Local Reviews
In June 2012, grubber88 said about Doghouse, The
nice staff really friendly nothing too much trouble
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2019, Paddy S said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
When looking for a 5 star hotel in Guernsey you aren’t left with many options, in fact it’s just the Old Government House so that’s your lot. All things considered it’s not a bad lot to be left with if you’re up for a hotel that embraces tradition, a sense of the past and a touch of glamour from yesteryear! Ok it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea but we love it, mostly!
Rooms vary hugely in both style and size so take care when selecting your bedroom. We found the lead-in category rooms to be bright, well styled but just a little on the cramped size, a room category upgrade can give you so much more space and place you in a quieter location within the hotel. Staying in the summer heat also meant we were dependent on the AC which was patchy at best, but manageable. Overall we loved the old school feel of the hotel and the full sensory bombardment with bold clashing colours, patterns and clutter everywhere. Maybe this may grate over time but for a few days it was fun.
Dining at any of the hotels restaurants is always an event and the hotel embraces that sense of occasion. Lunch and dinner are popular amongst guests and visitors alike so can get busy. The biggest issue we found was to be with breakfast. The breakfast room itself is just lovely, with green and white striped fabric notes, a beautiful outlook over the gardens and when flooded with morning light it really does impress. The food offering is plentiful and will please any picky eaters and more than satisfy those looking for a full English! It’s the service where things tend to dip and that in a hotel of this standard it’s inexcusable. On two occasions our order was muddled, somethings arrived, others didn’t and items not ordered just appeared, which once is no problem but twice just painful. On the third morning one meal never arrived at all and the wait for condiments for the one that did so long the food went cold and had to be sent back. It’s clear with a high turn over of young (but enthusiastic) staff these problems are a constant issue for management to attempt to overcome.
So the hotel is lovely, and afternoons spent by the pool were welcome retreat after mornings on the beach. But the biggest asset for this hotel is its staff. Yes some lack confidence, training and a proper luxury hotel understanding, but all of them without question have warmth, kindness and the desire to please, which more than makes up for any real service issues. Highlights include the ladies on the front desk who were absolutely charming and the concierge whose realistic outlook on life was just too funny and left us in fits of giggles. For me the ability for staff to relate to their guests and the experience they are having is the real key to a great hotel and The Old Government House Hotel has that and more!
Rooms vary hugely in both style and size so take care when selecting your bedroom. We found the lead-in category rooms to be bright, well styled but just a little on the cramped size, a room category upgrade can give you so much more space and place you in a quieter location within the hotel. Staying in the summer heat also meant we were dependent on the AC which was patchy at best, but manageable. Overall we loved the old school feel of the hotel and the full sensory bombardment with bold clashing colours, patterns and clutter everywhere. Maybe this may grate over time but for a few days it was fun.
Dining at any of the hotels restaurants is always an event and the hotel embraces that sense of occasion. Lunch and dinner are popular amongst guests and visitors alike so can get busy. The biggest issue we found was to be with breakfast. The breakfast room itself is just lovely, with green and white striped fabric notes, a beautiful outlook over the gardens and when flooded with morning light it really does impress. The food offering is plentiful and will please any picky eaters and more than satisfy those looking for a full English! It’s the service where things tend to dip and that in a hotel of this standard it’s inexcusable. On two occasions our order was muddled, somethings arrived, others didn’t and items not ordered just appeared, which once is no problem but twice just painful. On the third morning one meal never arrived at all and the wait for condiments for the one that did so long the food went cold and had to be sent back. It’s clear with a high turn over of young (but enthusiastic) staff these problems are a constant issue for management to attempt to overcome.
So the hotel is lovely, and afternoons spent by the pool were welcome retreat after mornings on the beach. But the biggest asset for this hotel is its staff. Yes some lack confidence, training and a proper luxury hotel understanding, but all of them without question have warmth, kindness and the desire to please, which more than makes up for any real service issues. Highlights include the ladies on the front desk who were absolutely charming and the concierge whose realistic outlook on life was just too funny and left us in fits of giggles. For me the ability for staff to relate to their guests and the experience they are having is the real key to a great hotel and The Old Government House Hotel has that and more!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2019, Zory M said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Visited the Alpine Lodge with colleagues for a Christmas do. Lovely atmosphere, the warmest welcome, nice food, sumptuous chocolate fountain (thank you for sitting us next to it 😉). The best of all was as usual was the staff, and especially Maria for making sure everyone in the Lodge is comfortable and attended on time. Thank you, Maria, for your genuine smile and for making us all feel so good xxx
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2019, SWFUk said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Popped in here on the off chance for lunch yesterday. Greeted superbly by the staff who arranged a very nice table overlooking the sea. Grandson had fish and chips daughter had the lobster soup and I had fillet of plaice with mash and veg and a pesto sauce. We all agreed the food was absolutely gorgeous but what made the whole experience worthwhile was the wonderful waiter we had in the restaurant. Afterwards we had a look around and this is definitely a very nice hotel...thank you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2019, OzyChrisGreenman said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We had a voucher to use, and had wanted to try the curry house for a while. At £45/head for the food plus £6-7/beer, its not somewhere I would go regularly. Firstly the service was 5 star. Very nice, friendly and helpful.
However the curry was good, but not amazing. We were asked if we wanted it hot and we both said yes, but both dishes were pretty bland. The portions were huge, too much to finish, but I would have rathered more quality than quantity. We were too full to bother with desert, even though it was paid for anyway.
We had a very pleasent evening, but at £140 for two peoples food with 3 drinks each, I want to be at least a bit wowed with flavours.
However the curry was good, but not amazing. We were asked if we wanted it hot and we both said yes, but both dishes were pretty bland. The portions were huge, too much to finish, but I would have rathered more quality than quantity. We were too full to bother with desert, even though it was paid for anyway.
We had a very pleasent evening, but at £140 for two peoples food with 3 drinks each, I want to be at least a bit wowed with flavours.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2019, Inspiration223408 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We stayed 2 nights in December at the OGH, which seemed to be the best hotel in Guernsey. The location is excellent, very close to the city center. We asked for a room overlooking the harbor and balcony, which was assigned to us. Many thanks to Alberto, for his night work attending to our safety and to all the equipment (kitchen, housekeepers, etc). I will recommend it for sure.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2020, Jose M said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Stayed for a single night. Alberto (member as reception team) was brilliant - really friendly and helpful - arranged a few hours late check out at no extra cost.
Brasserie restaurant served great food I specially enjoyed the delicious cheescake yummi.
Really enjoyed my short stay and will be back.
Brasserie restaurant served great food I specially enjoyed the delicious cheescake yummi.
Really enjoyed my short stay and will be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2020, Counting_Boy said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
The location is very good - right in the centre of the town. There are some negatives that go with this, of course, such as none of the rooms being very big (we had a seaview king room) and the need for help with parking if you have a car.
The service was good, but prioritised formality over friendliness.
We had two breakfasts and one dinner - all excellent.
Quite expensive.
The service was good, but prioritised formality over friendliness.
We had two breakfasts and one dinner - all excellent.
Quite expensive.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2020, John B said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We were there for a one night winter warmer and must say we couldn’t fault it, we were welcomed at checkin with a nice glass of bubbly then taken to our room which was superb with sea views. My wife made use of the spa where I went to the bar for a quick g&t served by Saul a very friendly and efficient young man but I will say all the staff are superb, went back to the room for a quick shower then back to the bar for another g&t each then dinner in the brassiere which was very good indeed. This is our first actual stay at the hotel but we’ve used it for gin tastings and afternoon tea and absolutely love the place, looking forward to a wine tasting and two more gin tastings.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2020, Helen O said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Lovely hotel with great staff. Lots of thoughtful little extras to make you feel welcome. Great location - you can walk to the town and marina. Nice breakfast, good evening dinner menu. We had a very nice room with comfy bed and a great view. Book direct with hotel for the best price.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk