Local Reviews
In June 2014, Rosemary B said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
From the moment we arrived at this establishment we felt special. My husband and our 7 year old daughter spent a week here in August last year. For a five star hotel one expects the best, but the staff here went that little bit further to be helpful and kind. One of the Red Carnation hotels, dotted around the world, it was not a chain hotel but very individual. It had the atmosphere of a country residence retreat, we were surrounded by antiques and little touches that made one feel very comfortable. Our family room was large, with a lovely bathroom, small touches such as the fruit on arrival, gifts and toiletries were thoughtful. The grounds were pretty and overlooked the sea, the pool was nicely placed and relaxing and well attended by staff to pamper to your every whim. The dining room was quaint and elegant, and the service the same - nothing was too much trouble. The food was tasty and didn't over-face you. The staff spoilt my daughter, with large jars of sweets on the sideboard to help yourself to. We walked into the centre of St Peter Port, which was small and very pleasant. My daughter needed a non emergency appointment with a GP, she was seen in 30 mins by a Doctor on the top floor of Boots, it cost £50 but my daughter was looked after well. A point to remember that although the Channel Islands are in the UK they are not in the NHS, so its worth checking your holiday insurance if you are covered, we were with Natwest and weren't!! So please check before you go.
We plan to return here for absolute comfort and relaxation!
We plan to return here for absolute comfort and relaxation!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, Eddie C said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We have just returned from our second visit to the OGH and once again found it to be faultless at every level.
The staff and service at the hotel was exemplary. The upgrade of our room on arrival was unexpected but very thoughtful as was the card and cake awaiting in our room. The bedroom was well appointed, the public rooms were lovely and the breakfasts were wonderful with a large selection available.
All the staff we came into contact with were warm, friendly and nothing was too much trouble. A great credit to the hotel.
Thank you for a great break and we will definitely be back soon.
The staff and service at the hotel was exemplary. The upgrade of our room on arrival was unexpected but very thoughtful as was the card and cake awaiting in our room. The bedroom was well appointed, the public rooms were lovely and the breakfasts were wonderful with a large selection available.
All the staff we came into contact with were warm, friendly and nothing was too much trouble. A great credit to the hotel.
Thank you for a great break and we will definitely be back soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, Ian C said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We stayed here forty years ago on our honeymoon and decided to return. The staff made us very welcome and could not have been more helpful, arranging car hire, printing off boarding cards etc. Parking and fetching car everyone so very helpful.
The hotel is stylishly decorated and all the rooms individually furnished. Our room was at the front but very quiet, light and airy and again beautifully furnished. Our OGH experience was nothing but positive. Thanks to all concerned who assisted withe the various surprise I arranged for my wife.!!
The hotel is stylishly decorated and all the rooms individually furnished. Our room was at the front but very quiet, light and airy and again beautifully furnished. Our OGH experience was nothing but positive. Thanks to all concerned who assisted withe the various surprise I arranged for my wife.!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, Gill C said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We have just returned from a very special few days celebrating our ruby anniversary at this beautiful hotel. The staff had to keep from me a surprise appearance of our dear friends a feat which they accomplished with great sensitivity. Throughout our stay we felt that nothing was too much trouble and I include staff at every level in the hotel. This is a gracious hotel and I would recommend it unreservedly for its outstanding level of customer service.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, AGENT-DG said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
I had not intended to spend the night in Guernsey but I noticed fog rapidly descending whilst I waited for my flight. Not being sure if would be able to leave I telephoned the hotel, explained the situation and they were happy to reserve a room, WITHOUT any penalty should my flight actually leave. What a refreshing attitude...
The fog closed the airport so I took up the reservation and was greeted warmly and shown to my room. Sevewral minutes later the reception rang to see if the room was to my liking!
I had dinner at the Brasserie in the hotel, excellent, innovative cuisine and wonderful service.
On check in they offered to arrange an early morning taxi to the airport which I accepted. During dinner, I was approached and told that due to the aiprot closure that night taxis are in short supply the next morning and would I mind sharing my ride with another guest who was unable to book a taxi. Of course, I was more thna happy to do so but the point of this is that they REALLY care about their clients.
I have nothing but praise for this delightful establishment
The fog closed the airport so I took up the reservation and was greeted warmly and shown to my room. Sevewral minutes later the reception rang to see if the room was to my liking!
I had dinner at the Brasserie in the hotel, excellent, innovative cuisine and wonderful service.
On check in they offered to arrange an early morning taxi to the airport which I accepted. During dinner, I was approached and told that due to the aiprot closure that night taxis are in short supply the next morning and would I mind sharing my ride with another guest who was unable to book a taxi. Of course, I was more thna happy to do so but the point of this is that they REALLY care about their clients.
I have nothing but praise for this delightful establishment
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2018, Rob007London said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
An inauspicious start. Got to the front entrance of the hotel to see a sign saying the car park was in another street - but no directions to get there. Drove around for 10 minutes to find it. As we parked, a hotel courtesy bus pulled in behind us. I asked the driver how to get to reception with our luggage and he said we had to drive back there! He told us there were drivers to valet park - a shame none was visible when we'd driven past twice.
While waiting for our room to be prepared, I asked if it was possible to have a coffee and snack, and was taken to the restaurant. It was 1045. We were given a menu for food to be served from 12. When we enquired if it was the right menu, we were left while the waiter went to find out. He returned to say no, we needed to have something from the breakfast menu, and took the previous one from us. He then came back to say that in fact we should choose from the first menu he'd given us. so 15 minutes later, we finally each ordered a simple toasted sandwich - probably the most basic item on the menu. Thirty minutes later, still no food.
We were eventually told that there was a "system problem" in the kitchen, subsequently translated as the printer had stopped working. I'd ordered a sandwich, not a book, so it's a shame no staff member thought to check given we were the only guests in the room.
Our bedroom was very small, but we knew that would be the case from TA reviews. What we hadn't anticipated was the lurid red vinyl bed and headboard. It looked as if it had been borrowed from a Bangkok brothel. I initially wondered if it was a hallmark of the Red Carnation brand, but was told that each room was different with an individual character. Why anyone ever thought this extraordinarily grotesque item of furniture, totally overwhelming a tiny room, was in keeping with the gentility of Guernsey is an absolute mystery.
Thankfully there were some positives. The reception, bar staff and concierge were excellent. Friendly and helpful, they seemed genuinely keen to ensure we got the most out of our visit. By contrast, staff in the conservatory area were consistently poor. Restaurant waiters were good but the maitre d' spoke very loudly, totally overwhelming the atmosphere of the room. Singing in the middle of breakfast was a step too far. He seemed to think he was the ringmaster of a circus who needed to bellow his views and orders across the entire room.
Breakfast itself was very good. Boiled eggs were cooked exactly as requested and the buffet selection was wide-ranging and high quality. A slight disappointment was that local jams and honey were not served.
Dinner in the brasserie was excellent. Or so I thought until I had a badly upset stomach the following day. It may somehow have been a coincidence, and was certainly a shame, as the starter of lobster, main of Dover Sole and dessert of sublime honeycomb ice cream had been absolutely delicious.
When I next had dinner there, I reminded the staff several times that I am not able to eat any citrus. They assured me they had taken this on board. So why was there a huge chunk of lemon on the side of the plate? This typified the place - very, very mixed performance, with some moments of excellence but others of abject failure.
On a final positive note, when I had a chat with the duty manager before checking out, he was extremly receptive to my comments and discounted part of the price of one of the meals. A reasonable gesture, but not enough to persuade me to return.
While waiting for our room to be prepared, I asked if it was possible to have a coffee and snack, and was taken to the restaurant. It was 1045. We were given a menu for food to be served from 12. When we enquired if it was the right menu, we were left while the waiter went to find out. He returned to say no, we needed to have something from the breakfast menu, and took the previous one from us. He then came back to say that in fact we should choose from the first menu he'd given us. so 15 minutes later, we finally each ordered a simple toasted sandwich - probably the most basic item on the menu. Thirty minutes later, still no food.
We were eventually told that there was a "system problem" in the kitchen, subsequently translated as the printer had stopped working. I'd ordered a sandwich, not a book, so it's a shame no staff member thought to check given we were the only guests in the room.
Our bedroom was very small, but we knew that would be the case from TA reviews. What we hadn't anticipated was the lurid red vinyl bed and headboard. It looked as if it had been borrowed from a Bangkok brothel. I initially wondered if it was a hallmark of the Red Carnation brand, but was told that each room was different with an individual character. Why anyone ever thought this extraordinarily grotesque item of furniture, totally overwhelming a tiny room, was in keeping with the gentility of Guernsey is an absolute mystery.
Thankfully there were some positives. The reception, bar staff and concierge were excellent. Friendly and helpful, they seemed genuinely keen to ensure we got the most out of our visit. By contrast, staff in the conservatory area were consistently poor. Restaurant waiters were good but the maitre d' spoke very loudly, totally overwhelming the atmosphere of the room. Singing in the middle of breakfast was a step too far. He seemed to think he was the ringmaster of a circus who needed to bellow his views and orders across the entire room.
Breakfast itself was very good. Boiled eggs were cooked exactly as requested and the buffet selection was wide-ranging and high quality. A slight disappointment was that local jams and honey were not served.
Dinner in the brasserie was excellent. Or so I thought until I had a badly upset stomach the following day. It may somehow have been a coincidence, and was certainly a shame, as the starter of lobster, main of Dover Sole and dessert of sublime honeycomb ice cream had been absolutely delicious.
When I next had dinner there, I reminded the staff several times that I am not able to eat any citrus. They assured me they had taken this on board. So why was there a huge chunk of lemon on the side of the plate? This typified the place - very, very mixed performance, with some moments of excellence but others of abject failure.
On a final positive note, when I had a chat with the duty manager before checking out, he was extremly receptive to my comments and discounted part of the price of one of the meals. A reasonable gesture, but not enough to persuade me to return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2018, John W said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
I guess we'd find it difficult to stay in any other hotel on Guernsey having experiencer the 'OGH'. It has remained consistently excellent, indeed we have seen improvements over the ten years we have been visiting.
Key to this is the staff attitude that guests are there to enjoy and thus everything is done to ensure that.
In fine weather one can breakfast in the garden. We did twice this time. It was interesting to see staff adjust swiftly to guests' changing places to get into or avoid direct sunlight or a breeze.
Our room was spotless, and maintained so. But if there be one complaint it is that it had nil view other than the side wall of the opposite wing. It is nice to have a view but than not essential.
The lounge, bar and other public rooms are lovely.
On the huge plus side and typical of OGH hospitality....our flight from Alderney was cancelled for fog. We'd managed to hitch a lift in a returning boat which was 2 hours at sea in the fog. We couldn't find a taxi so walked our bags up the hill arriving at 2100hrs. Greeted with acclaim and Champaign and staff in the restaurant etc alerted. We couldn't have had a more understandingly attentive welcome.
Key to this is the staff attitude that guests are there to enjoy and thus everything is done to ensure that.
In fine weather one can breakfast in the garden. We did twice this time. It was interesting to see staff adjust swiftly to guests' changing places to get into or avoid direct sunlight or a breeze.
Our room was spotless, and maintained so. But if there be one complaint it is that it had nil view other than the side wall of the opposite wing. It is nice to have a view but than not essential.
The lounge, bar and other public rooms are lovely.
On the huge plus side and typical of OGH hospitality....our flight from Alderney was cancelled for fog. We'd managed to hitch a lift in a returning boat which was 2 hours at sea in the fog. We couldn't find a taxi so walked our bags up the hill arriving at 2100hrs. Greeted with acclaim and Champaign and staff in the restaurant etc alerted. We couldn't have had a more understandingly attentive welcome.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2018, Moira R said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
My husband and I stayed here four nights for our 30 the wedding anniversary and we had a wonderful time. We had the Centennial suite, it was lovely and spacious with views down over the pool to the harbour. All the food was excellent, whether breakfast or dinner. The staff were fantastic and went above and beyond. They were all very professional but friendly and approachable and we can't praise then highly enough. Special thanks to Andrew and Ian. We can't wait to return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2018, RhiRhiJJ said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We stayed here for a wedding & tagged on a couple of extra days for a holiday. From start to finish the service was exceptional & staff couldn’t do more to help. Breakfast was delicious & the facilities were good. The jacuzzi was very relaxing but book in advance for spa treatments - we left it too late & missed out. The room was small but had everything we needed, including a comfortable bed. My only complaint would be that late room service was very limited & very pricey with a £5 ‘tray charge’.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2018, Kim C said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
I recently visited Guernsey during a hiking trip to the Channel Islands with my cousins.
Our travel company booked rooms for us at the Old Government House Hotel, setting our expectations by describing the incredible view and superb hotel.
Sadly, they booked it for us online, never even contacting the hotel to request a room with a view.
Our assigned room, therefore, was not what we were expecting. Harry, the Director of Guests Services, personally escorted us to several other available rooms and we were resettled, marveling at his hospitality and friendliness. He continued to watch over us and
to make sure that our stay was fabulous in every way.
The individuals at the Old Government House, from the front desk staff to the amazing Concierges, helped us to; book restaurants, taxis, confirm our flights and save us from an incorrectly,( our travel agency again) booked airport transfer and a lost United reservation! They are simply an amazing team.
We enjoyed wonderful meals in the beautiful Brasserie, superb food, extensive hot and cold breakfast buffet, all while gazing at the gardens, fountains, birds and sea beyond.
I would like to give everyone at the Old Government House six stars and to let the General Manager know that the wonderful people who work at the Hotel make it a truly
fantastic experience!
Thank you, I cannot wait to return.
Our travel company booked rooms for us at the Old Government House Hotel, setting our expectations by describing the incredible view and superb hotel.
Sadly, they booked it for us online, never even contacting the hotel to request a room with a view.
Our assigned room, therefore, was not what we were expecting. Harry, the Director of Guests Services, personally escorted us to several other available rooms and we were resettled, marveling at his hospitality and friendliness. He continued to watch over us and
to make sure that our stay was fabulous in every way.
The individuals at the Old Government House, from the front desk staff to the amazing Concierges, helped us to; book restaurants, taxis, confirm our flights and save us from an incorrectly,( our travel agency again) booked airport transfer and a lost United reservation! They are simply an amazing team.
We enjoyed wonderful meals in the beautiful Brasserie, superb food, extensive hot and cold breakfast buffet, all while gazing at the gardens, fountains, birds and sea beyond.
I would like to give everyone at the Old Government House six stars and to let the General Manager know that the wonderful people who work at the Hotel make it a truly
fantastic experience!
Thank you, I cannot wait to return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk