Local Reviews
In October 2013, Spitty_Byrne said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Great hotel where you get what you pay for! Very characterful, and very close to the centre of town and port. Would definitely recommend to the wife. Nicest place I've ever stayed in the Channel islands.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2013, MoyKwee said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
About a month ago we stayed here for a special Anniversary. We chose it without knowing anything about it other than having read favourable reports on several websites. We agree that we could not have chosen better anywhere. It was perfect from beginning to end, from collection at the airport to being returned there. All the staff were friendly and helpful throughout our five day stay. Our room, complete with champagne and flowers on arrival, was sumptuous, with a private balcony overlooking the harbour. The food is first-class and beautifully presented in a dining-room that is light and welcoming. The building itself is old with many rooms, each decorated in its own style; outside, the gardens surround the swimming-pool. We have stayed in many hotels world-wide but this is, in our estimation, exceptional. Personal service, marvellous location, superb staff. We will have to return!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2013, LondonFamily4 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Spent four nights at the OGH. Welcoming and friendly staff, comfortable rooms and nice location. Ate one night in The Brasserie (very good) and one at the Curry House in the hotel (OK - not brilliant). Hotel is in nice location. All the staff are excellent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2013, delavalette said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Having tried a number of hotels on the island over the past few years, I find that the OGH is by far the best option. It's location is perfect with meetings usually just a short stroll from the hotel. The addition of the new bar is a great idea as the old one was too small. The staff are genuinely friendly, very professional and willing to help guests no matter how minor the issue may be.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2013, jon d said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We just spent two nights in a suite at the OGH. With a couple of exceptions, everything I have to say about the place is highly, highly complimentary. To be honest, it reminds me of a laid back version of the Ritz, in London. The same off-the-charts service (if not even better), the same atmosphere of being somewhere really special. Perhaps the OGH is a bit less grand, but it is also quite sensibly priced. Meals, room service, drinks, etc are all quite reasonable, despite the almost overwhelming level of quality and service.
There ARE a few quirks. A doorman who never smiles or makes eye contact.....almost a character from the Adams Family, lol. A front desk clerk who didn't speak English well enough to be readily intelligible. Ok, hire Spanish people (notoriously difficult to understand when they attempt to speak English) anywhere else in the hotel....but please, NOT at the reception desk....'my first point of contact. The poor girl is so far from being fluent that she really shouldn't be interacting with customers.
Our suite was a BIT tired....the carpets and furnishings could probably do with a change, though part of the OGH's charm is it's "Old World" character and service.
But these things really pale when juxtaposed with the undeniable charm of the place. The many nooks and crannies that look like parts of a film set of a film about a 19th century luxury retreat. Little bars....reading rooms....they seem to be everywhere. The food is top notch, and the bars and service therein are faultless.
Yes, it's more expensive than the other Guernsey hotels, but there is no other place like it, and what you pay is pretty fair really, considering the experience you get.
In short......I loved the place.
There ARE a few quirks. A doorman who never smiles or makes eye contact.....almost a character from the Adams Family, lol. A front desk clerk who didn't speak English well enough to be readily intelligible. Ok, hire Spanish people (notoriously difficult to understand when they attempt to speak English) anywhere else in the hotel....but please, NOT at the reception desk....'my first point of contact. The poor girl is so far from being fluent that she really shouldn't be interacting with customers.
Our suite was a BIT tired....the carpets and furnishings could probably do with a change, though part of the OGH's charm is it's "Old World" character and service.
But these things really pale when juxtaposed with the undeniable charm of the place. The many nooks and crannies that look like parts of a film set of a film about a 19th century luxury retreat. Little bars....reading rooms....they seem to be everywhere. The food is top notch, and the bars and service therein are faultless.
Yes, it's more expensive than the other Guernsey hotels, but there is no other place like it, and what you pay is pretty fair really, considering the experience you get.
In short......I loved the place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2013, Richard L said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We have just spent 5 nights at the OGH for our 40th anniversary.
Our room was comfortable and came with the nice touch of a bottle of champagne.
From the initial warm welcome, the staff were friendly throughout and being addressed by name was again a nice touch.
Another was a chocolate cake suddenly appearing in our room, as the staff had picked up that my wife was also celebrating her birthday during our stay.
We really cannot fault the service, which was attentive and, as you can see from the above, personalised and thoughtful.
This was one of our best hotel experiences and when we return, which we will, we will definitely be staying at the OGH.
Our room was comfortable and came with the nice touch of a bottle of champagne.
From the initial warm welcome, the staff were friendly throughout and being addressed by name was again a nice touch.
Another was a chocolate cake suddenly appearing in our room, as the staff had picked up that my wife was also celebrating her birthday during our stay.
We really cannot fault the service, which was attentive and, as you can see from the above, personalised and thoughtful.
This was one of our best hotel experiences and when we return, which we will, we will definitely be staying at the OGH.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2013, kariyava said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
The Old Government House Hotel is exactly what I expected -- old and charming. I booked the hotel on a business trip because it was the hotel with the highest star rating and it did not disappoint. Of course, there are the typical old hotel problems (creaky, uneven floors, old building smell), but they have done a good job of keeping the place up while maintaining its charm. And the bathroom was very modern looking and surprisingly nice. I would definitely stay here again if I returned to Guernsey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2013, carebear56 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
We just stopped off here for a drink so I am only commenting on the bar area. We had a coffee and brandy in the bar. It has lovely views of St Peter Port and the bay. Well worth a visit. Lovely friendly staff too. I'll definitely come back next time I'm in Guernsey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2013, Marty1122 said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
My wife and I have just returned home from a five day Christmas break at this hotel. The whole experience was just about perfect. The standard of the rooms and public areas exceeding our expectations by far. The hotel staff were extremely attentive and professional and saw to our every need. The food and service in both the Brasserie and Curry Room restaurants was exemplary as was the afternoon tea in the Sir John Coward Lounge. The spa, which has a well equipped gymnasium, steam room, sauna and chill out room, was outstanding. I cannot praise this establishment enough. A credit to the owners!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2014, CliveL said about Old Government House Hotel & Spa
A very nice place with helpful staff but needs dragging kicking and screaming into this century. We booked a 3 night stay with 2 friends over new year, with a New Year Dinner dance with Jazz band, a black tie do!
When we arrived we were offered an upgrade to a suite, which after looking at the first room we gladly accepted at an extra £70 per night. This gave us a bath that an adult could bathe in which was not the case in the first room.
A suite, with no fridge? We had to ask for a fridge for cold drinks, but the thermostat was broken so it froze all our drinks overnight! Popped coke bottles make a right mess!
The main restaurant is an Indian with limited choice and awful, expensive food. Breakfast was ok but the service was slow and without leadership or organisation with no one knowing if anyone else has asked us for our order or drinks, and a long wait for very small helpings.
The New Years Eve Ball was like a wedding do, with badly behaved children running riot on the dance floor and a pushy waiter trying to sell his wine and champagne for all he was worth (I would be happy if he worked for me!). We retired to a lounge area 30 mins before midnight but were never approached with an offer of drinks so had no way to toast in the new year!
The new bar area is nice and a very helpful bar man reserved us an area for the evening to have snacks and drinks and watch TV, the snacks were very good too.
I have spent less for 2 weeks in the Caribbean but you live and learn!
I think this place just needs to attend to the details, change the Indian restaurant entirely and buy some supportive pillows for all the rooms, improve the room facilities to justify the prices and they could be back in business. But as it is, it's well below modern travellers realistic expectations at these prices.
When we arrived we were offered an upgrade to a suite, which after looking at the first room we gladly accepted at an extra £70 per night. This gave us a bath that an adult could bathe in which was not the case in the first room.
A suite, with no fridge? We had to ask for a fridge for cold drinks, but the thermostat was broken so it froze all our drinks overnight! Popped coke bottles make a right mess!
The main restaurant is an Indian with limited choice and awful, expensive food. Breakfast was ok but the service was slow and without leadership or organisation with no one knowing if anyone else has asked us for our order or drinks, and a long wait for very small helpings.
The New Years Eve Ball was like a wedding do, with badly behaved children running riot on the dance floor and a pushy waiter trying to sell his wine and champagne for all he was worth (I would be happy if he worked for me!). We retired to a lounge area 30 mins before midnight but were never approached with an offer of drinks so had no way to toast in the new year!
The new bar area is nice and a very helpful bar man reserved us an area for the evening to have snacks and drinks and watch TV, the snacks were very good too.
I have spent less for 2 weeks in the Caribbean but you live and learn!
I think this place just needs to attend to the details, change the Indian restaurant entirely and buy some supportive pillows for all the rooms, improve the room facilities to justify the prices and they could be back in business. But as it is, it's well below modern travellers realistic expectations at these prices.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk