may have all been pure coincidence, but based on our other experiences at OGH, I doubt it.
We dined the first night and enjoyed a superb dinner in the Brasserie Restaurant - we remember discovering an amazing wine from South Africa called Hannibal that was a brilliant accompaniment to our meal.
The public rooms are all spectacular with lots of wonderful historic travel posters / pictures throughout, along with an excellent gym and spa that my wife used & really enjoyed.
Our king room overlooked the entrance of the property and a small park outside.
Our room was beautiful with plenty of room and a luxurious big bathroom with L'Occitane amenities. It was the little touches everywhere that we loved:
- International plugs - I think UK, US & European
- Really powerful shower
- Tea Maker with a real kettle & tea pot, cleverly out of sight, in it's own cupboard
- Fantastic lighting, clearly well thought through and all on dimmers
- The most beautiful decor, including soft fabrics on the wallets
- Inner window system, making our room very quiet - we could not hear any noise outside
Finally, OGH is located a few minutes walk up from the main shopping area / Marina part of St Peter Port, it's a beautiful place to explore on foot. There was always something wonderful about watching the Island scene from the garden of the Hotel, the regular ferry services, the yachts and the occasional cruise ship coming into port.
We look forward to a return visit in future.
The Hotel proved to be perfect for us in every way.
Firstly the service was exceptional, there were so many examples as to the special touches, here's one example that stood out. On day 2 I had mentioned to the breakfast staff how much I love my Earl Grey tea. That night, I noticed only Earl Grey tea had been added to our in room tea caddy!
This may have all been pure coincidence, but based on our other experiences at OGH, I doubt it.
We dined the first night and enjoyed a superb dinner in the Brasserie Restaurant - we remember discovering an amazing wine from South Africa called Hannibal that was a brilliant accompaniment to our meal.
The public rooms are all spectacular with lots of wonderful historic travel posters / pictures throughout, along with an excellent gym and spa that my wife used & really enjoyed.
Our king room overlooked the entrance of the property and a small park outside.
Our room was beautiful with plenty of room and a luxurious big bathroom with L'Occitane amenities. It was the little touches everywhere that we loved:
- International plugs - I think UK, US & European
- Really powerful shower
- Tea Maker with a real kettle & tea pot, cleverly out of sight, in it's own cupboard
- Fantastic lighting, clearly well thought through and all on dimmers
- The most beautiful decor, including soft fabrics on the wallets
- Inner window system, making our room very quiet - we could not hear any noise outside
Finally, OGH is located a few minutes walk up from the main shopping area / Marina part of St Peter Port, it's a beautiful place to explore on foot. There was always something wonderful about watching the Island scene from the garden of the Hotel, the regular ferry services, the yachts and the occasional cruise ship coming into port.
We look forward to a return visit in future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wow - this is such a great hotel. superb service, food (even at the pool!) and staff. Classic but comfortable luxurieus rooms. Love it!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Like ALG027 we too found our bedroom very small. In fact based on his review we did attempt to up-grade on arrival but sadly they could only offer us a larger room or suite for one night, then it would have meant changing to the SMALL bedroom, so we didn't bother. So if you like a bit of elbow room I suggest you book early. That was really our only observation, we have no complaints, it is a world-class hotel, you'll be taken very good care of. Just one other thing, breakfast, it was a bit hit and miss, one day perfect the next not so good but I'm confident that if I'd have said something they would have prepared me another breakfast. Nice place, nice people running it. By the way try The Swan around the corner, a lovely pub serving wonderful food at affordable prices and real ale.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Old Government House Hotel is in a great location. It's a charming old building with two restaurants and a small but pleasant bar overlooking the garden. My room overlooked the back of the hotel and was comfortable and well equipped. I loved the L'Occitane products in the bathroom and the bed and pillows were fabulous. They probably have the most luxurious dressing gowns I have come across too! I had a wonderful dinner (crab and prawns followed by steak). It was great. My room service breakfast was fabulous too. Great coffee and fantastic croissant. However, Old Government House is an unusual place - perhaps deliberately. They have a wonderful building but someone there has an a great enthusiasm for installing suspended ceiling tiles. They are everywhere and look foul and are completely at odds with the rest of the style of the place - chintzy and homely. They need to style police in! I must confess that I found the formality of the staff a little much in a small place - it's not Paris or New York - so the heavily suited staff (all wearing red carnations?!), especially in the lobby and the restaurant seemed out of place and frankly a bit tacky - it doesn't really work, although my elderly aunt would love it! Nevertheless, I would stay again. The food is great and the bed was fabulous.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Cannot praise this hotel highly enough. Every moment we stayed in the hotel we were treated like royalty. We tried their famous afternoon tea, we had the hotel make us a picnic for a beach day, we used the spa.....nothing was too much trouble, and every aspect was 5 star. We will definitely be back agains soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just returned to UK after spending 2 nights at this hotel on business. The smell of Lilies as you enter the lobby is over powering. It stinks, they are even on the table when you eat breakfast, the smell reminded me of a funeral. Room was nice, but was kept awake all night by next door's TV. The walls are so thin you hear everything. Staff are very pleasant and always smiling. Quite old fashioned decor and the lounge very wierd in presentation. Wouldn't go back, Duke of Normandie Hotel just down the road is nicer and cheaper.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On a whim we visited Guernsey for 1 night for my boyfriend's birthday and booked a room in this fabulous hotel just that afternoon. We never normally stay at such expensive and exclusive hotels but as it has had such good reviews and been top of the Tripadvisor list for so long, we decided to give it a go for this special occasion.
And we were so glad we did as we agree with all the positive remarks. Our room - 321 - was apparently newly refrbished which was reflected in the price but it was beautiful and the bed was so comfortable we had a great nights sleep. The service from the staff was impeccable and they couldn't have been more pleasant and helpful. The breakfast was fine and the common rooms tastefully decorated but we didn't have time to enjoy them.
I would highly recommend you try this hotel - even if its only once like us!
Thanks again to them for a memorable night.
And we were so glad we did as we agree with all the positive remarks. Our room - 321 - was apparently newly refrbished which was reflected in the price but it was beautiful and the bed was so comfortable we had a great nights sleep. The service from the staff was impeccable and they couldn't have been more pleasant and helpful. The breakfast was fine and the common rooms tastefully decorated but we didn't have time to enjoy them.
I would highly recommend you try this hotel - even if its only once like us!
Thanks again to them for a memorable night.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our first visit to the island and It feels churlish to offer any criticism of this hotel in view of the almost endless accolades given by previous reviewers. We would agree with almost all of them regarding the attentiveness of the staff and the general ambience of the hotel. I assume these previous reviewers did not book a standard double room. We however did and although we read the review of Bob1949 from November 2010 we thought he possibly might have exaggerated. Wrong! The hotel has a small corridor of rooms that are narrow, cramped and dark. Concierge staff took us and our suitcases to our room and three in the room with suitcase was some what overcrowded. When he offered to put the suitcase on the stand provided we burst into laughter. We stayed four nights and were stir crazy by the time we checked out.
The TV signal was also out of order for the length of our stay -not a huge problem to us but it would have been nice to watch the weather forecast.
The Olive Garden is a lovely room for breakfast with excellent service from the staff. I couldn't understand why when offering a menu service that many items were pre cooked and kept warm so were delivered dry and overcooked. Black pudding biscuit is not what one expects and Eggs Benedict with solid yolks and Hollandaise Sauce with a crust lessens the experience.
Our stay was therefore full of conflicts. We loved the genteel and attentive ambience together with the comfortable feel of the public rooms. We detested our room. Our very strong view is that a standard room at £153 a night is extremely poor value for money. If you want to stay here for either business or leisure you must book a better room and take the hit on price and make a judgement on value for money. We investigated alternatives for when we return for our second visit to Guernsey in September and there are several.
The TV signal was also out of order for the length of our stay -not a huge problem to us but it would have been nice to watch the weather forecast.
The Olive Garden is a lovely room for breakfast with excellent service from the staff. I couldn't understand why when offering a menu service that many items were pre cooked and kept warm so were delivered dry and overcooked. Black pudding biscuit is not what one expects and Eggs Benedict with solid yolks and Hollandaise Sauce with a crust lessens the experience.
Our stay was therefore full of conflicts. We loved the genteel and attentive ambience together with the comfortable feel of the public rooms. We detested our room. Our very strong view is that a standard room at £153 a night is extremely poor value for money. If you want to stay here for either business or leisure you must book a better room and take the hit on price and make a judgement on value for money. We investigated alternatives for when we return for our second visit to Guernsey in September and there are several.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great location and always a delightful reception by all the " OGH Team" Rebooked as soon as we arrived home.A litter free and courteous Guernsey makes such a difference.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful hotel for our first visit to the island. We were made extremely welcome by all, and the facilities, service, & especially the food were first class.A thoroughly enjoyable stay with a thoroughly enjoyable island.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From the moment we were collected by the Hotel car at the dock to being dropped off by the same means two days later at the airport this Hotel was a delightful experience.
Located in the centre of St Peter Port but at the top of a short hill the Panoramic views from the Seaview Bedrooms are absolutely exceptional and well worth the higher rate.
The room we stayed in (220) was a picture with a mixture of gold & white furniture & fittings plus a chandelier for good measure. My only minor negative was that the 2 bedside chairs could do with a little cosmetic repair but this most definitely did not affect our stay.
Try "Govenors" the small Fine Dining Restaurant (seats less than 20 so intimate); the 7 course dinner is an option but don't be fooled; it is so well balanced it should suit most diners as will the wine selection.
A leisurely Breakfast in the Brasserie is also a pleasure and the attentive & efficient staff add to the overall pleasant ambiance of the dining room.
The outside pool even when windy is well protected by hedging and is a very pleasant sun trap.
We are only sorry that our stay was just 2 nights but we will return and I commend the standards of service that Red Carnation Hotels have obviously instilled in the staff .
So if you like hotels in classic style, some history & a feeling of personal service that makes everybody feel special then "OGH" as it is affectionately called locally is for you.
Located in the centre of St Peter Port but at the top of a short hill the Panoramic views from the Seaview Bedrooms are absolutely exceptional and well worth the higher rate.
The room we stayed in (220) was a picture with a mixture of gold & white furniture & fittings plus a chandelier for good measure. My only minor negative was that the 2 bedside chairs could do with a little cosmetic repair but this most definitely did not affect our stay.
Try "Govenors" the small Fine Dining Restaurant (seats less than 20 so intimate); the 7 course dinner is an option but don't be fooled; it is so well balanced it should suit most diners as will the wine selection.
A leisurely Breakfast in the Brasserie is also a pleasure and the attentive & efficient staff add to the overall pleasant ambiance of the dining room.
The outside pool even when windy is well protected by hedging and is a very pleasant sun trap.
We are only sorry that our stay was just 2 nights but we will return and I commend the standards of service that Red Carnation Hotels have obviously instilled in the staff .
So if you like hotels in classic style, some history & a feeling of personal service that makes everybody feel special then "OGH" as it is affectionately called locally is for you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I had just one night staying at the OGH. We had a very relaxing 24 hours and wish it could have been longer. The staff were all very attentive and pleasant. The bed linen was luxury - 200 thread count Egyptian Cotton.
We had an excellent 3 course meal in the Brasserie and breakfast was delicious.
We had an excellent 3 course meal in the Brasserie and breakfast was delicious.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nothing at all to dislike - excellent service by very professional, very smart staff. Top quality traditional decor throughout especially the lounge and dining areas. A real treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a great stay we had in this beautiful hotel on teh delightful island of Guernsey. The hotel team were so attentive, they could not do enough for my wife and I during our recent visit.
Despite all 68 rooms being full, evryone knew addressed us by our name from the moment we arrived, how do they do that!
The food was wonderful, the facilities marvellous and if they did not have something, they knew where we would find it.
Well done Red Carnation, you should be proud.
Despite all 68 rooms being full, evryone knew addressed us by our name from the moment we arrived, how do they do that!
The food was wonderful, the facilities marvellous and if they did not have something, they knew where we would find it.
Well done Red Carnation, you should be proud.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We decided at very short notice to hop over to Guernsey for the weekend and were not disappointed. The OGH made our short stay perfect. The room, albeit a tad on the small side if staying longer than 2 nights, was clean and the bed was very comfortable. The service from start to finish was friendly, curteous and very attentive without being intrusive. Despite one tiny hiccup, the restaurant and food could not be faulted. On our return we felt so refreshed and relaxed that we have booked again for September. Superb!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a great stay we had in this beautiful hotel on teh delightful island of Guernsey. The hotel team were so attentive, they could not do enough for my wife and I during our recent visit.
Despite all 68 rooms being full, evryone knew addressed us by our name from the moment we arrived, how do they do that!
The food was wonderful, the facilities marvellous and if they did not have something, they knew where we would find it.
Well done Red Carnation, you should be proud.
Despite all 68 rooms being full, evryone knew addressed us by our name from the moment we arrived, how do they do that!
The food was wonderful, the facilities marvellous and if they did not have something, they knew where we would find it.
Well done Red Carnation, you should be proud.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just returned from a weekend stay at the Old Government House Hotel & have to say this is probably one of the best hotels we have stayed in. We travel all around the world & have stayed in some amazing 5 star hotels & this is very muchup there with them. The staff are exceptional, from the minute you arrive you are made to feel so welcome, to anything you may need during your stay, nothing is too much trouble. The food is amazing. We were at the hotel celebrating my Father-in-laws 80th Birthday, which at breakfast one of the waiters had picked up on. During the meal that evening, the same waiter had organised & brought out a surprise birthday cake & the staff sang "Happy Birthday". This had not been prompted in anyway & goes to show the exceptional level of care & attention every member of staff puts in to there jobs. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel to anyone wanting some luxury & friendly approach during a stay in Guernsey. We are about to book again for another visit next year!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The room was lovely and spotlessly clean. Breakfasts, brasserie and afternoon tea fantastic. The Spa treatments were totally luxurious - I'm now hooked! Can't wait to go back and wallow in the lap of luxury again......................
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just returned from a weekend stay at the Old Government House Hotel & have to say this is probably one of the best hotels we have stayed in. We travel all around the world & have stayed in some amazing 5 star hotels & this is very muchup there with them. The staff are exceptional, from the minute you arrive you are made to feel so welcome, to anything you may need during your stay, nothing is too much trouble. The food is amazing. We were at the hotel celebrating my Father-in-laws 80th Birthday, which at breakfast one of the waiters had picked up on. During the meal that evening, the same waiter had organised & brought out a surprise birthday cake & the staff sang "Happy Birthday". This had not been prompted in anyway & goes to show the exceptional level of care & attention every member of staff puts in to there jobs. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel to anyone wanting some luxury & friendly approach during a stay in Guernsey. We are about to book again for another visit next year!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The room was lovely and spotlessly clean. Breakfasts, brasserie and afternoon tea fantastic. The Spa treatments were totally luxurious - I'm now hooked! Can't wait to go back and wallow in the lap of luxury again......................
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
