International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate women’s achievements, honour their leadership, and recognise their impact on workplaces and communities around the world.

At The Old Government House Hotel & Spa (OGH) in Guernsey, this celebration carries deep meaning. As the island’s only five-star hotel and one of its most historic landmarks, OGH has long been shaped, defined, and elevated by the remarkable women who bring its heritage and hospitality to life.

From frontofhouse leadership to behindthescenes excellence, women drive the heart of OGH’s warm, attentive, and genuinely personal style of service. While part of the Red Carnation Hotels (RCH) family, OGH’s story – and the women who shape it – stand proudly in their own spotlight.

OGH’s history stretches back to the early 18th century, and today it stands as Guernsey’s most historic and distinguished hotel, overlooking the harbour and welcoming guests from around the world. But its reputation for excellence is not only built on heritage – it is built on people. And many of the people who ensure OGH continues to thrive are women whose dedication, expertise, and leadership shape every guest experience.

Across departments, women at OGH uphold the highest standards of hospitality, ensuring that the hotel delivers the warmth, refinement, and care that define its fivestar status. Their commitment reflects the hotel’s longstanding ethos, strengthened further when OGH joined the Red Carnation Hotels collection in 2008, its 150th anniversary year, bringing together a shared culture of personalised service and passion for people.

Meet two of the women who make OGH exceptional

Holly Marquand, PA to the General Manager

Few embody the spirit of OGH as strongly as Holly Marquand, whose career spans international experience – including seven years with the United Nations in Geneva – before joining OGH in 1998. Since then, she has served in multiple leadership roles, including running the hotel’s Meetings and Events department before becoming EA to the General Manager.

Holly’s commitment ensures that OGH’s famously high standards are consistently upheld, and her knowledge, calm leadership, and deep understanding of the hotel’s operations make her an invaluable cornerstone of the team.

Helen Gregory, Director of Sales

With more than two decades of experience in hospitality and sales, Helen Gregory brings expertise, energy, and passion to her role. Her work connects the hotel to the wider community, strengthens relationships with guests and partners, and showcases the charm and sophistication that distinguish OGH. Helen’s warm, people-focused approach is a true embodiment of the hotel’s values and its proud tradition of hospitality excellence.

Together, Holly and Helen represent just two of the many women at OGH whose talent enriches the hotel every day – in guest services, housekeeping, administration, events, spa therapy, and culinary support.

While OGH proudly stands on its own, its connection to Red Carnation Hotels reinforces a shared foundation of respect for women’s leadership, talent, and contributions. Across the RCH collection, over half of all team members and more than half of management positions are held by women, highlighting a longstanding commitment to equality and opportunity.

This culture strengthens OGH’s ability to champion women at every level of the hotel:

  • Supporting women in leadership roles and providing opportunities for growth
  • Celebrating the achievements and milestones of female team members
  • Cultivating a workplace defined by respect, collaboration, and empowerment

These values are evident not only in policy, but in daily practice – through the strong female presence in OGH’s leadership team, and in the care and professionalism guests experience from the moment they arrive.

International Women’s Day at OGH is more than a symbolic occasion – it reflects the hotel’s year-round belief that women are central to its success.

The day is marked by highlighting the stories of OGH’s women sharing their personal journeys, achievements, and contributions of the hotel’s female staff helps to inspire colleagues and connect guests with the people behind the exceptional service.  From sales to events to daily guest interaction, women shape the character, operations, and culture of OGH.

At The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, celebrating women is not limited to March 8th. It is woven into the culture, leadership, and daily life of the hotel.

Every warm welcome, every effortless checkin, every beautifully presented event, and every heartfelt moment of service is shaped by women who bring passion and dedication to their roles.

International Women’s Day simply offers a moment to shine an even brighter light on them – to say thank you, to honour their achievements, and to recognise the invaluable role they play in making OGH Guernsey’s leading five-star experience.