Receive complimentary breakfast at Luxury Hotels
The best hotel in Guernsey is the Old Government House, but if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to this 5-star hotel, the 4-star La Fregate Hotel is also a great luxury hotel in St Peter Port in Guernsey.
We have reviewed the Old Government House Hotel in more detail here, and the entrance is pictured above. If you want a better deal, book the Old Government House or La Fregate Hotel via our luxury travel concierge.
1. Best Location: Old Government House vs La Fregate Hotel
La Fregate is located up a hill from the center of town. The hill isn’t long, but it is steep, so although La Fregate is easily walkable from St. Peter Port, La Fregate is significantly less convenient for everything in St Peter Port than the Old Government House Hotel in Guernsey.
La Fregate has the advantage of being at the front of the hill just behind St Peter Port, so it offers fantastic harbor views and an amazing terrace with views right across the harbor. The Old Government House is right in the center of town. It is also up a slope, so it enjoys lovely views, but because it is lower down, the views are not as phenomenal as those of La Fregate.
2. Style & Character
The Old Government House is a place where time stands still (almost). It feels classically elegant and luxurious and has all sorts of historic features throughout the property, which make it completely unique in an old-world British way. The rooms also feel historic and look out over the courtyard where the gardens and pool can be found.
La Fregate has a historic staircase and bar area, but most of the hotel feels modern. The rooms are modern, and the bathrooms are very similar to those of the Duke of Richmond.
Both hotels offer a nice terrace and a restaurant. The views from La Fregate restaurant are better than those from the Old Government House, but we prefer the Bistro and the excellent Indian restaurant at the Old Government House. On a windy night, you can still sit out in the extremely sheltered gardens of the Old Government House. The terrace at La Fregate is stunning but fairly exposed to the elements.
3. Beach & Pools
La Fregate does not have a pool. There is a gorgeous pool at the Old Government House. For us, this is the best hotel pool in Guernsey. It has a stunning sheltered setting surrounded by greenery and offers an array of loungers to lounge on all day, should you wish.
4. Rooms
The rooms at the Old Government offer faded glamour. They have air conditioning and blackout curtains, which I appreciate, so you can get a good night’s sleep here.
The rooms at La Fregate are modern, but they do not have air conditioning and they can be like an oven in the summer. They also do not have blackout curtains. The curtains at La Fregate are ridiculous in design and do not block out light.
5. Breakfast
The breakfast at the Old Government House is the best of any hotel in Guernsey. There is fresh fruit, eggs any way you like (Royal, benedict, full English, etc.), plus pancakes and waffles. There are cheese and charcuterie trays, patisseries, and cereals. The setting is in the Bistro, and if the weather is kind, you can enjoy it under the trees in the gardens, which is fantastic!
The breakfast at Le Fregate is disappointing. There is a very small buffet with cereals and a limited egg menu. I always come away from this breakfast disappointed and hungry.
6. Conclusion
The Old Government House can be as much as double the price of La Fregate. If you like a pool, a historical setting, a convenient location, great breakfast, air conditioning, and blackout curtains, pick the Old Government House. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, La Fregate remains a decent hotel.
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.