Christchurch Hotel Tips by Kakapo2

Although we live here we once needed accommodation when shifting and selling a house, and we did not want to stay with friends all the time. Spending time in Europe and travelling a lot, we chose a motel not too far from the airport, and this one is the closest one to Christchurch International Airport. By car it is just a 3 minutes drive.

Although so close to the airport the rooms were surprisingly quiet, of course not like in the middle of nowhere, and it was no problem to get to the city by public transport. A bus stop is close-by, and the bus goes directly to the city centre.

The motel is in an appealing park-like setting. They have 40 apartment-style spacious units and even conference rooms and facilities are available - could be interesting if you travel for business.

They have a lot of room types, units and suites, including a honeymoon suite. The units have cooking facilities but only some have spa baths. They serve breakfasts and have food and drinks for purchase.

If you travel without car ask for being picked up or dropped off for free in a stretched limousine! (From 7am...) They also offer Park'n'Fly which means that you can leave the car at the motel while you are away.

Rates (as March 2007) are from $125 (studio) to $225 (3/4 bedrooms), the honeymoon suite comes to $175.


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Theme: Motel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: (0800) 2 428 3929, (03) 358 7093
Address: 45 Roydvale Avenue
Directions: At the corner of Roydvale and Memorial Avenues. The latter is one of the main roads to and from the airport.
Website: www.airportgateway.co.nz
Other Contact: info@airportgateway.co.nz

If you have a lot of NZ-dollars left at the end of your trip stay at the Château on the Park, and they will be gone fast.

I chose this aggressive introduction because the 4 star Château is one of those luxury places that keep their rates secret in Accommodation Guides and even on their websites. You will not find the rack rates without searching for hours and making an heroic effort by checking every single day for availability of a certain room type. This is absolutely ridiculous! Why can't they just write: We offer you superior accommodation, and you have to pay a superior price which ranges from $$$ to $$$$. The secrecy does not make a stay cheaper, it just annoys customers. But you can get a report on the superb gardens!!!

The only rates you find easily are the hot deals. Actually there are three available: Premier Rooms at NZ$199 and Deluxe Room Summer Specials at NZ$150, both until 31 March 2007, and Deluxe B&B at NZ$175 until 31 May 2007. All subject to availability... For other options expect more - or a lot more, depending on your wishes.

At least they do not hide the great qualities of their hotel which is located in 2 hectares of wonderful gardens which even contain a vineyard. If you are used to European dream castles you would rather consider this château as a cheap prefabricated new world wannabe castle. But the rooms, from superior rooms to presidential suites, are of best quality, superbly finished, perfectly designed and appointed with luxurious furniture, all with a warm and cosy atmosphere, not at all coolish modern or so.

The amenities for the guests include a nice garden bar, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a BBQ area, an elegant restaurant and café.

Although not right in the city centre the hotel is still a good location for exploring inner Christchurch. The centre is not too far away for walking, this just takes you 15 to 20 minutes. You just have to cross Hagley Park and/or the Botanic Gardens.

Unique Qualities: It is perfect that they hire bikes as Hagley Park is just across the street, and you can go on very nice and safe rides in this huge city playground. Another attraction across the other road is the Mona Vale Homestead with its wonderful gardens and the Avon River.

Directions:

The hotel is located at the north-west corner of Hagley Park.

From the city centre (Arts Centre, Botanic Garden) drive north along Hagley Park (Rolleston Ave), turn left at bridge and drive around the northern end of the park (Harper Ave, direction: airport), do NOT turn right to the airport (Fendalton Rd), automatic turn to the left, chose right lane, turn second to the right (Kilmarnock St).

Or: Coming from the southern end of the city centre on Tuam St, this leads into Riccarton Rd (hospital) which crosses Hagley Park. At the end of the park turn right at roundabout and next left. Hotel right on the corner.

If you come from the south or the West Coast on Riccarton Road drive straight ahead until you reach Hagley Park, turn left at roundabout and next left again (Kilmarnock St). If you come from Blenheim Rd (parallel road to Riccarton Rd) turn left at Hagley Park, drive straight through next roundabout and turn left.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: (0800) 808 999, (03) 348 8999
Address: Corner Deans Avenue and Kilmarnock Street, Riccarton
Website: www.chateau-park.co.nz
Other Contact: res@chateau-park.co.nz

I have not stayed in any of the incredible lot of motels in Riccarton Road but friends and acquaintances have, and nobody has been disappointed. Competition is enormous, and the standard is good. Many have some units with full cooking facilities. Most of them are rather new, and more are actually being built.

Although Riccarton Road - west of Hagley Park - is a busy road it is not really noisy because cars cannot pace through it due to a lot of traffic lights. But if you want to stay at a romantic place - do not stay there!

A notoriously noisy road is the much nicer looking Bealey Avenue north of Cathedral Square. Especially from Friday to Sunday the boy racer idiots use this multi-lane road for speeding, braking and racing, and many tourists have made nightmarish experiences there, staying at very nice places but not able to sleep thanks to those hoons. Every now and then our local newspaper publishes letters of frustrated visitors, and also some people whom I had told they should better book accommodation in Riccarton Road were not happy that they had ignored my advice and stayed at a (nice!) B&B in Bealey Ave... I really feel sorry for the owners that they and their businesses are terrorised by just some lawless individuals.

But back to Riccarton Road. There is really one motel after the other, especially near the Mall (Westfield Riccarton). But you do not have the Mall with a great foodcourt, cinema, supermarket and lots of shops. You also have a big choice of pubs and restaurants nearby. And more shops...

On a nice day you can easily walk to the city centre, it would take about 30 minutes if your accommodation is not too far from the Mall, just a stroll down Riccarton Road, and then cross Hagley Park or the Botanic Gardens.

But also the bus connection is fantastic. Nearly all city-bound buses - but NOT The Orbiter - go to the Bus Exchange.

The Orbiter (mostly green) BTW connects all the big shopping malls, so if you want to shop till you drop, this is the bus to go with.


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Theme: Motel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: Riccarton Road
Directions: West of Hagley Park. Coming from the city centre you have to drive around the park and then, on the other side of the park, head towards Riccarton.

Just the other day when I walked down from Bealey Avenue to Cathedral Square I thought what good location for accommodation the northern part of Colombo Street is. There is little traffic, so it is really quiet. Perhaps one or another drunken sailor walks down there at night, but I cannot imagine it any bad - whereas nearby Bealey Avenue is infamous for car hoons who keep the neighbourhood awake, and also during the day it is rather noisy due to a lot of traffic.

On this stretch of Colombo Street between Bealey Avenue and Peterborough Street you find quite a lot of motels which do not look bad from the outside, and there is one B&B which seems to be the jewel in the crown. The name is Wharetiki House (854 Colombo Street, phone 379 7392), it is in a delightful colonial two-storey house with turrets, bay windows and verandahs.

You must look for house numbers between 800 and 900. From there you will not walk longer than 10 minutes to Cathedral Square (if you do not stop for the attractions and souvenir shops on the way ;-), so you would not need to worry about your car. Just leave it at the motel and walk to the city centre.


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Theme: Motel

Address: Colombo Street, north of Cathedral Square

Although located on a main road (Papanui Road), north of the city centre, the motels and hotels of Merivale are rather peaceful. And above all: Most of them are absolutely beautiful, some even stunning. They all have beautiful gardens with spectacular roses, be it old picturesque mansions or more modern motel complexes. Just have a look at my photos, and you know what I mean.

The big advantage of Papanui Road is that it has only two lanes, so there is no real chance for car hoons to cause havoc like on four- to six-lane Bealey Avenue where Papanui Road starts.

As those motels and hotels are just between 1 and 1.5 km to the city centre you can either stroll back to your accommodation after dinner, or just take one of the buses servicing Papanui Road (## 11, 12 and 13 from the Bus Exchange). Merivale also offers great shopping and dining possibilities, so you would not have to go far to be happy. A bit further north is Northlands Mall.

Just some names:

Merivale Manor (rates from $ 138)
Click here or here

The Charlotte Jane (5 star luxury boutique hotel, rates NZ$ 350 to 700…)
Click here

Camelot Motor Lodge (rates from $ 125)
Click here

Diplomat Motel (rates from $ 110)
Click here

Randolph Motel Apartments (rates from $ 140)
Click here or here

Casino Court Motor Lodge (rates from $ 100)
Click here

Colonial Inn (rates from $ 110)
Click here


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Theme: Other

Address: Papanui Road, Merivale
Directions: From the city centre: Drive north, turn onto Bealey Avenue, and from whichever direction you come, turn left or right into Papanui Road. If you are on Victoria Street - this continues as Papanui Road after Bealey Ave.

If you do not care about the size of your room this is surely a great place to stay. This rather new hotel claims to deliver five star service at budget rates, and the location is fantastic – in Cashel Street, just some steps from Cathedral Square. The slogan is: Great rooms at great rates. They save on room size, so you save money.

Depending on the room type you choose you can get a room from NZ$ 69.

Although being small (they call them compact), the rooms have smart features like free wireless broadband, flat screen entertainment system, and controllable mood lighting. The walls are triple insulated, so the rooms are surprisingly quiet although you are right in the busy city centre.

Rates (as April 2008):

Single $ 69
Double $ 89
Premium double $ 99
Queen bed $ 120
King bed and twin share $ 135
Family room $ 169

Email: bookings@hotelso.co.nz

Update 19 August 2008
Checking out some hotels for visiting friends and colleagues, I had a look at a room of the SO Hotel, and was blown away. The quality of the accommodation is fabulous. I had a closer look at a family unit. The main room is absolutely funky and a lot more spacious than I would have imagined, and there is good storage space. I really liked it at first sight. The small second room has two bunk beds (so four beds) but to be honest, that is it in this room. The bathroom is accessible from the main room, small, modern and functional. I would happily stay there.

BTW They told me that thanks to their low rates they have quite some local guests who stay for the night when they go out and do not want to drive, instead of investing the money in a taxi ride home.

They will also raise their rates by September or October.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: (03) 968 5050
Address: 165 Cashel Street, Christchurch
Directions: From Cathedral Square walk towards Bus Exchange, at traffic light cross diagonally, and carry on through High Street. Next left. Hotel on the left.
From Bus Exchange turn right into Cashel Mall (pedestrian zone), hotel after 150 m on the left.
Website: http://www.hotelso.co.nz/Home
Other Contact: NZ call toll free 0508 165 165

A good and sometimes more economic alternative to staying in an inner-city hotel is to book an apartment. Oaks Apartments is such a place. They are located in 187 Cashel Street, next to the SO Hotel. Studio accommodation comes to NZ$ 138, and a two-bedroom apartment (for 4 people) to $ 198.

My husband's enterprise always books those apartments for visiting business partners, and up to now there have been no complaints.

More info on http://www.nz.com/new-zealand/accommodation/christchurch/oaks-smartstay-apartments-on-cashel-christchurch.aspx

City Apartments are located in Armagh Street, between Colombo and Durham Street North. This is just some steps from beautiful Victoria Square, and about a five minute walk from Cathedral Square. They require a minimum stay of two nights.

Rates (as April 2008):

One Bedroom:
Two night minimum stay rate from NZ$145 per night
Seven night rate from NZ$120 per night

Two Bedroom Apartments:
Two night minimum stay rate from NZ$205 per night
Seven night rate from NZ$185 per night

Long stay rates can be negotiated.

More info on http://www.city-apartments.co.nz/


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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: 187 Cashel Street /// Armagh Street

Cashel Apartments in 87 Cashel Street range from $ 249 to 307.

More info on http://www.nz.com/new-zealand/accommodation/christchurch/cashel-apartments-christchurch.aspx

The Chamber Towers apartments, located in the spectacular corner building at the intersection of Lichfield, High and Manchester Streets are in the same price range, starting at $ 230.

More info on http://www.nz.com/new-zealand/accommodation/christchurch/chamber-towers-apartments-christchurch.aspx

Rates at Poplars Apartments, located on the Avon River at the Corner of Madras & Chester Streets, start at $ 219. However, it is NOT a five minute walk to Cathedral Square, as stated on their website, rather a fifteen minute walk, as the address is north of Bealey Avenue. The five minutes apply to jogging and taking the car - looking for a carpark not included ;-)

More info on http://www.nz.com/new-zealand/accommodation/christchurch/poplars-apartments-christchurch-the-.aspx


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Theme: Other
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter

This is a luxury four star hotel in the heart of the city, just some steps from the Cathedral. Although the tram passes in front of the doorstep noise from there should not be too bad as the tram only operates from 9am to 6pm in winter and until 9pm in summer. Also buses travel along the railway line but as there is very little car traffic it is not too loud. I can only imagine some singing revellers on Cathedral Square which BTW is rather deserted during weekday nights.

As the name indicates the hotel could be a heritage building. Indeed, a part of the premises are in the former Government Departmental Building which was built in 1909 in the style of an Italian High Renaissance palazzo. It was vacated in the 1980’s as it was considered being at risk of collapsing. In 1991 a demolition notice was issued but after many protests and efforts it was saved. This resulted in the purchase of the building by the City Council who in 1995 sold it to a developer. After major structural works and strenghtening the building was transformed into an apartment building with all the amenities you can enjoy now as a guest of The Heritage – boutiques, restaurant, swimming pool, gym, spa, and sauna.

The hotel occupies the former Government Departmental Building and a more modern Tower Wing (which gets somehow invisible beside the spectacular historic main building). You have the choice of several kinds of accommodation: normal rooms, apartments (one to three rooms) and suites.

The rack rate for a deluxe room is $ 380. If you book last minute in winter you get such a room for as “little” as $ 160, depending on the day. The rates go up to $ 637 for a family suite (down to 260/280 last minute in winter). All rates as June 2008.

I have not stayed at The Heritage – but my husband’s father had his office there as an architect employed by the Government when the building was still used as Government Departmental Building LOL (In the room behind the left-hand window on the first floor…)

Note:
I have only stayed at some few places in Christchurch as I moved in rather fast with my husband ;-) But as so many people want accommodation tips I have looked around quite thoroughly, so I can give you hints about location, rates, reputation, and how easily you reach it from the city centre. In some cases I have also talked to people who have stayed at the places I have listed. The only thing I cannot really check is the service and the friendliness of the hosts/staff.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: (03) 377 9722, 0800 368 888
Address: 28 - 30 Cathedral Square
Website: http://www.heritagehotels.co.nz/christchurch/
Other Contact: res.heritagechc@heritagehotels.c

I post this backpackers hostel because you cannot do much better with this type of accommodation in Christchurch location-wise. It is located on an inner city street with nearly no traffic apart from the tourist tramway operating from 9am to 6pm in winter and to 9pm in summer. As it sits at the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Rolleston Avenue, it is opposite the Arts Centre (cheap food at the stalls on weekends), Canterbury Museum, and the main entrance of the Botanic Garden. Hagley Park is a two minute walk away, as is the Art Gallery, the Strip with its pubs and restaurants, and Cathedral Square is another minute or two from there. So really the perfect location.

They have double ensuites as well as shared facilities.

As Rolleston Houe is a listed YHA hostel you get a rebate of $ 3 if you are a member.

Rates per room: Double ensuite $ 90, double $ 75, twin $ 72, triple $ 87. – Rates per person: Four, five and six bed multi share $ 28, eight bed multi share $ 27 (Rates for Nov. 2008, checked in June 2008).

Available services: Internet, TV room, luggage storage, lockers, laundry, carpark, bicycle storage.

Reception Hours are 8am to 10pm, check out time is 10am.

Address:
5 Worcester Boulevard

Contact:
Phone (03) 366 6564
Website: http://www.yha.co.nz/NZHostelsandTravel/FindaHostel/CanterburtyandNorthernOtago/ChristchurchCentral/ChristchurchRollestonHouse/
Email via website

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On the other side of the Arts Centre, in Hereford Street, is another interesting hostel, the YMCA Hostel. Not in such a nice heritage building as Rolleston House but in a modern concrete block, they have a sensational lot of extras to offer to their guests, not just laundry, carpark and internet, but also a full gym, sauna, squash courts and a climbing wall. They also have a dining room and café. All rooms but dorms have TV, coffee/tea making facilities, and towels are provided.

Rates - standard rooms have shared, deluxe rooms private facilities (deluxe rates in brackets):
Dorm $ 25pp (bedding hire $ 2)
Per room:
Single $ 50 (80)
Twin – Double $ 75 (90 – 95)
Triple $ 81 (100)
1 bedroom apartment $ 160
2 bedroom apartment $ 180

Address:
12 Hereford Street

Contact:
Phone (03) 366 0689
Website: http://www.ymcachch.org.nz/accommodation/
Email: accom@ymcachch.org.nz

Update 19 August 2008
Some weeks ago friends of mine tried to book a 2 bedroom apartment for January 2009. Those rooms were fully booked. So if you want such special accommodation book as early as possible.

Note:
I have only stayed at some few places in Christchurch as I moved in rather fast with my husband ;-) But as so many people want accommodation tips I have looked around quite thoroughly, so I can give you hints about location, rates, reputation, and how easily you reach it from the city centre. In some cases I have also talked to people who have stayed at the places I have listed. The only thing I cannot really check is the service and the friendliness of the hosts/staff.


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Theme: Hostel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter