Hotel: Novotel Christchurch

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Room: Executive Room

Perfect for: Couples, Executives

Category: 4 Star

Located in the city centre of Christchurch, you will find the Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square. Centrally located to everything you need in Christchurch, even boasting views over the Southern Alps, what more could you want?

Below is our full review of our stay at the hotel.

Our welcome experience at the Novotel Christchurch…

Because we are loyalty members of Accor, we were able to bypass the queue and head straight to the front with the priority check in! The staff were helpful, gave us all of the relevant information and were also able to help us book an additional room for a friend travelling with us.

The Room…

The executive room was spacious and well appointed. With a King bed, lounge and study desk, there is plenty of space to spread out with your luggage or simply to relax.

Having looked out the window before exploring the city, the view from above really did show the devastation caused by the Earthquake. More than 7 years later, empty lots where buildings once stood, cranes throughout the skyline and an impressive, yet surreal view of the damage does to the Cathedral.

If you feel the need to relax after a long day exploring the city, I would definitely recommend grabbing some of the shower gel and having a bath. In addition to the usual amenities, you also have a couple of combs and dental sets just in case you forgot to pack your own (or feel the need to open a brand new one just because you can!).

Meals…

We had breakfast each morning at the Square Restaurant. The buffet breakfast was fresh and there was plenty to choose from.

Eggs made to order, a juicer and freshly baked goods! Honestly, this was a pretty good way to start the day!

Looking for somewhere to unwind? You’re in luck, Square Bar offers a good range of drinks and if you’re looking to eat in, the menu at Square Restaurant is worth checking out. We enjoyed our Welcome drinks at the bar before heading out to dinner and the service and atmosphere were good.

Health and Fitness…

For those who like to stay active on holidays, there is a modern and fully equipped gym. Nothing worse than getting to a hotel with dated machinery so this was excellent.

Good to know…

There is free street parking, or if you prefer, secure parking that you can arrange with the hotel for an additional cost.

There is also a souvenir shop attached to the hotel so you can pick up any last minute gifts before you check out.

Checking out…

Quick and easy with Accor properties, we’ve never had a problem here. You can either use the express checkout or speak with reception. We always check out with reception who were also more than happy to arrange a taxi to the airport.

Above and beyond…

The staff who greeted us at reception were extremely friendly and assisted us with additional bookings on the spot.

The not so good…

Nothing to report here – all in all, it was a great stay!

The verdict…

If you’re looking for a lovely hotel in a very central part of Christchurch, then you should definitely consider this hotel. It is in the centre of everything you may want to see in the city which makes it easy to duck back to grab a jacket or drop a jacket back if you needed to!

Do you have travel insurance?

Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta