Local Reviews
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
In November 2013, 186254David_B said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
On arrival you know this is not yet another chain hotel where everything is the same and predicable - this is a hotel with character and a unique personality.
The greeting at reception could not have been more welcoming and professional. This welcome and desire to please and deliver came across with everyone memebr of staff I met - what a joy and breath of fresh air.
To say the hotel has it's own style would be an understatement - may not be to everyones choice, but I loved it!
A wonderful hotel with a wonderful set of people who's only objective is to make your stay memorable.
The greeting at reception could not have been more welcoming and professional. This welcome and desire to please and deliver came across with everyone memebr of staff I met - what a joy and breath of fresh air.
To say the hotel has it's own style would be an understatement - may not be to everyones choice, but I loved it!
A wonderful hotel with a wonderful set of people who's only objective is to make your stay memorable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2013, Wisebirdy said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
This hotel is ridiculous, the decor is so completely over the top the guests disappear into the mirrors or wallpaper. The dining room is Bet Lynch's wildest dream, everything was covered in leopard skin patterns including the furniture,the lounge black and white zebra theme it is supposed to be calming but not. Bedroom covered in huge brown flowers, we counted 16 pieces of furniture or was it 17? Comfortable but let down by the bathroom, cheap bath, dodgy shower and a toilet so close to the radiator you had to be very careful not to burn and there was a weird blue night light.
The food was very ordinary and expensive with add on service charges, and the service was extremely irritating, the staff are like robots who have learnt to be hospitable but don't understand why, so there is a constant stream wine, water topping up seemingly by everyone on duty, a constant stream of is everything alright for you? At breakfast we were served again by numerous staff but still found the drinks cold and the breakfast over cooked.
Was looking forward this but very disappointed.
The food was very ordinary and expensive with add on service charges, and the service was extremely irritating, the staff are like robots who have learnt to be hospitable but don't understand why, so there is a constant stream wine, water topping up seemingly by everyone on duty, a constant stream of is everything alright for you? At breakfast we were served again by numerous staff but still found the drinks cold and the breakfast over cooked.
Was looking forward this but very disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2014, Elaine M said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Overall I was really pleased with my stay. Cleanliness is excellent, and the position of the hotel is just close enough to the town.
A particular strength is the restaurant. The food was really excellent with a great atmosphere in the restaurant. Olga is amazing and a real dedicated person. It's so rare to find such a good member of staff. She really was exceptional. I have never highlighted a member of staff before, but she deserves it. The wine tasting was very good also, headed by Orlando.
There were a few minor faults -
The room was very cold when we arrived. We asked for advice on how to operate the heater but the first guy / porter sent to us had no idea and was a little unprofessional. I kept my coat on. Eventually a second guy came and showed us how it operated. This should have been set up before we arrived.
The headboard was not fixed in line with the bed, so I had a nice padded headboard behind me and my husband was leaning against the wood and the wall. A shame really when they obviously spent a lot a money on the room.
The room 317 was dark and you could not see inside the wardrobe and had to get down on your knees to see the safe. A light in the wardrobe would resolve this.
All in all the hotel is very good, particularly the restaurant and I would stay again.
A particular strength is the restaurant. The food was really excellent with a great atmosphere in the restaurant. Olga is amazing and a real dedicated person. It's so rare to find such a good member of staff. She really was exceptional. I have never highlighted a member of staff before, but she deserves it. The wine tasting was very good also, headed by Orlando.
There were a few minor faults -
The room was very cold when we arrived. We asked for advice on how to operate the heater but the first guy / porter sent to us had no idea and was a little unprofessional. I kept my coat on. Eventually a second guy came and showed us how it operated. This should have been set up before we arrived.
The headboard was not fixed in line with the bed, so I had a nice padded headboard behind me and my husband was leaning against the wood and the wall. A shame really when they obviously spent a lot a money on the room.
The room 317 was dark and you could not see inside the wardrobe and had to get down on your knees to see the safe. A light in the wardrobe would resolve this.
All in all the hotel is very good, particularly the restaurant and I would stay again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2014, Richard B said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Some rooms are a bit small but the comfortable bed makes up for it. Same owners as OGH and same excellent service - they kill you with kindness!! Ironed shirts for me and same day dry cleaning. Good breakfast and evening meals.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2017, Owly50 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
I arrived at the same time as a thunderstorm that caused some flooding on the island and so decided that I would not venture out that afternoon in the heavy rain, phoned down to see if I could get afternoon tea without booking and went down to find their summer promotion of the 'picnic' afternoon tea. As I was by myself, when it arrived I thought they had provided enough for two but (as I saw from others) it was just for one and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience (having decided to start with some fizz to take my mind off the rain). Well worth the relatively small charge.
The room as well was well worth the extra (Superior Double/Twin) as it gave me a fairly comfortable settee which came in handy as I had picked the four days of the month that had some rain in two of them! However I was able to get out and enjoy the island but in between was made to feel very welcome by all the staff I talked to, at reception, in the bar and restaurant and housekeeping. They had organised airport transfers for me which worked well and I took advantage of the turn down service which happened during my evening meal.
As I was only there for four nights (and didn't fancy the walk down and particularly uphill afterwards to St Peter Port in the evening I stayed in to eat. However, I was not disappointed as the food was great and there was enough menue choice with the specials to keep me going with different meals each evening. Unfortunately, due to the weather they were unable to run the weekly barbeque but the chef incorporated a little of that in the menue that night.
If there was one small point being by myself I was able to watch the serving staff and maitre de(s) during service and they were trying their best to see everyone very quickly but that was reflected in the speed of travel around the floor which at times looked frantic - suggest they to make haste slowly (or at least slower) it helps the digestion as far as I am concerned! Would not want to loose the feeling of wanting to help though as both the food and service were nearer 5 than 4 star quality with what seemed like plenty of staff on duty.
Good selection at breakfast although sometimes clearing dishes from the table was a bit slow, but I am being quite picky here!
Overall though a very enjoyable and comfortable stay and if that was four star I may have to try the groups five star alternative on the island! Thanks to all the team
The room as well was well worth the extra (Superior Double/Twin) as it gave me a fairly comfortable settee which came in handy as I had picked the four days of the month that had some rain in two of them! However I was able to get out and enjoy the island but in between was made to feel very welcome by all the staff I talked to, at reception, in the bar and restaurant and housekeeping. They had organised airport transfers for me which worked well and I took advantage of the turn down service which happened during my evening meal.
As I was only there for four nights (and didn't fancy the walk down and particularly uphill afterwards to St Peter Port in the evening I stayed in to eat. However, I was not disappointed as the food was great and there was enough menue choice with the specials to keep me going with different meals each evening. Unfortunately, due to the weather they were unable to run the weekly barbeque but the chef incorporated a little of that in the menue that night.
If there was one small point being by myself I was able to watch the serving staff and maitre de(s) during service and they were trying their best to see everyone very quickly but that was reflected in the speed of travel around the floor which at times looked frantic - suggest they to make haste slowly (or at least slower) it helps the digestion as far as I am concerned! Would not want to loose the feeling of wanting to help though as both the food and service were nearer 5 than 4 star quality with what seemed like plenty of staff on duty.
Good selection at breakfast although sometimes clearing dishes from the table was a bit slow, but I am being quite picky here!
Overall though a very enjoyable and comfortable stay and if that was four star I may have to try the groups five star alternative on the island! Thanks to all the team
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2017, Lheppie said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Just come back from 4 day stay .. fantastic relaxing hotel, great location anywhere in a taxi was only about 10/15 mins away..lovely food in the leopard room with excellent service, all the staff were very polite and well trained .. highly recommend!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2017, bmolley52 said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
We booked in for one night with a deluxe room looking out over the pool with a sea view. The room was not massive but had every thing you could wish for complete with a separate toilet.nothing was to much trouble for the staff always asking if everthing was ok.We dined in and what quality food we had freshly cooked and overall good price for the service given breakfast was up to a high standard with no faults at all we will be back
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk