Old Government House Hotel & Spa

4.8/5 based on 1603 reviews
Latest Reviews
Spent a long weekend here with the family (7 adults) we wre immediatly made to feel at home but special. In addition to the excellent loction, clean building excellent facilities the staff actually made it that special at every contact they were polite, cared, and always provide a special service. Our last night meal in the brasserie was made even better by Thomas the waiter and the wine waiter always there for you but allowed us time with our own company, they might have invented exceptional service.

Not cheap but good value for money, would always recommend.
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We stayed there with my fiancée for a romantic escapade and being used to travel around the world in the first class hotels I have been sincerely very nicely surprised by the hotel. After a smooth transfer (15') from the airport (really easy to fly there and the flight we had from Gatwick was really nice) - the hotel can provide transfers - and a nice drive in this very green island, we arrived in the city center and at walking distance from the harbour, we stopped by this very nice historical building.
The hotel has started a redecoration program and indeed the new rooms are for me at 5 star level. Decoration in the public areas are of utmost good taste, elegant and refined.
Highly recommended for lovers of nice elegant boutique hotels. The view on Saint Peter port is really nice from the rooms, with a full view on the harbor and surrounding islands (Herm, Sark, Jersey ) and when weather is clear you can as well see France.
We had a 7 course surprise dinner at their gastronomic restaurant, headed by a talentuous French chef. Service was impeccable with Xavier who has been working in many Relais et Châteaux in the past.
This hotel has as well a very nice spa and outdoor facilities to include a lovely swimming pool which is heated at 20°C.
The afternoon tea is delicious and pastries are great.
What to tell you more ? Ask for Harry the Guest Relations Director he has been there for 34 years, he knows all about the island ! The deputy GM Michael is very nice as well.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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OGH is our most favourite hotel. During the period 1980-2009 we have stayed there at least 23 times, sometimes for long weekends of 3 or 4 days and sometimes for our summer holidays over a week or 10 days. In all that time we have been wonderfully impressed with the service provided by the staff and for the warm welcome we have always received. Of course, there have been many changes over such a long period of time, and the hotel has continually developed, providing more and more facilities, including the Health & Beauty Centres attached to the hotel.
One of the features of OGH which we have always cherished is the wonderful and varied cuisine offered in both the Governor's Restaurant and the Brasserie, as well as the meals provided in the garden above the swimming pool. The present Olive Grove is a particular delight for outside eating. We have met so many members of staff, many of whom have become good friends over the years and, without exception, they have all been outstanding in their efforts to make our visits so memorable. We shall certainly continue to visit this delightful hotel for as long as we are able.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This hotel IS special.
Whatever is written below, it is impossible to truly reflect the way this hotel and it's staff make you feel as though nothing is too much trouble.
We stayed for a week in this beautiful hotel and each day we were greeted and helped by staff whose sole aim in life it appeared was to make our stay with them as positive an experience as possible.
The hotel itself is a very imposing building whose name aptly reflects the building's interior. The public areas are furnished with period furniture which only enhances an already stunning interior.
Sitting anywhere in the hotel is a delightful experience as there are magnificent views of the harbour, pool and gardens to look out upon. This was especially so at breakfast time in the conservatory. The willingness to make your stay the best experience possible was in evidence at breakfast time when discussing with the staff the varied menu and how each meal was prepared individually for you. This was also the case in the evening when dining in the bistro.
We were lucky enough to have 2 warm afternoons and enjoyed sitting around the pool which we could imagine will be very popular in the warmer months.
One colder afternoon we enjoyed using the whirlpools and then the 'chill' room. All of these areas were well maintained and had everything that you could need such as towel, robes and bags to put wet swimsuits into.
Our room was a standard room which was very comfortable with views over the pool and harbour. The hotel is re-furbishing rooms and although ours had not been upgraded yet it was still of a high standard. The cleaning service and replacement of towels and other essentials was not compromised at any time so the room was always fresh and welcoming. As it was Easter, there even was a little Easter gift left by the turn-down lady which was a lovely touch.
We could go on and on about this truly special place but you must really go and experience this 'experience' for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
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Once again looked up things on trip advisor and found exactly the right spot. Right in the heart of town but, to our relief, only banks and insurance companies for neighbours so it was quiet at night. This isn't a cheap option, but it suited us very well for a short break before the term starts/after a family funeral. We originally tried to book at Fermain, but as it turned out this was a better place to be. As 4 star hotels go it was relaxed, there being no fuss about dress in the restaurant nor about our jeans when we arrived:bags were stored while we waited for the room to be cleaned and delivered to the room before we returned from lunch. Thereafter everything went very well. People just appear when you sit in the lounge, as if by magic. The Brasserie was good 'Modern British', with a very South African slant to the wine list and a wonderful view of the harbour. Do it again - darned right I would. The only negative was the size of the room
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We stayed in this hotel for 2 nights to celebrate my 40th birthday. The hotel was very clean, the food in the brasserie was excellent, the staff were very friendly and helpful. We had a room with a sea view which was very roomy and the bed was enormous! Breakfast was of a very high standard. Unfortunately we did not get chance to use the health spa but it looked very clean. I would definitely recommend this hotel and we would visit again. The only tip I would give is that it is at the top of a steep hill which leads into town so if you have difficulty walking this may be a minus point.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I have been coming to Guernsey for work and staying at the OGH for about 8 years. It's a really special place - I always choose to stay at the weekends rather than returning home to London. After the recent refurb and with the current staff the hotel is truly delightful. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff/ management and during my most recent stay (for two and half weeks) I was made to feel very welcome; Harry and Susan in particular deserve special mention, particularly for their kindness in relation to my boyfriend's birthday and when my mother came to stay for the weekend. The hotel is perfectly situated, a minute's walk from the centre of the very quaint St. Peter Port, but up a hill thereby affording beautiful views out to sea. I was very sorry to leave, and am looking forward to my next visit.
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Having visited this beautiful island regularly over the last decade and stayed in all of the fine hotels here, the OGH consistently delivers as the place I like to come home to after a busy day at the office - or a hard day's shopping! The recent refurbishments have been well worth the wait and the rooms are lovely - so I thought it worth sharing with you. The level of staff service is consistently high, the food is good and the spa is special if you are in need of reviving or destressing. There are plenty of quiet areas for meetings or for relaxing, and the bar area is cosy and comfortable. Well done for the upgrade OGH and for keeping up your excellent standards. See you soon.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I have been going regularly to Guernsey for several years and love the OGH. The staff have always been brilliant and the food fabulous but sadly parts of the hotel were getting a bit tired. However I've just returned from another visit and found they've completed the refurbishment of the main rooms which are now fantastic and the newly refurbished room I stayed in was fabulous. I don't believe anyone could be disappointed - it's up there with the best anywhere.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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A magnificent establishment withour parallel. All of the teams are excellent. In particular Mr Harry Seepaul, Director ,Guest Services is the pinnacle of professionalism and hospitality. Head Chef, Jeromme is magnificent. It is one of the few establishments that I would strongly recommend to others. Susan Murphy the Front of House & Revenue Manager is a fine example of how things should be done. This is a seriously good hotel where all guests are special.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We came for the weekend and stayed at the amazing Old Government House. We were treated like royalty, nothing was too much. We would like to thank all the staff especially Penelope and Harry as they went above and beyond their call of duty to ensure our stay was the best, nothing was too much effort. Thank you very much for looking after us. We have friends now going in April and July on our recommendation. Certainly more will follow and we will definately be back soon for more pampering. Once again thank you guys we miss your smiles and kindness. with fondest wishes Graham and Alexia Escolar-Cole. xx
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We enjoyed a long weekend in Guernsey at the end of November and, because of friends' recommendations, we stayed at the Old Government House. We wanted to go walking, enjoy some good food, and chill out in the Spa.

We thought the shopping was very ordinary and parts of the island were over-crowded, but the southern cliff top walks were well-signposted, had wonderful scenic views, and just a sufficient challenge for modest walkers like us. Just as we were tiring, we found a beach side cafe/ restaurant, called L'Escalier at Le Couffre. We were surprised the cafe was full, with a great buzz and a roaring log fire. The helpful staff made us feel welcome, the food was fast, fresh and nourishing - and the bill was great value.

We stayed 3 nights at the OGH and enjoyed the comfortable room, the very friendly staff (who were super efficient), and the food. Simon, the General Manager, was a really great host who always seemed to be walking around the hotel chatting to the customers - he had lots of interesting stories to tell us. The best bit was the spa on sunday afternoon - we had the seaweed wrap and massage! The hotel combines an old fashion charm, with very good service and we would certainly recommend it to friends.

David and Julie Bowie
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We stayed for 4 nights. Nice enough hotel although the deco needs updating. Also there are some issues in the room that needs looking into. We keep hearing this banging sound coming from the closet and with this, the lights will start flickering. We were wondering at first if the place will blow up. Anyway, in terms of food, you can't complain coz they offer good selection at breakfast. Staff are very nice and very polite. The atmosphere of the home though lean towards old generation. The best thing about the place was the accessibility to the main town, to interesting places and activities to do at Guernsey.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We stayed for one night and I wished we could have stayed longer.

It was one of the best and most comfortable hotels I had ever stayed in and I usually stay in a lot of hotels with my job

We were on arrival greeted with a wonderful smile and welcome for the French Receptionist
The smell of lilies as you walk around the hotel was wonderful, everything was so colonial, so clean, so finished off.

I couldn't get over the way all the staff SMILED and ask how you were.

The food was excellent and the Sommelier certainly knew his trade, we had a wonderful rose wine recommended, which we will source again.
The views from the gardens and pool area over St Peters Port is lovely.
We had a look at the Spa and what a way to relax.
The service throughout our stay was excellent and we loved the way in the evening we came back to our lovely room to find the bed had been turned back the curtains pulled and the lamps put on, Oh and the complementary L'Occitane in the bathroom was a lovely luxury.
We are looking to book again for our next visit in October but will be staying a little longer than a nigh and hopefully be visiting their luxury spa.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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My goodness me-if ever an hotel deserves it's 4 stars then this is the one. In fact 5 stars would not go amiss. My wife and myself stayed here from August 13th to the 17th. and from the moment we arrived were made to feel important visitors. The staff here are second to none. From reception, through to waiters, from customer relations to maids ,you will NEVER EVER come across a more friendly, corteous and obliging team. The manager deserves full congratulations for his recruitment skills.
The hotel itself is spotlessly clean and full of the most beautiful furniture and fine works of art. The dining rooms boast and provide the most splendid menues. The gardens and swimming pool area are, needless to say, immaculate. The choice of bedrooms are varied and all are exceptionally clean and well maintained. Whilst you are at dinner, your bed is turned down, side lamps lit and any towels etc. changed. This on top of the usual morning visit. With regards to bedrooms if possible opt for one with a harbour view and balcony. These rooms are very large with easy chairs and tables etc. with the most stunning views of the harbour and across to the islands of Herm and Sark. A twenty minute ferry ride will take you to the car free tiny Island of Herm.....an absolute paradise. A WORD OF WARNING regarding harbour view rooms. I understand the previous owner of the hotel allowed the building of a new office block on land on the harbour side of the hotel. Through no fault of his or indeed the present owners....it seems some sort of action is being taken..., the black roof of the new building is level with and almost touching, the balcony of rooms 118,119 and 120 and extends outwards for about 14 ft and this can spoil the view. Indeed in room 118 the lift shaft top rises up about 2 ft. above the balcony floor and I feel sure would prove very disappointing-particularly as you pay a considerable amount extra for balcony rooms on this side of the hotel. I repeat this is no fault of the hotels but I would suggest you make it clear on booking you require rooms on the next level.The smaller bedrooms overlooking the gardens, with a partial sea view ,are also a delight .As with any hotel, rooms from time to time need decorating, and this hotel has a policy of causing minimum disruption to guests.
A hotel then for the connoisseur of good taste and old fashioned courtesy. It is ABSOLUTELY SPLENDID
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This hotel sits within the maze of narrow streets on a hill near to the quay in St Peter Port. It’s a picturesque location. The outside of the building is really attractive and it is clearly steeped in history.

Finding the place was tough as many streets are tiny, the one way system is confusing and a key road was temporarily closed.

Inside, the décor of the place is a flowery kind of English “high tea” style. It’s a bit fussy and twee (some might call this cute) in places and although not entirely to my taste it is generally in reasonable order. The building does retain some of the more historic architectural features which adds character.

Our room was warm and comfortable and had a fantastic view over St Peter Port but was a little tacky in design.

So in certain respects the place was a little disappointing. However, we ate in the restaurant on the first night and found the food truly superb. The waiter was attentive, knowledgeable, and recommended some excellent matching wines. We were so impressed we ate there again having this time the degustation menu (ie 7 smallish courses with different wines to compliment the food). The quality was very high and we were again really impressed. A minor comment from us brought out the chef to apologise who clearly took his art very seriously – we didn’t feel this was necessary but really demonstrates the focus on quality.

Added to this we were met by the Director of Guest Services a charming man from Mauritius. His attention to detail and desire to make sure our stay was successful was exceptional.

Overall we’d strongly recommend this place and certainly intend to return maybe when the weather is better from the winter storm we saw.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Stayed here for 1 week on a corporate rate, but it was still quite expensive. However, it is a decent hotel, one of the best on the island, and I had a pleasant stay.

The hotel building itself is nice and very central, rooms were reasonable (although mine was a little small), service at breakfast could be improved but the food was of a decent standard. I never used the restaurant as there are plenty of other options near by.

Thus, if you are happy with the quoted rates, there is no reason not to stay here.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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My wife and I spent New year at the OGH and thoroughly enjoyed it. The standard of service throughout was first rate, friendly and efficient, but not intrusive. The public rooms are beautiful and create just the right atmosphere - classically elegant. The breakfast is exceptionally good (the New Year's day 'brunch' was extraordinary - sadly hardly anyone took full advantage).
It is not the cheapest hotel, but with free use of a very nice gym and spa (we had it to ourselves for almost all of two afternoons) it seemed reasonably priced. I guess my only 'complaint' would be that the room was rather ordinary (though with a very nice bathroom), but that is only because everything else is so good. We certainly plan to return.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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The public areas are very impressive. Ate in the brasserie - the food was very good. The breakfast is cooked to order and is good value. Spent a lot of time in the John Coward lounge which is grand but cosy. The service, from reception, to the waiters, bar staff, cleaners, etc was exceptional. Harry, Service Director does a fantastic job in looking after his guests.

Our room was above the function room. Unfortunately there was a party there and we didn't get a wink of sleep until 2 am.

Bedroom disappointing for the price, tired and dilapidated. Apparently a number of rooms are being refurbed at the end of the season and ours was one of them - which was a shame for us. However on complaining, we were offered a new room immediately.

St Peters Port was a bit disappointing. The harbour side is not as picturesque as you would imagine. Surprisingly lots of litter and cigarette ends in the town.

Herm is a fabulous island to walk round. It takes 20 minutes to sail there and a 2 hour leisurely walk round the perimeter. There are 2 beach cafes on white sand beaches. The white sand beaches are almost deserted and probably the cleanest I've ever seen. If you need to mentally 'bail out', this is the place to go.

The food on the island was very good. And the locals are very friendly. Everytime I got a map out to read it, a local would come over and help me, whether I needed it or not!

The bus service was frequent and the routes easy to understand using the timetable and route planner from the bus station. All fares are 60p irrespective of how far you're travelling.

Taxi's are few and far between. If you're not out of the airport first, you may have to wait quite a while for a taxi. Book your return taxi well in advance, particularly if you're flying home early.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We stayed in the OGH on December 8th 2006 - the same night as the Cable and wireless Christmas party in the function room below us.
The hotel had already pre-warned us proir ro our stay and left a letter stating that there was a party on and a voucher for complimentry tea, coffee or soft drinks - a nice gesture. But, they also stated they had tried to position guests not at the party away from the venue room and in our case this didn't happen and the noise was awful ( I can tell you the last slow dance song was Robbie Williams - Angels !!! Unusual choice for the DJ. I thought as it is usually a funeral song !!! )
Room was really clean, nice soft bed, plenty of products in the bathroom, chilled free mineral water. It is now valet parking which is a bit of a pain - quite slow and awkward process.
Would stay again and use the spa facilities which looked great but, not during the Christmas party season.
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Just returned from a weekend break at the OGH.
We had a standard room with king size bed - really comfortable.
Dinner was fantastic value (Tennerfest -local food festival) in comfortable, atmospheric brasserie. However the breakfast was the clincher - wonderful quality food - fantastically cooked Engish Breakfast, fresh fruit, pastries, hams etc accompanied by a fantastic views of Herm, Sark, Alderney and France through the picture window. And good attentive service. It was a real pleasure as we have looked for similar hotels on mainland UK but have been disappointed. Superb!!! We didn't want to leave.
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We have just returned from a 2 day 'Romantic Break' at the OGH and have nothing but praise for this splendidly run hotel. The reception staff were friendly and helpful. Harry the Customer Services Director happily lent me a pair of cuff links and the whole atmosphere was informal, relaxed and friendly.

The public rooms were decorated to very high standard, having recently undergone a £2.5m refurbishment and the Brasserie, Terrace, Breakfast Room and Lounges had splendid views and were a delight.

Food was good and plentiful and of a very high standard. The young, mostly Eastern European staff were highly trained and extremely helpful.

Corridors and staircases were less attractive and betrayed the hotel's traditional 'grand hotel' origins. The bedroom itself was huge, comfortable and well equipped in a traditional style, with a large balcony and fantastic views of Sark, Herm and the harbour.

The break which included a complimentary bottle of champagne and canapes on arrival, dinner in the amazing fine dining restaurant, a champagne breakfast with smoked salmon and strawberries, a free hire car or bicycles and use of the spa and fitness suite, was astonishing value and we can't wait to book again.

Many thanks OGH for a delightful ‘5 star’ experience.
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My new husband and I stayed at the OGH the night of our wedding having celebrated the day with our family and friends at the Auberge we checked into the Herm Suite at 2am...we had the most fantastic room, palatial and fit for king and queen which is how we felt that day, we awoke to panoramic views of st peter port and the beautiful islands of herm and sark and had a hearty breakfast on the balcony in blazing sunshine...what a superb start to our honeymoon and marriage ! Staff were friendly and helpful as we'd lost our camera on our way into the hotel, they rang the night porter on his day off and located it for us and returned precious memories of our wedding day....thanks so much !
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After reading some of the earlier reviews, I was apprehensive about staying at OGH. The building is historic, service is friendly and the rooms are well furnished (and unlike many other hotels on the Channel Islands, clean) with excellent bathrooms. Food and breakfast was a little bland, especially the choice of buffet at breakfast and the quality of the cooked breakfast. Gardens though are lovely, especially the view across the harbour and out to Sark, and the small swimming pool is clean. The hill down to St Peter Port is not as steep as first seems, especially if you take the gate out of the hotel at the bottom of the garden. Only complaint I had was that there was no room service breakfast before 7am if you have an early flight out (although there is a good cafeteria at Guernsey airport) and the fact that there are so many corridors that you constantly get lost going to your room. I would stay there again, although it is a little pricy for what you get.
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We stayed at the OGH aka the "Old Girls Home" with our two children and a set of granparents. It was beautiful and lovely and we enjoyed every minute. We had a meal plan so we ate breakfast and dinner every day at the hotel and it was a little stuffy, but the food was good and everyone was very, very nice. We hired a sitter for the children during dinner who worked days at the front desk who was adorable. We LOVED Guernsey and the cliff walks. It was a trip of a lifetime and the OGH just helped make it an amazing experience. We think the Channel Islands are the best kept secret in the world and would go back in a minute.
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