Local Reviews
In July 2006, Butterworthp said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
My wife and I stayed 5 nights from 9th July 2006. Our age range is c55. The location of this hotel is superb. Nearby Candie Park was originally a Victorian garden to Candie House - now a splendid local history library. The garden is wondrous and a joy to walk through en route to the town. Within yards there is also Cambridge Gardens (a green park), the Leisure/Sports Centre, Victoria Tower and a cemetery with so much history not to be missed. A word of caution though, the hotel is, probably, the highest point in St Peter Port - c600 yds from the town / harbours so is quite a steep walk back.
The hotel was good. Generally, the staff were great - especially reception, the room spotlessly clean and comfortable. I don't know whether they were unoccupied or soundproofed, but we never heard a sound from another room. The beds were 8 out of 10.
One issue I raised with reception was that the website claimed " a choice of double and twin room styles from park view to sea view and balcony". In the event we were given a room overlooking a side road - and many rooms do (I did book on the internet via Air Miles). Check this if its important to you. It wasn't actually a problem though there were hotel deliveries, by a noisy refrigerated van, at 0730ish each day - but we were up by then. The second issue I raised is illustrated by the attached photo - is this a twin room? My opinion is that a twin room has two beds with space between. They disagreed.
A plus is that there is an 18hr licensed general store at the end of the street.
We ate breakfast each day and one dinner. Breakfast was inclusive in our room rate. We did not wholly enjoy the cooked breakfast - it was poorly presented swimming in fat. I tried several combinations - no bacon, no egg, no tomato - but still it floated on fat. Set dinner was £19.50 and mediocre - starting, for me, with a dreadful caesar salad with wet lettuce! We ate in town other days.
On balance this is a reasonable hotel and I would not be unhappy to stay there again but would pay extra for the superior / sea view rooms (you can see these rooms from Herm) and wouldn't bother with dinner.
The hotel was good. Generally, the staff were great - especially reception, the room spotlessly clean and comfortable. I don't know whether they were unoccupied or soundproofed, but we never heard a sound from another room. The beds were 8 out of 10.
One issue I raised with reception was that the website claimed " a choice of double and twin room styles from park view to sea view and balcony". In the event we were given a room overlooking a side road - and many rooms do (I did book on the internet via Air Miles). Check this if its important to you. It wasn't actually a problem though there were hotel deliveries, by a noisy refrigerated van, at 0730ish each day - but we were up by then. The second issue I raised is illustrated by the attached photo - is this a twin room? My opinion is that a twin room has two beds with space between. They disagreed.
A plus is that there is an 18hr licensed general store at the end of the street.
We ate breakfast each day and one dinner. Breakfast was inclusive in our room rate. We did not wholly enjoy the cooked breakfast - it was poorly presented swimming in fat. I tried several combinations - no bacon, no egg, no tomato - but still it floated on fat. Set dinner was £19.50 and mediocre - starting, for me, with a dreadful caesar salad with wet lettuce! We ate in town other days.
On balance this is a reasonable hotel and I would not be unhappy to stay there again but would pay extra for the superior / sea view rooms (you can see these rooms from Herm) and wouldn't bother with dinner.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2006, baldy007 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Having stayed in many hotels thoughout the world The Duke of Richmond is by far one of my favourite hotels. This hotel offers a four star quality for three star prices, exceptionally clean,well decorated and furnished rooms. Friendly outgoing staff who are always on hand for any requirments no matter how small. The food is first class with the option of dining in either the restaurant, bar or indeed on the magnificent floral terrace. the pool area offers a quiet spot in an superb suntrap. I really think anyone who books this hotel thinking they are going to a three star hotel will be so pleasantly surprised and fall in love with it forever just as I have. Only a five to ten minute walk into the town itself with lots of choices of shops, restaurants and pleasant surroundings. To sum up "superb"
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2006, Hazelanne said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
I have travelled all over the world and found Guernsey to be one of my favourite destinations. On my travels I have stayed in many 4 and 5 star hotels therefore was delighted to find the Duke of Richmond Hotel, priced and listed as 3 star with the standards you expect from a 4 star hotel.
The rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean.
The terrace and pool area are fantastic suntraps and offer a tranquil haven.
The food is wonderful whether in the restaurant, bar or on the terrace.
The service is second to none; staff really have a real desire to please.
In summary The Duke of Richmond ticks all the boxes, and I would (and have) happily recommend it.
The rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean.
The terrace and pool area are fantastic suntraps and offer a tranquil haven.
The food is wonderful whether in the restaurant, bar or on the terrace.
The service is second to none; staff really have a real desire to please.
In summary The Duke of Richmond ticks all the boxes, and I would (and have) happily recommend it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2006, fairdos said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Rather disappointed here, in the face of rave reviews involving romantic trysts by other members - a standard corporate hotel. 3 stars meaning exactly what they're taken to mean and all the more so if you get a room on the street side ( noisy ) Room itself clean & well-equipped, always a pleasure to see fresh grouting round the bath ! Disappointing polylinen, however, and plastic pillows. Breakfast well done in large dining-room, lovely coffee in own pot. Perhaps you need the euphoria of a special birthday or anniversary .....
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2006, MarkandLesley said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
We have just returned from the Duke of Richmond after a Christmas break for the second year running.
It had the make up of a real tradional Christmas, with excellent food, caring and happy staff and a very good entertainment programme which was available if you wanted it. We were astounded to see practically all the same staff as last year which is a rare thing. This hotel is building a very good reputation. We spoke to several taxi drivers and they all said that they hear nothing but good about this hotel. The Manager and the staff are obviously making this 3 star hotel (should ne 4 star at least) very popular and are looking for ways to improve all the time. They deserve every sucess.
It had the make up of a real tradional Christmas, with excellent food, caring and happy staff and a very good entertainment programme which was available if you wanted it. We were astounded to see practically all the same staff as last year which is a rare thing. This hotel is building a very good reputation. We spoke to several taxi drivers and they all said that they hear nothing but good about this hotel. The Manager and the staff are obviously making this 3 star hotel (should ne 4 star at least) very popular and are looking for ways to improve all the time. They deserve every sucess.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2007, DevonianBusinessman said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Situated overlooking the sea and walking distance to the town centre of St Peter Port, The Duke of Richmond hotel offers comfortable rooms, good service and nice food along with the good location.
It's worth paying a bit extra for a sea view and balcony and the rooms are generally very clean and welcoming with some being recently refurbished.
Breakfast is well prepared and nicely cooked and supplemented with a well-stocked buffet table.
Parking can be a slight problem with only one small area available which is usually full. Parking on the street is available but you have to have moved it by 8.00am which can be a nuisance.
Generally, a well recommended hotel.
It's worth paying a bit extra for a sea view and balcony and the rooms are generally very clean and welcoming with some being recently refurbished.
Breakfast is well prepared and nicely cooked and supplemented with a well-stocked buffet table.
Parking can be a slight problem with only one small area available which is usually full. Parking on the street is available but you have to have moved it by 8.00am which can be a nuisance.
Generally, a well recommended hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2007, travelreport01 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
I am a regular guest at the Duke of Richmond Hotel Guernsey having made a number of trips whilst relocating my business to the Channel Islands. and coordinating a permanent move to Guernsey.
I am particularly impressed by this hotel, especially, as I have been travelling worldwide ,and have stayed in a wide range of hotels, so I know and appreciate a quality one when I come across it!.
For both the 1). business traveller and 2). the tourist traveller this hotel comes highly recommended. As I am a business traveller, I will " focus" on that aspect.
For the business traveller, the overall management is excellent, including a highly efficient friendly front line customer service reception team, who are both understanding and attentive to business traveller needs including coordinating should you so wish your full travel arrangements ( I always use their services for this) . For urgent business issues there is a well equippped and spacious business centre ( the second best one I have come across in my international travels) where one can work well in comfortable conditions and not some " silly coin operated computer", and backed up by full support for faxing and courriering and other business needs, operational 24 hours a day.
The rooms are extremely well appointed and well maintained rooms, which are regularly refurbished and redecorated offering the highest standard of comforts. Despite being a 3 star hotel, the rooms are a definite 4 star standard with large enuite bathrooms. At this hotel the management are very concerned about the standard of the rooms and this is reflected in the attentiveness to detail. It is to be noted that on a number of occasions I have left personal items behind and these have always been returned to me via the excellent housekeeping team which includes having left a lot of clothes behind on one trip and they even laundered them before returning them to me.
The breakfast service is excellent as it includes a menu as well as buffet though I have not eaten any evening meals as the town centre is so near one can enjoy all the sea front restaurants.
The hotel is well located by a peaceful park less than 5 minutes walk to the town centre and seafront. and also has a pool for those nice Guernsey summers.
A taxi fare to the town centre is about £ 3.00 to £ 4.00. This means all facilities are nearby with a wide range of lovely seafront restaurant, many offering all day service.
I wish to make it very clear that this is classified as a three star hotel in Guernsey offering competitive rates, however I have stayed in hotels around the world which are classified as 4 or 5 star hotels and they do not match the standards at all of this hotel.
I would prefer to be here without a gym and jacuzzi near all these facilities in this charming central town location, in a hotel offering a high standard of accomodation and service, than in a poky 4 star hotel, which has been over rated, as it has one exercise bike, taking it up a league to 4 star, when it has tiny poorly maintained rooms.
Certainly as a business traveller I could not have found better to meet my needs, and consider myself very fortunate and look forward to both staying here more as well as using the facilities once I am fully established here.
I am particularly impressed by this hotel, especially, as I have been travelling worldwide ,and have stayed in a wide range of hotels, so I know and appreciate a quality one when I come across it!.
For both the 1). business traveller and 2). the tourist traveller this hotel comes highly recommended. As I am a business traveller, I will " focus" on that aspect.
For the business traveller, the overall management is excellent, including a highly efficient friendly front line customer service reception team, who are both understanding and attentive to business traveller needs including coordinating should you so wish your full travel arrangements ( I always use their services for this) . For urgent business issues there is a well equippped and spacious business centre ( the second best one I have come across in my international travels) where one can work well in comfortable conditions and not some " silly coin operated computer", and backed up by full support for faxing and courriering and other business needs, operational 24 hours a day.
The rooms are extremely well appointed and well maintained rooms, which are regularly refurbished and redecorated offering the highest standard of comforts. Despite being a 3 star hotel, the rooms are a definite 4 star standard with large enuite bathrooms. At this hotel the management are very concerned about the standard of the rooms and this is reflected in the attentiveness to detail. It is to be noted that on a number of occasions I have left personal items behind and these have always been returned to me via the excellent housekeeping team which includes having left a lot of clothes behind on one trip and they even laundered them before returning them to me.
The breakfast service is excellent as it includes a menu as well as buffet though I have not eaten any evening meals as the town centre is so near one can enjoy all the sea front restaurants.
The hotel is well located by a peaceful park less than 5 minutes walk to the town centre and seafront. and also has a pool for those nice Guernsey summers.
A taxi fare to the town centre is about £ 3.00 to £ 4.00. This means all facilities are nearby with a wide range of lovely seafront restaurant, many offering all day service.
I wish to make it very clear that this is classified as a three star hotel in Guernsey offering competitive rates, however I have stayed in hotels around the world which are classified as 4 or 5 star hotels and they do not match the standards at all of this hotel.
I would prefer to be here without a gym and jacuzzi near all these facilities in this charming central town location, in a hotel offering a high standard of accomodation and service, than in a poky 4 star hotel, which has been over rated, as it has one exercise bike, taking it up a league to 4 star, when it has tiny poorly maintained rooms.
Certainly as a business traveller I could not have found better to meet my needs, and consider myself very fortunate and look forward to both staying here more as well as using the facilities once I am fully established here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2007, Zenblue100 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Stayed one night on business found to be comfortable, my room was quite dated but clean. Shower over the bath but with great water pressure.
No wireless only dial up connection. But the service was 5 star very efficient and so helpful.
I only had breakfast at the hotel but it was excellent with a buffet and menu and again good service. Also a great bar with character.
Walk into town is only 5 to 10 mins but quite a steep hill, at least it helps to work off the dinner from the restaurants in town. Definitely value for money and I would stay there again.
No wireless only dial up connection. But the service was 5 star very efficient and so helpful.
I only had breakfast at the hotel but it was excellent with a buffet and menu and again good service. Also a great bar with character.
Walk into town is only 5 to 10 mins but quite a steep hill, at least it helps to work off the dinner from the restaurants in town. Definitely value for money and I would stay there again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2007, Susie2201 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
We've just returned from a two night stay. I am renowned for being fussy and find faults all too easily. So, here we go…
We travel quite a bit and so I know to ask for a refurbished room if the hotel is getting on a bit. It's sad to read a previous review that the room was tatty and the noise from the party unacceptable. I'm sure had they asked to be moved to a different room they would have been without much trouble if the hotel was not full. But, perhaps with a party going on this may not have been possible.
We had a lovely room no. 302 which had recently been refurbished. It was bright, clean and plenty big enough. It had an enormous bed, a two seater sofa, big bathroom and a balcony with a table and two chairs. A simple thing which I appreciated was that there were load of hangers in the wardrobe. All too often you only get 4-5.There wasn't a double plug by the kettle which meant if the TV was on we couldn't plug the kettle in and had to use a socket on the other side of the room with the kettle on the floor. But this is being petty.
In some areas the hotel does look its age though they are gradually refurbishing throughout. The main reception, lounge, conservatory and bar have been completed as have some of the bedrooms.
We lunched the first day in the bar / outside patio area and the sandwiches were fabulous. That night we decided to stay at the hotel for dinner. The dining room is huge and I found this not very cosy. I thought that perhaps it could be split somehow to make it look less like a function room. But, it was spotlessly clean and bright, with lovely fresh flowers on all the tables and the waiting staff were friendly and efficient. The menu wasn't very exciting; simple choices which could be easily prepared, cooked and presented. Only complaint on the first night was I ordered a sherry trifle. When it arrived it was in a glass and looked like something you'd give out at a children’s party. No sherry and no trifle sponges; just fruit jelly, custard and cream.
However, we did opt to eat in the hotel again the following night as the menu was slightly more interesting. Again, the food was well cooked, tasty and pleasantly presented. Pudding option this time was a cheese board; served on individual boards and that was a nice touch.
Remember this is only a 3* hotel. It is clean, comfortable, nice staff and near to town (albeit at the top of a hill). We will definitely stay here again and hope that the nights we book there are no parties. But, best is to check when you book just in case and ask for a refurbished room. We travel quite often to either Guernsey or Jersey and have stayed at a number of hotels of varying status. OGH has a good reputation and you pay considerably more. St Pierre Park is appalling and I wouldn't board my cat there. It’s a bit pot luck and anywhere can be either exceptional or disappointing. We walked out of the St Pierre Park but others who have reviewed the hotel thought it wonderful. So, it’s just a case of try and see but if you aren’t happy then do speak out and voice you views. Otherwise the hotel won’t know and they will definitely want to be aware of any praises or complaints.
We travel quite a bit and so I know to ask for a refurbished room if the hotel is getting on a bit. It's sad to read a previous review that the room was tatty and the noise from the party unacceptable. I'm sure had they asked to be moved to a different room they would have been without much trouble if the hotel was not full. But, perhaps with a party going on this may not have been possible.
We had a lovely room no. 302 which had recently been refurbished. It was bright, clean and plenty big enough. It had an enormous bed, a two seater sofa, big bathroom and a balcony with a table and two chairs. A simple thing which I appreciated was that there were load of hangers in the wardrobe. All too often you only get 4-5.There wasn't a double plug by the kettle which meant if the TV was on we couldn't plug the kettle in and had to use a socket on the other side of the room with the kettle on the floor. But this is being petty.
In some areas the hotel does look its age though they are gradually refurbishing throughout. The main reception, lounge, conservatory and bar have been completed as have some of the bedrooms.
We lunched the first day in the bar / outside patio area and the sandwiches were fabulous. That night we decided to stay at the hotel for dinner. The dining room is huge and I found this not very cosy. I thought that perhaps it could be split somehow to make it look less like a function room. But, it was spotlessly clean and bright, with lovely fresh flowers on all the tables and the waiting staff were friendly and efficient. The menu wasn't very exciting; simple choices which could be easily prepared, cooked and presented. Only complaint on the first night was I ordered a sherry trifle. When it arrived it was in a glass and looked like something you'd give out at a children’s party. No sherry and no trifle sponges; just fruit jelly, custard and cream.
However, we did opt to eat in the hotel again the following night as the menu was slightly more interesting. Again, the food was well cooked, tasty and pleasantly presented. Pudding option this time was a cheese board; served on individual boards and that was a nice touch.
Remember this is only a 3* hotel. It is clean, comfortable, nice staff and near to town (albeit at the top of a hill). We will definitely stay here again and hope that the nights we book there are no parties. But, best is to check when you book just in case and ask for a refurbished room. We travel quite often to either Guernsey or Jersey and have stayed at a number of hotels of varying status. OGH has a good reputation and you pay considerably more. St Pierre Park is appalling and I wouldn't board my cat there. It’s a bit pot luck and anywhere can be either exceptional or disappointing. We walked out of the St Pierre Park but others who have reviewed the hotel thought it wonderful. So, it’s just a case of try and see but if you aren’t happy then do speak out and voice you views. Otherwise the hotel won’t know and they will definitely want to be aware of any praises or complaints.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2007, FrancoPhile17 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Booked into the hotel by my Company's domestic travel department for eight nights, I was delighted to find that the Richmond was rated so highly on Trip Advisor and can only agree with all the positive comments. I must have spent two years of my working life in hotels and cannot recall any hotel which has left me with greater satisfaction given that I would always prefer home comforts to staying away on business. Particular mention must be made of its level of service to guests and its quality of food as both exemplary and a credit to the establishment. For a three star rating it delivers in spades.
Though booked into a basic room with no view, it was quite satisfactory and quiet (superior rooms must enjoy a fine panorama); the public areas create a feeling of space compared to the restrictions of more modern establishments where every square foot is a cost; breakfast and dinner met all my expectations and it was interesting to note that the number of diners went from twenty to eighty overnight yet there was no discernable change to quality of food or service. Very commendable. Yet it was the small things which made this experience different. Warm and friendly staff on the front desk; teamwork in the restaurant and friendliness from those involved in room service. Simple things yet often under-delivered in the quest for greater efficiency and cost-control.
I look forward to my next visit to Guensey when I shall request the Richmond rather than have it chosen for me.
Though booked into a basic room with no view, it was quite satisfactory and quiet (superior rooms must enjoy a fine panorama); the public areas create a feeling of space compared to the restrictions of more modern establishments where every square foot is a cost; breakfast and dinner met all my expectations and it was interesting to note that the number of diners went from twenty to eighty overnight yet there was no discernable change to quality of food or service. Very commendable. Yet it was the small things which made this experience different. Warm and friendly staff on the front desk; teamwork in the restaurant and friendliness from those involved in room service. Simple things yet often under-delivered in the quest for greater efficiency and cost-control.
I look forward to my next visit to Guensey when I shall request the Richmond rather than have it chosen for me.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk