Local Reviews
In July 2008, MGMcShane said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Deciding to go to Guernsey for the first time, I found, and booked, a hotel on the internet. I usually read reviews on Tripadvisor before I book but this time I forgot. I checked some of the reviews for the Duke of Richmond and I was horrified – poor service, shabby, poor standard of food, rude staff, old fashioned and inadequate accommodation– it went on and on and on. I really regretted my choice. Even as I walked towards the building, I kept repeating in my head, ‘it’s only for three nights, it’s only for three nights…’
Where were these people staying? Not at this hotel. I travel for work and have stayed in many bad hotels of all star ratings. The Duke of Richmond is at the top end of the three star rating. It was one of the most pleasant places I have stayed in ages. The welcome was warm. My double room was spotless and the décor calming. The bathroom was contained and again spotless. The pool and terrace were inviting. When away, I always choose to dine away from the hotel where possible. The high standard of the breakfast and the dinner menu on offer, however, made me think that if I didn’t find what I wanted elsewhere, I would have had no problem returning for my evening meal.
There were two things I absolutely hated. While the hotel is situated in a lovely location, beside Cambridge Park, the walk up the hill was horrendous. Like many hotels in St. Peter Port, a car, strong legs or a budget for taxis is advisable. And the second thing is the inadequate car park which fits only a handful of cars, parked at odd angles (free parking is available nearby on an overnight basis with only a few minutes to walk – on the flat! – back to the hotel).
Would I recommend this hotel? Absolutely. Would I return? I am already planning a return next summer.
The Duke of Richmond is a three star hotel and it is a very good three star hotel. I suspect that some of the critical reviews I read were expecting five star facilities for a three star rate.
Where were these people staying? Not at this hotel. I travel for work and have stayed in many bad hotels of all star ratings. The Duke of Richmond is at the top end of the three star rating. It was one of the most pleasant places I have stayed in ages. The welcome was warm. My double room was spotless and the décor calming. The bathroom was contained and again spotless. The pool and terrace were inviting. When away, I always choose to dine away from the hotel where possible. The high standard of the breakfast and the dinner menu on offer, however, made me think that if I didn’t find what I wanted elsewhere, I would have had no problem returning for my evening meal.
There were two things I absolutely hated. While the hotel is situated in a lovely location, beside Cambridge Park, the walk up the hill was horrendous. Like many hotels in St. Peter Port, a car, strong legs or a budget for taxis is advisable. And the second thing is the inadequate car park which fits only a handful of cars, parked at odd angles (free parking is available nearby on an overnight basis with only a few minutes to walk – on the flat! – back to the hotel).
Would I recommend this hotel? Absolutely. Would I return? I am already planning a return next summer.
The Duke of Richmond is a three star hotel and it is a very good three star hotel. I suspect that some of the critical reviews I read were expecting five star facilities for a three star rate.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2008, RonMP said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
My wife and I stayed for three nights at this hotel at the beginning of June. On arrival, we found the room allocated to us not satisfactory (toilet on a mezzanine floor, terrace direct for the window). This proved no problem for the charming lady on the reception. We were immediately offered a far better room at no extra cost.
The facilities offered in the hotel we found excellent. The quality and choise of food in the restaurant (especially the breakfast) quite exceptional and the service there was equivalent to that of a five star hotel!! Our only regret was that we only booked for three nights! The hotel is well run, with an excellent staff. Thank you all.
The facilities offered in the hotel we found excellent. The quality and choise of food in the restaurant (especially the breakfast) quite exceptional and the service there was equivalent to that of a five star hotel!! Our only regret was that we only booked for three nights! The hotel is well run, with an excellent staff. Thank you all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2013, Dexter259 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
We stayed for four nights at the end of May, for our wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful room (Room 503), with views over the town and sea. Service was impeccable from the minute we arrived until we left, especially from the Reception staff and in the restaurant. We had a lovely surprise on our anniversary, when a bottle of chilled champagne was left in our room. The hotel organised taxis to and from the airport and even arranged flowers to be delivered to my wife on the day of our anniversary. Food in the restaurant was superb, as was afternoon tea on the terrace. We will certainly return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2013, louloubell2010 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Firstly guernsey isn't cheap. To get a B and B can be up to 100 quid so we decided to plump for 145 including brekkie in a nice hotel for our weekend get away. And what a nice hotel it is! A decidedly boutique feel greets you in the chess board floored lobby, ok perhaps the decor is a little 'faux Crazy Bear' but it's so quaint and the staff are so lovely you forgive them for anything.
The beds pillows and down duvet are to die for, in fact the quality of the rooms is first class. A short 10 min stroll takes you down to the town, quite steep on the way back so grab a short cab or work out your calves! The bar and restaurant are fab and very welcoming, 20 quid for a cracking bottle of Pinot noir. The view from the terrace at sunset its tranquil, I didn't try the pool but he whole outside area is immaculate.
Last but not least the brekkie is fab. The works with fried bread, black pud and fantastic coffee. Will def go again.
The beds pillows and down duvet are to die for, in fact the quality of the rooms is first class. A short 10 min stroll takes you down to the town, quite steep on the way back so grab a short cab or work out your calves! The bar and restaurant are fab and very welcoming, 20 quid for a cracking bottle of Pinot noir. The view from the terrace at sunset its tranquil, I didn't try the pool but he whole outside area is immaculate.
Last but not least the brekkie is fab. The works with fried bread, black pud and fantastic coffee. Will def go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2013, billymac1955 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
We booked a room with a seaview and were allocated 317. The view from the room is at 90 degrees to sea, and looks out over the roof of the hotel restaurant and its terraces. We queried this with hotel reception, who confirmed that 317 is classed as a Seaview room. In fairness, turning 75 to the left does afford a partial view of the harbour, and the hotel have offered to try to move us, but they can't tonight because they are fully booked, and anyway we have unpacked and can't be bothered to move. I just wish they wouldn't play so loosely with their description of ' Seaview. ' Treeview might be more appropriate. Service at breakfast was somewhat slow, as noted by one other reviewer, and when we returned to the hotel today at 1540 the room service staff were still making up the room, even though we had left it at 1000! They apologised profusely, ' it's because we're full. ' No problem, but it will be interesting to see how this hotel copes in all aspects, when it's full tonight. Oh, and 317 seems to be a bit of a blind spot for the free WIFI, which keeps disconnecting itself. Going out into the corridor resolves the problem!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2013, loolooBath said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Due to fog at Guernsey, I was unable to get home so had to find a hotel for the night, and I'm so glad I found this one. An absolute stunner, with fantastic staff, super food and rooms to die for. The little attention to details really impressed me. I have travelled the world and stayed in some of the best hotels but I have never stayed anywhere where the TV remote has been sanitised and sealed in a plastic bag - how thoughtful! Cleanliness was absolutely faultless. Now when I travel I can assure you I will ALWAYS choose a Red Carnation hotel wherever I can.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, annhill19 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
We have just had a four night stay at this wonderful venue where the food is faultless. We had an unfortunate start to our stay but this was quickly rectified by Helen, who was extremely helpful & courteous. Luis & Louisa, in the restaurant, are an asset to the hotel. This otherwise good hotel would benefit greatly if more attention was paid to detail.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2013, saymwa said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Trip Advisor has just rewarded my reviews of the past four years with a magnetic badge for my car or fridge, so I am now a kept man and this review may not be as impartial as before. My goodness, what a weird hotel! But with the best staff I have ever come across.
The entrance lobby has an anteroom with a collection of animal hide chairs, presumably shot personally by the interior designers before moving on to the bedrooms. I can live with an oversized chandelier over the bed, a tweedy throw over the bottom of the bed with matching cushions (why?) and sheets and pillowcases monogrammed with "DRH" in gold thread, BUT.......who decided it was a good idea to put a creepy blue LED above the loo and a large mirror behind it. Seeking relief at 2 in the morning was a surreal experience - sort of "Fear and Loathing in Guernsey" lit by a single blue downlight with an unrequested voyeuristic element to it. This must have been designed by someone who sits down for this regular bodily function - either a German male (yes they do) or possibly a woman.
More practically, there was no room to swing anything- and more importantly, not enough flat space to put my computer, while the couple of electric sockets were nowhere near a mirror for using the hairdryer. The designers have had a field day and it probably looks great if you're living in a drug-induced haze or come from Brighton. For the business traveller - even after a few Rioja's - it looks a bit silly and doesn't work very well as somewhere to stay - albeit it's very comfortable and mildly amusing.
Having said all that, the restaurant is attractive and the adjoining terrace has a perfect sunlit punkah-fanned conservatory for a superbly cooked breakfast (although the chef got the fried bread stuck up on its edge both mornings - a bit more practice and it might lie flat). I had dinner here on the second night and that is worth a separate review - super meal.
