Local Reviews
In August 2021, mwwindsor said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Our deluxe sea view room was extremely small and we had to pay to upgrade to a better room in order to be able to move around comfortably. The rooms are tired and in need of updating in terms of furnishings and fittings. I have not ever seen as much limescale on taps and this really needs to be addressed. We could hear the TV from the room next door most of the time which meant very thin walls.
The staff in the dining room at breakfast really need some training and direction. It may be better not to have them read from a script to ask you if you had slept well and let them be a bit more natural so they can focus on what they are doing. Each morning at breakfast we had long waits to get tea and coffee and generally had to ask at least one more time, sometimes twice. The food orders often got mixed up and seemed to go to the wrong table and there seemed to be a state of confusion most mornings. There was zero atmosphere, so quiet you felt you could not have a conversation so we didnt try it for evening meals.
The outside terrace is seriously under utilized and needs a spruce up and an injection of some soul to make guests want to sit and have a drink. There was one very nice bar man who tried very hard to give the space some life but the space is not appealing as it stands. On a nice sunny day and with the view down to the sea it should have been buzzing but this will only happen if they invest in updating and cleaning.
Some of the Reception staff were very nice but one in particular seemed to take issue with anything that was asked of her. The Hotel advertises free parking but there are about 5 spaces (none of which were available) and otherwise you have to find parking in the road and rent the parking dial system from the hotel - parking dials can be for 2 or 10 hours depending on where in the road you park so you are constantly having to worry about moving your car.
There is a lot of potential but not without some investment in fixtures, fittings and staff training.
The staff in the dining room at breakfast really need some training and direction. It may be better not to have them read from a script to ask you if you had slept well and let them be a bit more natural so they can focus on what they are doing. Each morning at breakfast we had long waits to get tea and coffee and generally had to ask at least one more time, sometimes twice. The food orders often got mixed up and seemed to go to the wrong table and there seemed to be a state of confusion most mornings. There was zero atmosphere, so quiet you felt you could not have a conversation so we didnt try it for evening meals.
The outside terrace is seriously under utilized and needs a spruce up and an injection of some soul to make guests want to sit and have a drink. There was one very nice bar man who tried very hard to give the space some life but the space is not appealing as it stands. On a nice sunny day and with the view down to the sea it should have been buzzing but this will only happen if they invest in updating and cleaning.
Some of the Reception staff were very nice but one in particular seemed to take issue with anything that was asked of her. The Hotel advertises free parking but there are about 5 spaces (none of which were available) and otherwise you have to find parking in the road and rent the parking dial system from the hotel - parking dials can be for 2 or 10 hours depending on where in the road you park so you are constantly having to worry about moving your car.
There is a lot of potential but not without some investment in fixtures, fittings and staff training.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2021, MisterTrick said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
My wife and I stayed at this hotel for a few days as the base to explore some of the Channel Islands. The Duke of Richmond is an old-fashioned hotel but I mean that as a compliment. Service was excellent - it's a while since I had a proper turn-down service at a hotel. The bed was amazingly comfortable - and large. We ate dinner in the restaurant a couple of times and the food was wonderful. There's plenty of fish on the menu as you would expect from the location. We had breakfast on the terrace of our room and that was lovely too. The attention to detail was impressive; for instance each piece of fruit in the fruit selection was cut cleanly and was perfectly ripe. We had a most enjoyable stay here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2021, Steve Q said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
Spent a week here whilst we visited our son. My wife is partially disabled and we hired a scooter for her to get around, first problem the entrance was all steps no disabled access.
Reception was good and very impressive. The room we were allocated I will describe as compact, especially the bathroom but did come with good quality towels and bedding with the hotels initials on. On the second day we returned to the room after breakfast to find the teapot had not been emptied, neither had the waste paper basket and there was still toothpaste in the sink. The biggest complaint was a face flannel with 4/5 tea and coffee stains on. As we had drunk only one cup of tea the flannel had been used in other rooms to clean the cups in those rooms. After a complaint to the duty manager a tray of fresh fruit appeared in the room. Only problem then was after 3 days the strawberries had mold on
The next problem for us was that entry to the restaurant was up three flights of stairs, it would appear that the disability act is not applicable to hotels in Guernsey.
We chose the conservatory for breakfast most mornings, several of the tiles were cracked and the chairs had chips out of them. The cold food was good and a plentiful supply, tea and coffee always took a long time to arrive and we did experience problems with the hot food. A cheese omlette came without the cheese, when that happened a second time it was it was sent back. We had got into the habit of asking for extra cheese to make sure we did get some cheese. I know it was written down on our order as I watched the server write it down. The staff were very young and lacked experience but all very polite. A special mention goes to Chlaris always a pleasure to be served by her. To be fair we did receive a discount on our final bill for our problems. A nice touch though was the hotel is part of a chain and all the staff wore red carnations
Would we visit Guernsey again YES we loved the place. Would we visit The Richmond again NO a very expensive 4 star hotel that needs some TLC and the problems sorting out and quickly before all the guests return
Reception was good and very impressive. The room we were allocated I will describe as compact, especially the bathroom but did come with good quality towels and bedding with the hotels initials on. On the second day we returned to the room after breakfast to find the teapot had not been emptied, neither had the waste paper basket and there was still toothpaste in the sink. The biggest complaint was a face flannel with 4/5 tea and coffee stains on. As we had drunk only one cup of tea the flannel had been used in other rooms to clean the cups in those rooms. After a complaint to the duty manager a tray of fresh fruit appeared in the room. Only problem then was after 3 days the strawberries had mold on
The next problem for us was that entry to the restaurant was up three flights of stairs, it would appear that the disability act is not applicable to hotels in Guernsey.
We chose the conservatory for breakfast most mornings, several of the tiles were cracked and the chairs had chips out of them. The cold food was good and a plentiful supply, tea and coffee always took a long time to arrive and we did experience problems with the hot food. A cheese omlette came without the cheese, when that happened a second time it was it was sent back. We had got into the habit of asking for extra cheese to make sure we did get some cheese. I know it was written down on our order as I watched the server write it down. The staff were very young and lacked experience but all very polite. A special mention goes to Chlaris always a pleasure to be served by her. To be fair we did receive a discount on our final bill for our problems. A nice touch though was the hotel is part of a chain and all the staff wore red carnations
Would we visit Guernsey again YES we loved the place. Would we visit The Richmond again NO a very expensive 4 star hotel that needs some TLC and the problems sorting out and quickly before all the guests return
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2021, Andrew B said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
We drove off the ferry and got to the hotel with 5 minutes. We were met at the door by a very kind member of staff who helped us in with our luggage.
Unlike the Old Government House, which this is a sister hotel of, the gentleman couldn’t park my car and there were only 6 spaces in the designated area. I was told to leave in the unloading bay and make sure to leave before 10am for fear of the traffic wardens.
We had our dogs with us and the hotels refreshing approach to them is a real game changer for travellers who take their dogs with them. We were able to eat in the Jaguar Bar with the dogs and we were offered dog beds for them for the room. There is a park directly across from the hotel which makes toilet breaks easy and a good size to give them a walk.
The food was very good. The stand out was the home made apple crumble. It was to die for but huge however please keep it that way because although I gained weight it was so tasty (better with vanilla ice cream and lots of it).
Our room was 107 and had a big bed and a bathroom. I would say it was more of a 4 star for the room itself. The bed was a good size but you’d struggle to spend much time in their for a whole day because of the size and lack of seating area. This was an upgraded room as well so ask what larger rooms there are if you need to work.
Unlike the Old Government House, which this is a sister hotel of, the gentleman couldn’t park my car and there were only 6 spaces in the designated area. I was told to leave in the unloading bay and make sure to leave before 10am for fear of the traffic wardens.
We had our dogs with us and the hotels refreshing approach to them is a real game changer for travellers who take their dogs with them. We were able to eat in the Jaguar Bar with the dogs and we were offered dog beds for them for the room. There is a park directly across from the hotel which makes toilet breaks easy and a good size to give them a walk.
The food was very good. The stand out was the home made apple crumble. It was to die for but huge however please keep it that way because although I gained weight it was so tasty (better with vanilla ice cream and lots of it).
Our room was 107 and had a big bed and a bathroom. I would say it was more of a 4 star for the room itself. The bed was a good size but you’d struggle to spend much time in their for a whole day because of the size and lack of seating area. This was an upgraded room as well so ask what larger rooms there are if you need to work.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2021, Gaynor L said about Duke of Richmond Hotel
All my family came to visit for my wedding and we all had a great time. They loved the hotel and especially the food which they described as outstanding (well done chef!)
I had Sunday dinner with them and it was stunning!
Thanks all for making it a special few days
I had Sunday dinner with them and it was stunning!
Thanks all for making it a special few days
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2011, philippa1 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We stayed at the OGH for a week at the end of June and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We had a lovely sea-view room with balcony, and although our bathroom was a bit on the small side it was immaculate and we loved the l'occitaine toiletries, big soft towels, bathrobes and slippers. The staff at this hotel are second to none - we were greeted by name each morning, each and every one was polite and courteous and we felt very well looked after .
The Brasserie, where we had breakfast each morning, was lovely, and we actually dined there on four occasions during our stay - we usually prefer to try out the local restaurants when we go on holiday - but the food was so good we were happy to 'eat in' as it were. Our only observation (not a complaint!) was that sometimes we found the dining room a little quiet and thought maybe some tasteful background music would have helped.
We would recommend the OGH to anyone visiting Guernsey - it should have a 5th star!
The Brasserie, where we had breakfast each morning, was lovely, and we actually dined there on four occasions during our stay - we usually prefer to try out the local restaurants when we go on holiday - but the food was so good we were happy to 'eat in' as it were. Our only observation (not a complaint!) was that sometimes we found the dining room a little quiet and thought maybe some tasteful background music would have helped.
We would recommend the OGH to anyone visiting Guernsey - it should have a 5th star!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2011, Bridget P said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Wow what a hotel you are treated like the queen all the time staff are extremely friendly and polite. the breakfast is fantastic and nothing is too much trouble. The room we had was luxurious and the service to the room was amazing. The gym and spa are tucked away down stairs but for me it was lovely to have the feeling that you were the only one that knew it was there what a treat. Luxury!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2011, Macoba said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Rooms – excellent – we had a wonderful spacious room the first night but a rubbish view, then a small room the rest of the stay, with an absolutely superb view of the harbour and the other islands, as the front rooms with the views are not all suites. This equalled it out and the price seemed fair enough with the 4 nights for 3 deal.
A rather strange excuse why our room wasn’t ready – “Oh sorry, we thought it was one person so we have to prepare it for two.” Prepare such a spacious room for two?
I was impressed that they warned us about the noisy music from a wedding reception below our room on the Saturday evening, and said it would end at 2300, which it did, on the dot.
Room IT system – the slowest and most user-unfriendly TV-centered internet and music system we’ve ever seen – I hope the hotel didn’t pay too much for whoever conned them into buying it.
Spa and treatments – brilliant. Worth staying here just for that.
Brasserie restaurant – excellent. Governor’s Restaurant – 7-course menu very good, but they tried to overcharge us by over £100 (inc the service charge on the overcharge). As soon as the waiter saw us scrutinising the bill, which seemed a bit high, he whipped it away with an “Oh sorry, I’ve made a mistake.” They had charged us for 2 bottles of dessert wine at c.£50 each instead of 2 glasses at c.£5. Who ever has a bottle of dessert wine each? Seems a rather careless mistake to make, and I would have expected a more embarrassed and fulsome apology!
Staff – excellent, except a last minute glitch – the reception staff sent us on a wild goose chase costing £10 by taxi when we urgently needed a pharmacy on a Sunday when the shops are closed. The reception staff did their best, but they just didn’t have the knowledge. In the end I had to get hold of a Sunday paper and see which pharmacies were on duty on Sunday and which time they were open, which the staff could have done in the first place (and so could I, if I’d known the staff were so unknowledgeable).
A rather strange excuse why our room wasn’t ready – “Oh sorry, we thought it was one person so we have to prepare it for two.” Prepare such a spacious room for two?
I was impressed that they warned us about the noisy music from a wedding reception below our room on the Saturday evening, and said it would end at 2300, which it did, on the dot.
Room IT system – the slowest and most user-unfriendly TV-centered internet and music system we’ve ever seen – I hope the hotel didn’t pay too much for whoever conned them into buying it.
Spa and treatments – brilliant. Worth staying here just for that.
Brasserie restaurant – excellent. Governor’s Restaurant – 7-course menu very good, but they tried to overcharge us by over £100 (inc the service charge on the overcharge). As soon as the waiter saw us scrutinising the bill, which seemed a bit high, he whipped it away with an “Oh sorry, I’ve made a mistake.” They had charged us for 2 bottles of dessert wine at c.£50 each instead of 2 glasses at c.£5. Who ever has a bottle of dessert wine each? Seems a rather careless mistake to make, and I would have expected a more embarrassed and fulsome apology!
Staff – excellent, except a last minute glitch – the reception staff sent us on a wild goose chase costing £10 by taxi when we urgently needed a pharmacy on a Sunday when the shops are closed. The reception staff did their best, but they just didn’t have the knowledge. In the end I had to get hold of a Sunday paper and see which pharmacies were on duty on Sunday and which time they were open, which the staff could have done in the first place (and so could I, if I’d known the staff were so unknowledgeable).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, Terry W said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We made our first visit to Guernsey and chose, upon recommendation from a friend, to stay at the OGH (as it is known). What a superb hotel - welcoming and friendly helpful staff, spotlessly clean, lovely rooms with good facilities with a first class restaurant - what more do you want to complement a short break on a beautiful island? The management (Red Carnation Group) clearly believe in what their publicity says - they pay 'close attention to every detail' in every respect and deserve continued success. We cannot wait to make a second visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, Suzanne H said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
OGH as it is known was once a down at heel hotel. However over the last 10 years vast amounts of money have been spent on refurbishing. It is now a Red Carnation Hotel. Long may it remain. The bedrooms, service, food and spa facilities, as well as the heated outdoor pool, are excellent. If you are lucky enough to have a sea view room the stay is complete.
2 mins walk (down hill) from the main shopping area of St. Peter Port with it's staggeringly beautiful harbour side.
The recently added Crown Bar is the icing on the icing on the cake.
2 mins walk (down hill) from the main shopping area of St. Peter Port with it's staggeringly beautiful harbour side.
The recently added Crown Bar is the icing on the icing on the cake.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk