Christchurch Cathedral, Christchurch

Advantages: Wonderful view from spire, interesting decor, great central location near other sites, free
Disadvantages: Quite busy

Christchurch is my favourite city in New Zealand. It is modern and happening, whilst still retaining a very refined and serene atmosphere, with its willow-banked river creeping through the city centre, benches in small gardens for people to pass time on, and lovely old buildings. The centrepiece of Christchurch would have to be its gothic-style cathedral. It is located in the attractively cobbled Cathedral Square, which is packed with people enjoying ...
...it is free to enter Christchurch cathedral, and there is only a small fee to climb the tower. I remember it being about 350-steps, so it is not too challenging, and even though the stairwell is snug to pass people climbing in the opposite direction it isn't too clostrophobic. It's all worth it anyway for the magnificent 360 degree view from the top, not only of the busy square, but over the roof tops to the Botanical Gardens, and the city suburbs. ... Read review

Advantages: Clean, keenly priced hotel
Disadvantages: bar open to the public

...Jury's Christchurch Inn in Dublin is ideally situated opposite the Christchurch cathedral in the city, a short walk from Dublin castle and the main streets in Dublin where you will find the majority of the bars and restuarants. The hotel can be reached easily from Dublin's airport, using either a taxi (around £20) or the special Airlink bus service that operates frequently between Dublin's airport and the river. The hotel is fairly modern, and the rooms though not luxurious, do offer a good standard of accomodation, with full en-suite facilities, orthapedic beds and satellite television facilities. The hotel is a family hotel and does allow kids to stay - this may be a problem for some, as the last thing you want on your romantic break away is a load of screming kids in the hotel foyer - especially if they are someone else... Read review

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Advantages: excellent location, friendly staff
Disadvantages: tv room, internet facilities

...to use the faster internet facilities at an internet centre around the corner from the hostel called netopia. However, should you wish to use the internet at 4a.m. for example, you could do so in the hostel (as long as there are free computers). The location, all in all, is excellent. The hostel is right in the centre of Christchurch, about 30 metres from Christchurch Cathedral. Local facilities, aside from the previously-mentioned internet centre, include bars, fast food restaurants and souvenir shops. It is also a great location to get a taxi to the airport from, just make sure to book in advance from a recommended company! In conclusion I would give this hostel the thumbs up. It doesn't necessarily make Christchurch worth visiting, but you can definitely do worse.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful