ibis Christchurch is at 107 Hereford Street, in the central city near Cashel Mall, Cathedral Square and Hagley Park, and it is the budget pick of this shortlist. Rooms are compact, about 19 square metres, with standard and ibis Plus options in king or twin-double layouts that sleep three or four. The hotel has Perch Dining and Bar, a coffee shop, free Wi-Fi in every room, air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can use the In Balance gym at the Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square nearby. Review scores are good, around 8.2 out of 10 from about a thousand guests, with cleanliness and staff scoring best. It suits travellers who want a clean, central bed at a lower price and plan to spend their time out.
Location and getting around
The hotel is a short walk from the Christchurch Tram, the shops on Cashel Mall and the river, and Hagley Park is within walking distance for a morning run. The Art Gallery and the Botanic Gardens are an easy stroll or a short tram ride, and day-trip coaches usually collect from the centre. With so much on foot, you rarely need a car, but self parking is available on site for a daily fee, with limited spaces and height restrictions.
The rooms and the feel
Rooms are small and functional, built for sleeping rather than lounging, so travellers who want space should look at the Novotel or the Quest apartments instead. The ibis Plus rooms add a few comfort upgrades, and the king rooms sleep three. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a coffee shop on site, and buffet breakfast is available for a fee, served from early morning. Heating and air conditioning keep rooms comfortable year round, and the property is smoke-free. Accor members may get loyalty benefits.
Who it suits and what to know: it suits budget travellers, solo visitors and couples who spend their days sightseeing and want a safe, central, clean base. It is less suited to travellers who plan long evenings in the room or who need a lot of storage. Check whether breakfast is worth adding, since the cafes in the centre offer alternatives. Ask for a higher floor if street noise is a concern. For a lower price than most central hotels, it delivers the essentials, and the Novotel gym access is a handy bonus.
Why stay here
- ✓Central location
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Coffee shop
- ✓Free Wi-Fi in all rooms
- ✓Air conditioning and heating
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Gym access at the Novotel
- ✓Paid on-site parking
Good questions
Where is ibis Christchurch?+
It is at 107 Hereford Street in the central city. Cashel Mall, Cathedral Square and Hagley Park are close by.
How big are the rooms?+
Rooms are about 19 square metres, so they are compact. The king rooms sleep three and the double rooms sleep four.
Is there a gym?+
Guests can use the In Balance gym at the Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square nearby. Check the access terms at check-in.
