Aloha Motel, Christchurch

Advantages: Hot pools, amazing scenery, outdoor adventure
Disadvantages: none at all

...Hanmer is the South Island of New Zealand's, ''thermal centre'' and the welcome you get when you go there is just as warm as the hot pools. Set in the High Country, 385m above sea level it is in a flat plain but close to beautiful, high mountains, a big, clear, blue river and only about two and a half hours drive from the international airport at Christchurch. Most people drive to Hanmer, it's just off the main road from Christchurch to Nelson, just getting there is a scenic experience to add to your travel memory bank. The population of Hanmer varies, it depends if you are there in the height of the summer season or perhaps for the winter skiing or just relaxing in the delicious hot pools anytime of year. It's known for the large, extremely well presented, natural, thermal hot pools - Hanmer Springs - and here you can swim... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Easy to find with spacious rooms
Disadvantages: Ground level rooms subject to car noise

...Do not be put off by the reception being to the rear of the Motel. This is to avoid the crowds waiting for a table in their excellent restaurant. The rooms are spacious with large bathrooms and all the usual facilities such as multilingual tv channels and mini-bar. Facilities include a gymnasium and large swimming pool, with a sports shop to purchase those forgotten items. A general shop is located at the front of the Motel for more mundane items and gifts. The bar, situated to the rear of the Motel, is large and comfortable with sofas and armchairs, and has a view of the pool. Outside of the Motel are facilities for local sports teams and competietive games are held there. You are only a short, walking, distance of Animali which is a smal zoo. Eindhoven is only a short drive (3km) and you are at the side of the A2 with direct access... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Easy access to all major routes in and out of London
Disadvantages: Directly under Heathrow Airport flight path

...I recently had to travel to London for a training course and chose to drive up from Christchurch to the outskirts of London from where I could catch the tube in to my training centre each day. I had previously stayed in Best Western hotels at various locations in Europe so I felt confident in choosing this hotel to stay in. I also ascertained that the nearest tube station (Osterley, Picadilly line) was only a short 10-15 minute walk away and the journey time into Holborn (the station nearest to my training centre) was only 50 minutes and cost £6 for a day return. I found the hotel very easily, having travelled up the M3 and then onto the M25 I took the exit for the M4 towards London leaving the M4 at junction 3 from where it was only 10 minutes along the A312/A4 to the hotel. The hotel itself was pleasantly presented and the standard... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful