Local Reviews
In May 2016, Al K said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Very centrally placed in St Peter Port with good views across roofs tops, or over to the sea. Great hotel, quiet rooms, lovely linens and towels and very pleasant bathrooms. The staff are attentive, helpful and efficient. This isn't cheap, but you are getting a top notch stay, perhaps for a special occasion.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, jemimapuddleduck612 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We visited Guernsey for the first time to attend a wedding and decided to book to stay at the island's only 5 star property. We were not disappointed.
The booking process was so refreshingly personal in a world of chains, we were able to complete a guest questionnaire to request items to be in our room before we arrived, or to ensure our newspaper was pre-ordered etc making checking in very quick indeed.
When we arrived at the hotel we were warmly greeted by the front office team who swiftly poured us glasses of sparkling wine and invited us to take a seat and enjoy the surroundings. We were offered a tour of the property which we declined due to being tired and wanting to find somewhere for dinner asap.
The hotel itself is wonderfully quaint and british. We were the youngest guests by far and I suspect that the main clientele of this property is retirees however this did not detract from our stay at all.
The staff were all utterly charming and could not do enough to help us and make sure that we were enjoying our stay. We had a drink at the bar one evening before going out to dinner and the atmosphere was lovely. We chose to eat outside the hotel during our stay as there are so many wonderful restaurants on the island and eating in a hotel restaurant is often a bit stale.
The room was beautiful, high attention to detail and we felt right at home. Breakfast was good, not great, but not the worst hotel breakfast we've ever had, and this could have been quite possibly the first place we've stayed where the toast was actually hot on arrival to the table!
We absolutely loved our stay here, and have already recommended the property to friends. I hope we will make a return visit soon - it's a real gem of a property.
The booking process was so refreshingly personal in a world of chains, we were able to complete a guest questionnaire to request items to be in our room before we arrived, or to ensure our newspaper was pre-ordered etc making checking in very quick indeed.
When we arrived at the hotel we were warmly greeted by the front office team who swiftly poured us glasses of sparkling wine and invited us to take a seat and enjoy the surroundings. We were offered a tour of the property which we declined due to being tired and wanting to find somewhere for dinner asap.
The hotel itself is wonderfully quaint and british. We were the youngest guests by far and I suspect that the main clientele of this property is retirees however this did not detract from our stay at all.
The staff were all utterly charming and could not do enough to help us and make sure that we were enjoying our stay. We had a drink at the bar one evening before going out to dinner and the atmosphere was lovely. We chose to eat outside the hotel during our stay as there are so many wonderful restaurants on the island and eating in a hotel restaurant is often a bit stale.
The room was beautiful, high attention to detail and we felt right at home. Breakfast was good, not great, but not the worst hotel breakfast we've ever had, and this could have been quite possibly the first place we've stayed where the toast was actually hot on arrival to the table!
We absolutely loved our stay here, and have already recommended the property to friends. I hope we will make a return visit soon - it's a real gem of a property.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, cleveland16@talktalk.net said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
MY daughter has been here several times, we went for a coffee, shown into a beautiful room, ordered a cafetière , It arrive, with lovely biscuits. Coffee delish ,so much calmer and nicer rather that going to the usual coffee shops, this also was only £4 for the two of us, and got 2 cups each out of pot. Will go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, Diana B said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We've stayed here a couple of times in recent years and found it a charming and gracious establishment, with helpful staff and excellent food. The rooms are well appointed and the grounds attractive with a nice outlook.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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