Off The Square Hotel, 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 street performers, including jugglers and the famous Wizard of Christchurch, an official living monument who is a site in himself, preaching on all kinds of topics from a step ladder, tourists playing giant chess, marketstalls, baton twirlers, choirs, sculptures, cafes and bars. And there is no better place to watch all this going on that from the top of the cathedral spire. From... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Sun, fab clean beaches, hip clubs, great mix of people and lots to do!
Disadvantages: Tourists!

...of the best places to go are the surf shops, Just Add water, Crazy Water , Animal and Fat Face are fab. For desiger clothes try John Anthony (Old Christchurch Road) and Richmond Classics (Richmond Hill - just off the square). There's also local brand Criminal. Check out their new store off Old Christchurch Road. Bars/Restaurants ******************** One thing you'll notice is that every other building is a swank new bar or restaurant (especially in Old Christchurch Road). Everyone is catered for in this town and where you hang out speaks volumes about you. The students tend to hang out at the top end of Old Christchurch Road and Lansdowne Road in the Old Fire Station, Bar Vin, Litten Tree and Bar Med and Walkabout. The gay area (The Triangle) - has Rubyz (a great cabaret bar and nightclub with fabulous host , Dame Kitty) and lots of pubs... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Well located,quiet,comfortable,clean,excellent service,
Disadvantages: breakfast time in the restaurant a little hectic

...We used this excellent hotel on two occasions at either end of our journey around South island. Staying at the recently refurbished Elms Hotel on Papanui Road (their claim that "Nothing is too much trouble" we certainly found to be true!) was a pleasure. Reception staff offered a warm welcome, and a great willingness to assist us in finalising and resolving problems with our travel arrangements.Free secure storage was kindly provided for two exceedingly large pieces of luggage that we did not require for our 10 days moving around South Island. The hotel is very handily placed more or less midway between the international airport and the centre of Christchurch itself. The airport to hotel transfer by a member of the hotel staff was prompt and efficient.Further the hotel lies on 3 main bus routes offering a frequent service -a very... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful