Local Reviews
In July 2016, ANNE MARIE N said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
First time to stay in this wonderful 5 star,centrally located hotel,one of the many hotels in the Red Carnation group .Also our first time to visit Guernsey which is spectacular.
The hotel staff were extremely helpful,professional,polite,pleasant and friendly.Our flight home was cancelled at the last minute and accommodation on the island would have been hard to get but one phone call to the hotel manager,Mr.Andrew Chantrell,and we were sorted immediately.He is ably assisted by the deputy manager, Gareth Byrne and together they make a great team.I often noticed them engaging with staff and guests during our stay which is rare these days.
The decor and layout of the hotel are fabulous-lots of interesting framed photos,paintings,ornaments throughout.Furniture is exquisite and public rooms most inviting.Private transportation to and from the airport arranged by the hotel was prompt and comfortable. Breakfast was a real feast.Do try the Irish Benedict-a real Gaelic twist on eggs benedict!
The heated outdoor swimming pool is most inviting and waiter service there was frequent and quick.Large jugs of fresh mint/lemon iced water are constantly available by the pool,again a rarity in hotels of this calibre.
Our bedroom was spacious and the turn-down service included a different nibble of some kind every evening-eg.sweets,biscuits etc.Toiletries are by l'Occitane,another treat.I can't wait to return!.
The hotel staff were extremely helpful,professional,polite,pleasant and friendly.Our flight home was cancelled at the last minute and accommodation on the island would have been hard to get but one phone call to the hotel manager,Mr.Andrew Chantrell,and we were sorted immediately.He is ably assisted by the deputy manager, Gareth Byrne and together they make a great team.I often noticed them engaging with staff and guests during our stay which is rare these days.
The decor and layout of the hotel are fabulous-lots of interesting framed photos,paintings,ornaments throughout.Furniture is exquisite and public rooms most inviting.Private transportation to and from the airport arranged by the hotel was prompt and comfortable. Breakfast was a real feast.Do try the Irish Benedict-a real Gaelic twist on eggs benedict!
The heated outdoor swimming pool is most inviting and waiter service there was frequent and quick.Large jugs of fresh mint/lemon iced water are constantly available by the pool,again a rarity in hotels of this calibre.
Our bedroom was spacious and the turn-down service included a different nibble of some kind every evening-eg.sweets,biscuits etc.Toiletries are by l'Occitane,another treat.I can't wait to return!.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Alex S said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
5 of us stayed at DOR. It can be challenging for hotels to accomodate all of our needs including my sister's many allergies and my mother asking for her medication to be stored etc, but all staff were brilliant, including Marie-Claire, Fiachra and Ben at reception. Thank you all!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, John B said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Hadn't been in the Hotel for upwards of 15 years and the change is amazing we had afternoon tea in the Leopard Bar which was exceedingly good the food was very good with a chioce of savouries which we have never had before including a home made samosa and sausage roll which were delicious all home made cakes and a very good choice of teas, all in all a very pleasant afternoon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Dogberry1258 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
An attractive location but just so expensive for a fairly routine menu much of which is the same year in year out. The staff are lovely but the food is just okay - nothing awful, nothing stunning, but expensive. Sorry, I want to like it more.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Mike C said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Just back home after celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary at the DoR. Really glad we chose this hotel for our first trip to Guernsey, professional knowledgeable staff who all (without exception) clearly know how to make you feel welcome, from the front desk to the dining room and everywhere in between!
Breakfast was just superb, I like a 'Full English' and it didn't dissapoint! There's also a Continental Option with something to suit everyone.
Although we were not in the hotel most of the day as busy out exploring the Island, it was lovely to come back to a secluded heated pool for the last few hours of sunshine.
Easy to get to this hotel from the Airport, there's the bus into the nearby town, but a taxi is just 10 pounds and the taxi drivers are friendly and entertaining!
The hotel is at the top of a hill, which for us was not a problem as we're pretty fit (well we are now!) And the walk down is through the very pretty Candie Gardens, the walk back up is somewhat slower but a great way to work off all the over indulgence! Taxi would only be a few pounds and the hotel really is ideally located.
Will we go back? I very much hope so.......
Breakfast was just superb, I like a 'Full English' and it didn't dissapoint! There's also a Continental Option with something to suit everyone.
Although we were not in the hotel most of the day as busy out exploring the Island, it was lovely to come back to a secluded heated pool for the last few hours of sunshine.
Easy to get to this hotel from the Airport, there's the bus into the nearby town, but a taxi is just 10 pounds and the taxi drivers are friendly and entertaining!
The hotel is at the top of a hill, which for us was not a problem as we're pretty fit (well we are now!) And the walk down is through the very pretty Candie Gardens, the walk back up is somewhat slower but a great way to work off all the over indulgence! Taxi would only be a few pounds and the hotel really is ideally located.
Will we go back? I very much hope so.......
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Gabriela S said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Having returned the 25th time to the DOR it again was a wonderful stay in all ways. The hotel is well maintained, the friendliness of the staff fantastic. Especially the restaurant and bar are very well taken care of by Olga, Orlando and their teams.
As the sun was shining nearly all three weeks, my vacations have been very relaxing and also diversified. The meeting of interesting people in the DOR is also an important base of a marvelous holiday. I already look forward to my next trip and hope to meet everybody again in good health.
As the sun was shining nearly all three weeks, my vacations have been very relaxing and also diversified. The meeting of interesting people in the DOR is also an important base of a marvelous holiday. I already look forward to my next trip and hope to meet everybody again in good health.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, AdelaideAnna said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
We stayed for 5 nights in August, felt very much at home and thoroughly enjoyed it.
LOCATION:
A 5-10 minute walk downhill to St Peter Port high street and the harbour (ferries, etc). (and a walk uphill on the way back!). We enjoyed this, and the superb views, but if you want to be right in the heart of the high street, I think the Old Government House (sister hotel) would be the go.
ROOM:
We had a nice spacious room, 315. Quiet, we slept beautifully, and lots of natural light during the day. My two children were with me so we had an extra bed, this all worked well.
Amenities were average but the junior suites have L'Occitane which I love (suite envy!). There is a comical 60s hairdryer in the bathroom but a good one in the wardrobe.
We didn't have much of a mini-bar, which was fine. Nescafe coffee sachets - I would prefer a French Press or some other option, but was able to get a good coffee in the bar so all fine.
BAR and RESTAURANT:
The bar is lovely and cosy, ideal for cooler months. In August though we loved being out on the terrace and ate here as often as we could. Breakfast was lovely in the atrium (or outside), a generous buffet and excellent cooked breakfast - I had the eggs and bacon and the kids loved the pancakes. Seafood is a specialty so we had this for dinner often, with a good kids menu also. Desserts were beautifully executed, almost too fancy (Eton Mess was a work of art, with flowers, raspberry sorbet and tiny meringues, a fair leap from the simple 'mess' of strawberries, cream and meringues). The Guernsey butter and cream is exceptional, so we ate it whenever we could! The cream tea with scones was beautiful. They also do an amazing-looking high tea.
Special mention to Olga who does a great job running the restaurant, and Krisztina, super friendly and helpful. Some of the staff look a little tentative, hopefully time and/or training will give the bustling efficiency needed.
POOL
We were lucky enough to have good swimming weather - the pool is lovely, a little tucked away but works well. It's not staffed, but occasionally a staff-member will come and fill up the water and provide towels. Suited us well.
RECEPTION
All the Reception staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating. My husband has been staying at the hotel for some months (!) so that probably helps as they know him well, but even still I found them invariably polite and they've been with the hotel for some time which I always think is a good sign.
Overall a great place to stay and enjoy Guernsey.
LOCATION:
A 5-10 minute walk downhill to St Peter Port high street and the harbour (ferries, etc). (and a walk uphill on the way back!). We enjoyed this, and the superb views, but if you want to be right in the heart of the high street, I think the Old Government House (sister hotel) would be the go.
ROOM:
We had a nice spacious room, 315. Quiet, we slept beautifully, and lots of natural light during the day. My two children were with me so we had an extra bed, this all worked well.
Amenities were average but the junior suites have L'Occitane which I love (suite envy!). There is a comical 60s hairdryer in the bathroom but a good one in the wardrobe.
We didn't have much of a mini-bar, which was fine. Nescafe coffee sachets - I would prefer a French Press or some other option, but was able to get a good coffee in the bar so all fine.
BAR and RESTAURANT:
The bar is lovely and cosy, ideal for cooler months. In August though we loved being out on the terrace and ate here as often as we could. Breakfast was lovely in the atrium (or outside), a generous buffet and excellent cooked breakfast - I had the eggs and bacon and the kids loved the pancakes. Seafood is a specialty so we had this for dinner often, with a good kids menu also. Desserts were beautifully executed, almost too fancy (Eton Mess was a work of art, with flowers, raspberry sorbet and tiny meringues, a fair leap from the simple 'mess' of strawberries, cream and meringues). The Guernsey butter and cream is exceptional, so we ate it whenever we could! The cream tea with scones was beautiful. They also do an amazing-looking high tea.
Special mention to Olga who does a great job running the restaurant, and Krisztina, super friendly and helpful. Some of the staff look a little tentative, hopefully time and/or training will give the bustling efficiency needed.
POOL
We were lucky enough to have good swimming weather - the pool is lovely, a little tucked away but works well. It's not staffed, but occasionally a staff-member will come and fill up the water and provide towels. Suited us well.
RECEPTION
All the Reception staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating. My husband has been staying at the hotel for some months (!) so that probably helps as they know him well, but even still I found them invariably polite and they've been with the hotel for some time which I always think is a good sign.
Overall a great place to stay and enjoy Guernsey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Andy G said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
There's another review for this hotel titled "Overpriced and Overrated". After 3 separate visits to the DoR over the last 2 years, I can assure anyone it's definitely not overpriced and it's absolutely not overrated. In fact as family, which includes my wife who has travelled the world, we regard it as one of the nicest hotels we've ever stayed in. And we look forward to returning the next time we visit Guernsey.
The staff are amongst the most accommodating I have ever experienced, the breakfasts and restaurant are fab, the rooms are lovely, the location is great. It's just a really lovely atmosphere. We cannot understand how the OGH (the DoR's sister hotel where we also stayed once), is rated 5 stars and the DoR 4. The DoR wins hands down on every level.
Throughly recommended.
The staff are amongst the most accommodating I have ever experienced, the breakfasts and restaurant are fab, the rooms are lovely, the location is great. It's just a really lovely atmosphere. We cannot understand how the OGH (the DoR's sister hotel where we also stayed once), is rated 5 stars and the DoR 4. The DoR wins hands down on every level.
Throughly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2016, LindaBSevenoaks said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
We booked a 3 night break at this Hotel, on arrival we received a warm welcome and were promptly shown to our Room, it was delightful, well appointed, spotlessly clean and well supplied with both toiletries and refreshments. Traditional and impeccable service was received from all staff, throughout our stay,it was very refreshing in today's trend of impersonal service in bland hotels. Our whole experience was something quite rare and special.
Breakfast was very good with, choices of hot & cold food, from croissants to kippers plus the usual Full English, all served with care and attention.
We only ate dinner once in the hotel as we were out on other evenings but this experience was also quite special, delicious food and wine impeccably served in a very pleasant environment.
Overall we could not fault this lovely Hotel and all that it stands for. Would definitely hope to return another time and it really is hard to do it justice in just words.
Breakfast was very good with, choices of hot & cold food, from croissants to kippers plus the usual Full English, all served with care and attention.
We only ate dinner once in the hotel as we were out on other evenings but this experience was also quite special, delicious food and wine impeccably served in a very pleasant environment.
Overall we could not fault this lovely Hotel and all that it stands for. Would definitely hope to return another time and it really is hard to do it justice in just words.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2016, 590janicel said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Sat at the airport writing this having reluctantly just checked out. My fiance and I have had the most fabulous week. I feel like I've been spoilt rotten all week by the staff at this hotel - they are just sooooooo friendly and accommodating. The little touches like the complementary juice at the pool, towels at the pool, water bottles at the door just adds to the whole experience. Afternoon tea and evening meal at the hotel was also fabulous. This was our first holiday on our own in 12 years of being together (we normally holiday with family) - thank you for making it so special for us x
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk