Local Reviews
In May 2016, Sue B said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We stayed for 4 nights early in May. The arrival was good and the lovely plaited haired hostess was most charming. Our room was 111 and whilst it was lovely it was soon evident that there was an issue. There was considerable noise coming from a function room directly below and it was clear that noise insulation did not exist. We spoke to the duty Manager who said the noise would stop at 10.30 and it did not. the next day plaited hair lady offered to move us to another sea view balcony room. We were moved to 122 which was quieter but the view was awful, please see attached images of the view of the roof. We tried to eat at the Indian restaurant on the Saturday night and were worried when we were the only people in the restaurant. Menus arrived and i asked for veggie options. I was shown 1 starter and 1 main course on the menu and that was it. I asked if there could be a variation as i was allergic to one of the ingredients and was told NO. the menu was the menu and that was it! We left. On leaving the hotel we were asked the usual question as to how was our stay. when we explained we were advised that it would be noted that next time we visited we would receive a room upgrade! In all honestly action was needed there and then and not on the arrogant assumption that we may stay again.. It is a shame we experienced what we did. the building is beautiful and some of the staff are lovely. Don't be fooled by balcony see view rooms as you will be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, Foxytida said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
This is the first time visiting Guernsey.we stayed at The Old Government House hotel, was expecting it to be good, as it's rated 5*...but we were blown away!! Have stayed in many 4&5* around the world, so takes alot to impress us.The attention to detail in the rooms & the hotel was indeed first class, the staff were so friendly & helpful,& the food was fab. We will definitely return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, jonathan h said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
The good bits. A lovely Old Colonial Building in a central position . A great gym for a hotel.
The bad. On booking I was informed that due to a function taking place there would be noise and I should upgrade my sea view balcony room to be away from this noise . I paid for this upgrade prior to arrival. As we queued to check in we overheard another couple being informed that due to a function taking place their room had been upgraded free of charge to one similar to ours (we had paid for). We asked about this and eventually after being made to feel very guilty for raising this point we were given our upgrade for free like other guests. But a big point was made of this.
On check out this was raised again several times by the receptionist and we were made to feel very small.
On booking we received an email to tell us that we would receive a voucher on arrival giving us 50 pounds off our food at the hotel. This wasn't however taken off our bill (we ate in the Curry room) . I queried this and produced the email. I was told grudgingly that they would honour this just this once but vouchers changed all the time and how was she to know? This is a 5 star establishment . How about im very sorry Sir / Madam for us over looking this and a smile? Very poor and a disappointing that ultimately leaves a bad taste.
Breakfast was mixed. Our first effort we were told there is table in the middle over there for you by the stressed man on sign in. We weren't shown to table nor were we attended to until we went and asked to be, after waiting a good 15-20 minutes.
The second time was far better we were shown to our table (different head waiter) and our order taken immediately.
Rooms are ok . Shower lacks power and bathrooms small.
In all an ok stay spoilt by the extremely rude reception and mixed service.
The bad. On booking I was informed that due to a function taking place there would be noise and I should upgrade my sea view balcony room to be away from this noise . I paid for this upgrade prior to arrival. As we queued to check in we overheard another couple being informed that due to a function taking place their room had been upgraded free of charge to one similar to ours (we had paid for). We asked about this and eventually after being made to feel very guilty for raising this point we were given our upgrade for free like other guests. But a big point was made of this.
On check out this was raised again several times by the receptionist and we were made to feel very small.
On booking we received an email to tell us that we would receive a voucher on arrival giving us 50 pounds off our food at the hotel. This wasn't however taken off our bill (we ate in the Curry room) . I queried this and produced the email. I was told grudgingly that they would honour this just this once but vouchers changed all the time and how was she to know? This is a 5 star establishment . How about im very sorry Sir / Madam for us over looking this and a smile? Very poor and a disappointing that ultimately leaves a bad taste.
Breakfast was mixed. Our first effort we were told there is table in the middle over there for you by the stressed man on sign in. We weren't shown to table nor were we attended to until we went and asked to be, after waiting a good 15-20 minutes.
The second time was far better we were shown to our table (different head waiter) and our order taken immediately.
Rooms are ok . Shower lacks power and bathrooms small.
In all an ok stay spoilt by the extremely rude reception and mixed service.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, SarniaExpat said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
I was lucky enough to enjoy afternoon tea as a birthday treat with my daughter. We are "old hands" at the afternoon tea circuit, and am so glad that we came here after visiting other establishments which, as it turns out, are not particularly good!
The whole ambience in the snug is delightful, from the lovely laundered linen down to the attentive, polite and informative waiting staff who have this serving lark down to a "t"!
The list of available teas to drink is extensive and I settled for the South African Earl Gray, which had violet in it. Lovely, smoky and with lots of citrus. Once chosen the tea pot remained topped up at regular intervals. I have never drunk so much tea in one sitting.
You must forget other less indulgent spreads when it comes to the OGH afternoon tea - this one really ticks all the boxes.
The waiter brought in the cake stand with some delicious looking cakes and pastries on board.
The sandwiches was absolutely fresh as a daisy, no curled corners here. There was a choice for me of ham, smoked salmon, chicken mayo and egg - with my daughter's veggie choice being cucumber and cream cheese, egg, cheddar and pickle and avocado.
We had toasted Guernsey Gache served in a crisp linen napkin.
Then a huge scone, with clotted cream and jam.
then the cakes - teeny chocolate eclairs, fruit tartlets, limoncella soaked sponge, shortbread biscuits and almond tarts.
We couldn't eat the cakes - as we were honestly full to bursting, but there is no problem asking the waiter to supply a lovely carry out box.
In all, we were very pleased and delighted with the whole experience and I plan to bring the rest of my family back again very soon. You will not be disappointed, and more importantly you will not be hurried through your enjoyment of the afternoon.
The whole ambience in the snug is delightful, from the lovely laundered linen down to the attentive, polite and informative waiting staff who have this serving lark down to a "t"!
The list of available teas to drink is extensive and I settled for the South African Earl Gray, which had violet in it. Lovely, smoky and with lots of citrus. Once chosen the tea pot remained topped up at regular intervals. I have never drunk so much tea in one sitting.
You must forget other less indulgent spreads when it comes to the OGH afternoon tea - this one really ticks all the boxes.
The waiter brought in the cake stand with some delicious looking cakes and pastries on board.
The sandwiches was absolutely fresh as a daisy, no curled corners here. There was a choice for me of ham, smoked salmon, chicken mayo and egg - with my daughter's veggie choice being cucumber and cream cheese, egg, cheddar and pickle and avocado.
We had toasted Guernsey Gache served in a crisp linen napkin.
Then a huge scone, with clotted cream and jam.
then the cakes - teeny chocolate eclairs, fruit tartlets, limoncella soaked sponge, shortbread biscuits and almond tarts.
We couldn't eat the cakes - as we were honestly full to bursting, but there is no problem asking the waiter to supply a lovely carry out box.
In all, we were very pleased and delighted with the whole experience and I plan to bring the rest of my family back again very soon. You will not be disappointed, and more importantly you will not be hurried through your enjoyment of the afternoon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, Jayne_WM said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Travelled with my 2 dogs and when my dogs are welcomed I am happy! The staff are genuinely friendly, welcoming, helpful and made a fuss so that we didn't feel an intrusion. The hotel is pricey but it is the only 5 star in Guernsey. The rooms are lovely - we has a Queen suite with balcony. Dog beds and bowls provided - I've never had that kind of service at a hotel before. Beds are really comfortable and the rain shower is glorious. I would return even without the dogs but I'm not sure they'd let me! Breakfast was very tasty, afternoon tea lovely. Only criticism was dinner in the brasserie was rather average but they did have a function on so I'll give the benefit of the doubt here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, Hampshire166 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Went to the OGH for a 3 night break. We were met at the airport and quickly taken to the hotel in a car arranged by the hotel. Check-in was swift and hassle free undertaken by a friendly welcoming receptionist. In fact throughout our stay we found all the staff prepared to go the extra mile to make us feel welcome and valued guests. A smile and a friendly hello goes a long way towards making one feel at home. Our suite, at the back of the hotel was very comfortable although the view from the window was not the most inspiring. We did find that the bed was one of the most comfortable we have found in a hotel. The selection of hot and cold food at breakfast was good and again the staff could not be more helpful. Dinner in the brasserie was slightly
disappointing with a limited choice. Having recently stayed at the Bath Priory and Spa we found that the food at dinner compared unfavourably with that hotel. This was quite surprising given the number of excellent restaurants on Guernsey. In conclusion would we come again, yes for the friendliness of the staff and the comfort of the suite but no to eating in the brasserie.
disappointing with a limited choice. Having recently stayed at the Bath Priory and Spa we found that the food at dinner compared unfavourably with that hotel. This was quite surprising given the number of excellent restaurants on Guernsey. In conclusion would we come again, yes for the friendliness of the staff and the comfort of the suite but no to eating in the brasserie.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, caro0650 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
All staff, with no exceptions gave wonderful and very good service - attentive without being intrusive. Our room was beautiful and we especially liked the night light in bathroom which was very helpful in the dark to find our way!
Stunning grounds and comfortable public areas.
On asking if we could purchase some of the lovely coffee to go home, we were told it was not possible. However, we were then presented with some to take home with us.A caring hotel!! Just lovely.
Stunning grounds and comfortable public areas.
On asking if we could purchase some of the lovely coffee to go home, we were told it was not possible. However, we were then presented with some to take home with us.A caring hotel!! Just lovely.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, Caroline1345 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
What an incredible experience staying at this grand establishment, so sorry that it was only for two nights. First class service, attentive and well trained staff. Beautiful room, with every creature comfort imaginable.... the bathroom toiletries are sheer bliss. Excellent restaurants - all in all, a wonderful place to stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, doreenh930 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
called in for evening meal and pre dinner drinks, the service and food were very good the fish main course was excellent very fresh and cooked just right. Compliments to the chef.Very nice hotel quite central
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Ann H said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Apart from the hill it's ideally set in the middle of the town. Climbing up from the waterfront after dinner made us puff, but it was well worth the effort. Wonderful hotel still maintaining the best of old fashioned standards in a modern and friendly way. Bedrooms are lovely, restaurant and bars charming, the food's good and the staff are just wonderful. Would have no hesitation in recommending it to friends and family.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk