❤️ Where to Stay in Christchurch, New Zealand
Welcome to Ōtautahi Christchurch!
Christchurch, often referred to as the Garden City, is the gateway to the South Island and was designed with a classic English-style grid layout.
The city was hit hard in the Canterbury earthquakes in 2010-11 and lost many of it's hotels. Since then, there has been a quite a few large hotels that have opened and there are even more new hotels in the pipeline.
Many of the hotels that were badly damaged in the earthquakes have been given a makeover, so there are a lot of great choices for modern and contemporary hotels for your next stay in Christchurch.
Don't worry too much about the location of the hotels. Christchurch is a small city, very flat and walkable. Plus, there are excellent dining options around all of these hotels. I would go for the hotel that you like the most or for the best one to fit your budget.
So here is my selection of the best hotels to stay in for your next visit to Christchurch.
The best design hotels in Christchurch
My favourite hotels in Christchurch are The Observatory Hotel and the Tack Rooms by Hotel Montreal. They are both so unique and beautifully designed.
* The Observatory Hotel
The Observatory Hotel has an incredible location, right in the heart of the historic Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre. The sophisticated 33 rooms and common areas are beautifully furnished, with a mix of William Morris fabrics, vibrant colours and contemporary artworks.
* Tack Rooms by Hotel Montreal
The Tack Rooms are super stylish. Every detail has been thought through and you have the benefit of having access to the facilities of Hotel Montreal, that's if you want to leave the room!
The best boutique hotels
All three of these boutique hotels are great options.
* The Mayfair
* Sudima Christchurch
The Sudima is another new boutique hotel in Christchurch. The location is great and it has a fabulous spa, Moss Spa, downstairs. There's a couple of good dining options here too.
* Hotel Montreal
Hotel Montreal is close to town, Hagley Park and the bars/restaurants of Victoria Street. The rooms are spacious and modern. The Polo Bar is a favourite spot for dinner or drinks.
Best hotels for views
When you stay at these taller hotels you'll have incredible views across the Canterbury Plains stretching out to the Southern Alps.
* Crowne Plaza Christchurch
The Crown Plaza has an attractive bar and restaurant just off the lobby. The benefit of staying here is for the views from the higher floors.
* Fable Christchurch
The Fable is a contemporary hotel close to New Regent Street. The rooms are on the small side but there are also great views from the top floors.
* Novotel Christchurch
This Novotel has an excellent location in Cathedral Square and views from the higher floors.
The Classic Hotel
* The George Hotel
A member of Small luxury Hotels of the World, The George is in a great location overlooking Hagley Park, just a short stroll from town. This hotel has won numerous awards and attracts a well healed crowd. You can't go wrong here.
Hotels with Pools
There really aren't many hotels in Christchurch that have swimming pools. You'll find a couple on the outskirts of the city centre but if you want to be located in the heart of the city these two are your best options.
* Heritage Christchurch
The Heritage Christchurch is a Category 1 listed heritage hotel, built in 1913. Interiors are spacious but not as contemporary as some of the others on this list. What is great about this hotel option though is the on-site health club with indoor heated pool, spa, sauna and gym. The OGB bar is super cool too.
* Hotel 115
An alternative to The Heritage is Hotel 115. It's located in Cathedral Square across the road and does have modern, contemporary rooms. This is a great choice if you're travelling with little ones as they have interconnecting rooms that are themed with young kids in mind. Guests also have access to the swimming pool and other facilities at the health club at The Heritage, across the road.
* Chateau on the Park
The Chateau on the Park is a DoubleTree hotel. It's a little futher out than some of the other hotels on this list but it's a lovely walk though Hagley Park to the central city or they have a complimentary shuttle to the city centre. It also has 5 acres of lovely gardens and an outdoor heated swimming pool.
Other Hotel Options
* Wyndham Garden Christchurch
Another new hotel in Christchurch. This is modern and contemporary and easy on the budget. Great location too.
* Quest on Kilmore
This new aparthotel newly opened in 2024 and is the 4th Quest in Christchurch.
* Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Overlooking Latimer Square this is still walking distance to all Christchurch has to offer. Bloody Mary's is a popular restaurant for locals too.
Ibis Christchurch
The Ibis Christchurch has an excellent location, right in centre of town.
Airport Hotels
These are the three main hotels closest to Christchurch airport.
* Novotel Christchurch Airport
This contemporary hotel is the newest of the three and is the closest to the airport terminal. It's a stunning designed hotel with amazing views from the restaurant and bar on the top floor.
* Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport
This is another good choice if you need to stay close to the airport. You could easily walk to the terminal but they also have a free 24/7 shuttle bus.
* Commodore Airport Hotel
A friend of mine had a staycation at this hotel recently with her young children and they loved the facilities and the service. It's very popular with locals and visitors alike. There is also a courtesy shuttle to the airport.
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Hopefully this guide will save you hours of your time researching through the hundreds of hotel options in Christchurch!
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Anna
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