Distinction Christchurch Hotel is at 14 Cathedral Square, the heart of the rebuilt city, and that position is its main selling point. It is a four-star property with a restaurant, a bar, a gym, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, and it offers a very wide choice of rooms, from Classic and Superior rooms to one-bedroom and family suites. Guest scores are excellent, around 9.4 out of 10 from several hundred reviews. For a first visit it is a practical base, because the tram, the shopping streets, the Arts Centre and the riverside are all within a few minutes on foot. It suits couples, families and business travellers who want a central location without paying luxury prices.
Location and getting around
Cathedral Square is the city's central meeting point, and from the hotel you can walk to the Christchurch Tram, the shops on Cashel Mall, the Avon River and the Botanic Gardens in a few minutes. The Christchurch Art Gallery and the Arts Centre are a short walk away, and public transport and coach pick-ups for day trips to Akaroa, Kaikōura and the Southern Alps usually start in the centre. Because it is so central, you rarely need a car for city sightseeing, and valet parking is available at an extra charge for those who do, though spaces are limited and height restrictions apply.
The rooms and the feel
The hotel offers Classic and Superior rooms with king, super king or twin beds, plus junior suites, one-bedroom suites and family suites that sleep four. That range makes it a good choice for families and small groups who want to stay in one place. A restaurant and a bar are on site, and a buffet breakfast is served in the morning for a fee.
The gym is available to guests, although at least one reviewer felt it could use a refresh, so treat it as a convenience rather than a feature. Expect a comfortable, conventional hotel rather than a design statement.
Who it suits and what to know: it suits first-time visitors, families who want a suite and anyone who values a central address. Check whether your rate includes breakfast, and ask about parking at booking if you will have a car. Rooms facing the square can be livelier than those facing away, so request a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.
It is a good value-for-location choice, with strong guest scores and plenty of room types, and it works well as a base for trips out of the city because pick-up points are close.
Why stay here
- ✓Cathedral Square location
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Gym
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Family suites
- ✓Buffet breakfast (paid)
- ✓Valet parking (paid)
Good questions
Where is Distinction Christchurch Hotel?+
It is at 14 Cathedral Square in the centre of Christchurch. The tram, Cashel Mall and the river are within a few minutes on foot.
Does it have family rooms?+
Yes, the hotel lists family suites and rooms that sleep four, as well as one-bedroom suites. This makes it practical for families.
Is parking available?+
Valet parking is available for a daily fee, with limited spaces and height restrictions. Ask at booking if you will have a car.