That brings me to the service - wow! My bags were taken from me as I walked in and whisked up to my room. The receptionist (male) out-Jeeves Stephen Fry in the nicest possible sense and the friendly air of competence and helpfulness is palpable throughout the hotel. One female receptionist has a sparkling sense of humour and was a delight.
Would I go back? Nope. The St Pierre Park has a better garden, lots more room and chairs you don't have to check for mortality before you sit on them. It also has a decent desk to work at AND no blue light over the loo. If I want ambience, including sensibly placed bathroom LEDs (either side of the loo at seat height) and a room designed to perfection, then I'll go back to the Farmhouse (see separate reviews).
Congratulations and many thanks to the staff - and remember the old sign "You don't have to be mad to work here, but.....................".
OK - grudging thanks to the hotel designers who gave me something quirky and different for a couple of nights.
The entrance lobby has an anteroom with a collection of animal hide chairs, presumably shot personally by the interior designers before moving on to the bedrooms. I can live with an oversized chandelier over the bed, a tweedy throw over the bottom of the bed with matching cushions (why?) and sheets and pillowcases monogrammed with "DRH" in gold thread, BUT.......who decided it was a good idea to put a creepy blue LED above the loo and a large mirror behind it. Seeking relief at 2 in the morning was a surreal experience - sort of "Fear and Loathing in Guernsey" lit by a single blue downlight with an unrequested voyeuristic element to it. This must have been designed by someone who sits down for this regular bodily function - either a German male (yes they do) or possibly a woman.
More practically, there was no room to swing anything- and more importantly, not enough flat space to put my computer, while the couple of electric sockets were nowhere near a mirror for using the hairdryer. The designers have had a field day and it probably looks great if you're living in a drug-induced haze or come from Brighton. For the business traveller - even after a few Rioja's - it looks a bit silly and doesn't work very well as somewhere to stay - albeit it's very comfortable and mildly amusing.
Having said all that, the restaurant is attractive and the adjoining terrace has a perfect sunlit punkah-fanned conservatory for a superbly cooked breakfast (although the chef got the fried bread stuck up on its edge both mornings - a bit more practice and it might lie flat). I had dinner here on the second night and that is worth a separate review - super meal.
That brings me to the service - wow! My bags were taken from me as I walked in and whisked up to my room. The receptionist (male) out-Jeeves Stephen Fry in the nicest possible sense and the friendly air of competence and helpfulness is palpable throughout the hotel. One female receptionist has a sparkling sense of humour and was a delight.
Would I go back? Nope. The St Pierre Park has a better garden, lots more room and chairs you don't have to check for mortality before you sit on them. It also has a decent desk to work at AND no blue light over the loo. If I want ambience, including sensibly placed bathroom LEDs (either side of the loo at seat height) and a room designed to perfection, then I'll go back to the Farmhouse (see separate reviews).
Congratulations and many thanks to the staff - and remember the old sign "You don't have to be mad to work here, but.....................".
OK - grudging thanks to the hotel designers who gave me something quirky and different for a couple of nights.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2013, Garry C said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
This was my first stay here and I have to say my welcome and the attention given was excellent. This theme carried through my whole stay and from all members of staff be it in the bar, restaurant, reception or just passing in the corridor.
Given the price, I found my room small but very well appointed. One of the best showers I have ever experienced in a hotel - one of my key tests.
Breakfasts were superb and all cooked to order. Very good scrambled eggs. My first two evening meals were disappointing in that both the pork (belly) and the chicken (curry) were not as tender as I would have expected. I then decided to try the specials instead of the fixed menu and I have to say I enjoyed every meal, which were cooked and presented to a very high standard.
Food and drink prices were high, and consistent with the room price.
An excellent hotel, but I'm not sure it represents value for money, nor if I would stay there again. I think I need to try another hotel on Guernsey to make a fair comparison
Given the price, I found my room small but very well appointed. One of the best showers I have ever experienced in a hotel - one of my key tests.
Breakfasts were superb and all cooked to order. Very good scrambled eggs. My first two evening meals were disappointing in that both the pork (belly) and the chicken (curry) were not as tender as I would have expected. I then decided to try the specials instead of the fixed menu and I have to say I enjoyed every meal, which were cooked and presented to a very high standard.
Food and drink prices were high, and consistent with the room price.
An excellent hotel, but I'm not sure it represents value for money, nor if I would stay there again. I think I need to try another hotel on Guernsey to make a fair comparison
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2013, 822emanuelem said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Everything was perfect. Personnel friendly, good services offered and excellent restaurant. Perfect for business trip and also for holidays. Located in a good position, close to the center. Price was average considering others hotel in the island. To recommend!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk