The best hotels in Christchurch

Dorset House sits on Papanui Road in the leafy Merivale suburb, about 15 minutes walk from the city centre. It is a converted older home with a mix of dorm beds and basic private rooms, so expect thin walls and shared bathrooms. The kitchen is well-stocked and the garden area is a good place to meet other travellers. Staff are genuinely helpful with local tips. Good value if you just need a clean, honest base.

This is a converted 1874 prison on Jail Lane in the Addington neighbourhood, about 2 kilometres from Cathedral Square. The former cells have been turned into private rooms and the character of the building is genuinely interesting rather than gimmicky. Rooms are compact but comfortable, and the shared courtyard adds a social element. It is well-connected by bus and a short ride from the Addington coffee and restaurant strip. A unique stay that punches above its price point.

The Ibis sits on Colombo Street in the heart of the central city, close to the Christchurch Art Gallery and the Botanic Gardens. Rooms are exactly what you expect from Ibis, functional and clean with no surprises. The on-site bar serves reliable food and the front desk is efficient for early check-ins. It is a practical choice for short business stays or a night before heading south. Nothing special, but consistently decent.

The George is on Park Terrace directly overlooking Hagley Park and the Avon River, and the position is one of the best in the city. Rooms are elegantly fitted out with quality linen and thoughtful touches, and the larger park-view rooms are worth the premium. The in-house restaurant Pescatore has a strong local reputation for seafood. Service is personal and the staff remember your name by the second day. This is the benchmark mid-range to luxury crossover in Christchurch.

Crowne Plaza is on Kilmore Street close to the Cardboard Cathedral and the central convention precinct. The rooms are well-sized by New Zealand standards and the beds are genuinely comfortable. The hotel has a pool and gym which are well-maintained and not overcrowded. Business travellers will appreciate the fast Wi-Fi and the efficient meeting facilities. The breakfast buffet is broad but not exceptional.

Chateau on the Park sits on Deans Avenue bordering Hagley Park, giving direct access to walking and cycling paths. The property has a classic country-house look with modern rooms spread across the main building and garden wing. Families do well here because of the pool, the spacious grounds and the easy access to the Botanic Gardens across the road. Riccarton Mall is a short drive for shopping. The restaurant is reliable for a casual dinner without needing to go into the city.

Rydges sits on Manchester Street next to Latimer Square, a short walk from the Avon River precinct and the new central library Tuam. The rooms are modern and well-sized, and the corner rooms on upper floors have good views over the city rebuild. The hotel pool is small but usable and the bar area fills up with locals on Friday evenings. Check-in is smooth and the parking is convenient for road trippers. Solid mid-range option in a central location.

Distinction is on Cathedral Square itself, putting you at the geographic and cultural centre of the city. The rooms have been renovated since the earthquakes and are comfortable without being luxurious. The square is still evolving but the new market stalls and the cathedral ruin make it an interesting spot. Walking distance to the tram, the Arts Centre and the riverside promenade is a genuine convenience. A good pick if location is your priority over room bells and whistles.

Otahuna Lodge is a historic 1895 homestead set on 30 acres in Tai Tapu, about 20 minutes south of Christchurch city. There are only seven suites, each individually decorated with antiques and high-end linens, and the exclusivity is absolute. Dinner is a set menu using produce from the lodge gardens and it is genuinely one of the best meals you can have in the Canterbury region. Rates are all-inclusive of meals and activities. This is a world-class property that competes with the best rural lodges in New Zealand.

Eichardt's Terrace occupies a beautifully restored heritage building on Oxford Terrace directly beside the Avon River, in the heart of the post-earthquake hospitality precinct. The suites are spacious and individually styled with a mix of contemporary and classic New Zealand design. The river views from the upper-level rooms in the evening light are genuinely beautiful. The bar downstairs draws a sophisticated local crowd and the cocktail list is one of the best in the city. Staff anticipate needs without being intrusive, which is harder to achieve than it sounds.