The biggest city in New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is one of those places that you’ll never be able to get enough of. It doesn’t matter whether this is your first visit or you’ve been to the city countless times – you’ll always find something new and surprising.

The city center is bursting with tempting restaurants, cool bars, quirky shops, fascinating art galleries, and intriguing museums. But head just a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and you’ll discover an endless number of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as countless ways to challenge yourself and get your adrenaline pumping. Stay in one of the best hotels in Christchurch and you’ll be able to experience it all!

What makes this city so popular is that it’s able to seamlessly blend all kinds of diverse spots without making any feel out of place. Take a look around and you’ll discover peaceful botanic gardens next to lively microbreweries and striking street art next to high-end boutiques. The city’s hotels are just as diverse.

Christchurch is home to all kinds of incredible places to stay, from towering skyscrapers in the middle of all the action to luxury boutique hotels surrounded by peace and tranquility. In fact, there are so many fantastic options in the city that you may find it almost impossible to pick the perfect one. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the top 12 boutique hotels in Christchurch!

Where to Stay in Christchurch

If this is your first time in the city, we suggest staying in Christchurch city center. Also known as downtown, this neighborhood is where you can enjoy everything Christchurch has to offer. You’ll be within easy walking distance of loads of attractions, cultural spots, shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best hotels in Christchurch. The only downside is that because it’s so busy, it can get a little noisy.

Riccarton is an excellent option if you’re looking for somewhere cool and modern. This part of the city has a young, dynamic population compared to the other suburbs and is packed with things to do. Here you’ll find the giant Westfield shopping mall, bustling Christchurch farmers’ market, and beautiful sprawling parks. It also has great access to the Christchurch city center.

Get the best of both worlds by staying in Cashmere. This neighborhood is between the city and the countryside, so you can spend half your time in the middle of all the action and the other half surrounded by nature.

There are still plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars within walking distance, as well as some of the most beautiful places to stay in Christchurch. From the spellbinding views and the heritage buildings to the lush parks and decadent accommodation options, every inch of this neighborhood is stunning. 

The 12 Best Hotels in Christchurch, New Zealand

1. Peppers Clearwater Resort

Start your vacation ASAP by staying at Peppers Clearwater Resort. Just a 7-minute drive away from Christchurch Airport, this dazzling hotel overlooks Lake Kaikainui and is surrounded by wonderfully manicured grounds. Its prestigious location means that you can immerse yourself in the countryside while still being just a short distance from Christchurch’s enigmatic dining and nightlife scenes. 

Here you’ll find a huge variety of rooms to choose from. If you’re planning on visiting Christchurch in the summer, we suggest booking a lakeside villa. These stunning villas are very well equipped and come with a contemporary kitchenette, laundry facilities, a private garage, and two elegant bedrooms. But the best part is the outdoor deck, where you can relax on comfy loungers and enjoy the spectacular lake views. 

You’ll be spoiled for choice with outdoor activities at Peppers Clearwater Resort. The sparkling lakes that surround the hotel are teeming with trout, making it an excellent spot for fly fishing. If that’s not your thing, the hotel also offers a driving range, golf practice area, and putting green, as well as a tennis court and loads of cycling and walking trails. 

2. Hotel 115

One of the coolest boutique hotels in Christchurch, Hotel 115 is located in the beating heart of the city and boasts 38 rooms, each of which combines timeless sophistication with modern style. Whichever room you choose, you’ll be treated to a stunning gray and teal color palette, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, an iPod docking station, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and fantastic city views.

An excellent choice if you’re traveling as a family, Hotel 115 offers standard and superior interconnecting rooms for guests with kids. Each of these spacious rooms includes one double bed, one single bunk bed, and the option of a crib. The child-friendly part of the room is filled with fun toys and decorated with cute drawings and paintings. Your little ones will love it!

What makes this hotel so unique is that the city’s tram actually runs through the hotel. We guarantee you’ll never see this anywhere else! You can hop onboard the historic tram to discover all kinds of fascinating spots throughout Christchurch or put on your walking shoes and explore the many cultural attractions within walking distance. 

3. Carnmore Hotel Christchurch

One of the best Christchurch hotels if you want to be in the middle of all the action, Carnmore Hotel Christchurch is just a short walk from the city center and boasts easy access to a handful of the city’s most famous attractions. It may look a little formal and business-like from the outside, but step through the entrance and you’ll find out just how warm and welcoming this hotel really is.

Here you’ll discover 88 beautiful rooms, each of which has all the mod cons you need to enjoy your stay. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be treated to individual heating and air condoning, tea- and coffee-making facilities, loads of USB charging outlets, a smart TV with Netflix, and high-speed Wi-Fi. To make your stay as convenient as possible, the hotel offers accessible rooms and family rooms.

While the building is just a short distance from a range of excellent bars and restaurants, you’ve got to try the on-site Hoi Polloi Bar & Bistro. This gourmet restaurant showcases the best ingredients that Canterbury has to offer in a relaxed pub-style atmosphere.

4. Hotel Montreal

If you’re looking for where to stay in Christchurch that feels like home, make a reservation for Hotel Montreal. This gorgeous hotel somehow manages to combine elegance, luxury, and sophistication with an inviting vibe that makes you feel calm and relaxed as soon as you arrive.

Boasting a prestigious location on the edge of Hagley Park, the hotel features a fantastic fitness center, free bicycle rentals, and a huge garden where you can enjoy a game of croquet as the sun goes down. Here you’ll also find the secluded Montreal Bar & Restaurant, which serves a seasonal menu filled with a la carte dishes and plates designed for sharing.

One of the best things about Hotel Montreal is that it only has 26 guest rooms, meaning you’re guaranteed to get some peace and quiet. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, we recommend splashing out on the Penthouse. 

This remarkable apartment comes with a full kitchen, cozy lounge, spacious dining room, and three individual bedrooms, so everyone has their own space. It’s decorated with stunning navy blue furniture accented with gold details. 

5. The MUSE Hotel

Add a bit of color to your life and make a reservation for The MUSE Hotel. This alluring art hotel is known for its designer furniture, local artwork, and stunning decor. Staying here will feel more like spending a vacation inside a contemporary art gallery than at a hotel!

The art hotel theme carries on from the public spaces into the guest rooms, each of which features gorgeous modern decor, high-speed Wi-Fi access, individual air conditioning, an espresso coffee machine, a 49-inch flat-screen TV, and a Bluetooth speaker. Check out the bathroom and you’ll discover an opulent rainwater shower, as well as a fluffy bathrobe and slippers set.

The Pink Lady Rooftop Bar is one of the many highlights of this cool hotel. Here you’ll be wowed by spectacular unobstructed views of the Christchurch city center. Don’t be put off if the weather’s a little chilly. The hotel supplies blankets and heating during the colder months. As well as the phenomenal views, the hotel also offers a fabulous drinks menu laden with creative cocktails and craft beers. 

6. The Mayfair

The Mayfair has got to be one of the coolest Christchurch hotels. Ideally located on Victoria Street, where you’ll find a never-ending choice of experiences, attractions, bars, and restaurants on your doorstep, this hotel is an excellent choice if you’re planning on squeezing as much as possible into your vacation. 

Within the hotel, you’ll find a cafe that offers some of the most delicious coffees, teas, and Belgian hot chocolates you’ve ever had in your life. If you’re looking for something a little more interesting, check out the cafe’s high tea offerings or make reservations for a lazy weekend brunch. Make sure you return in the late afternoon when the hotel’s cafe becomes an innovative cocktail bar and kitchen.

All guest rooms at the Mayfair are beyond stunning, with floor-to-ceiling windows, tons of space, plush king-size beds, handy kitchenettes, huge TVs with Chromecast, and luxurious Byredo bathroom amenities. But for an experience you’ll never forget, we recommend treating yourself to the Top of House Suite. 

This giant suite comes with a separate living and dining space, as well as a large balcony with stunning views. If that isn’t enough, as a guest of this suite, you’ll also get free snacks, barista-made tea and coffee, and a welcome drink voucher.

7. The Classic Villa

The Classic Villa is instantly recognizable, thanks to its cute pink exterior. Built in 1899, this one-of-a-kind structure was created in an Italian style and has since been renovated, making the place even more spectacular than it was originally. Step through the oversized doors, and you’ll discover a truly unique hotel in Christchurch that combines a home-away-from-home vibe with top-quality service.

A wonderful place to stay if you want to do a little light sightseeing, this award-winning hotel is quietly nestled on a private pedestrian street and is within walking distance of a bustling shopping zone, intriguing art gallery, and stunning botanical gardens. If you don’t feel like venturing far, you’ll find complimentary tea, coffee, cookies, and fresh fruit available on-site throughout the day. 

Here you’ll find a fantastic range of accommodations to choose between, with everything from cheap and cheerful Single Rooms all the way up to extravagant Super Deluxe King Suites. Whichever room you opt for, you’ll be treated to a luxurious bed with sheepskin underlay and an electric blanket, an in-room thermostat, flat-screen TV with Chromecast, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Each bathroom boasts a fantastic massage shower and cozy underfloor heating.

8. Dyers House

It may sound a bit cliché, but Dyers House really does have it all. This 5-star hotel is just a 10-minute drive away from the center of the city, but it’s still peaceful enough to avoid the crowds and get a good night’s sleep. The views from this part of town are so amazing you’ll never even want to blink! 

One of the many historic buildings in the city, Dyers House was built over 100 years ago and still holds onto its Edwardian roots. But that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. Each room comes with free Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked complimentary minibar, a queen-size bed with fine bed linens and mattress toppers, and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, luxurious towels, and underfloor heating.

Dyers House is home to just three guest rooms, so you’re guaranteed an intimate and blissfully quiet escape. You’re free to explore the property, relax in the cozy library, and enjoy the sunshine in the garden. To make sure you feel completely at home, guest laundry and computer access are provided free of charge. Private parking and courtesy transfers can also be arranged. 

9. The George Christchurch

One of the top luxury hotels in Christchurch if the many awards are anything to go by, The George is best known for its incredible service that will make you feel like a VIP from the second you arrive. Here you’ll find a spectacular restaurant that serves up plates that are (almost!) too good to eat.

Make sure you bag a reservation for the hotel’s high tea. Arrive with an empty stomach, a fully-charged phone, and the excitement of a child on Christmas morning!

All the rooms are beyond stunning here, with neutral color palettes, free Wi-Fi access, and some of the comfiest bedding you’ll ever sleep on. If you’re traveling as a group, consider splashing out on the Residence. 

This phenomenal suite boasts three individual bedrooms with super king-size beds, a lounge that opens out into an English-style garden, separate dining and drawing rooms, and a very well-stocked minibar. You even get your own private entrance! 

There’s a contemporary gym on-site, as well as an amazing art collection. There are so many pieces to admire that you can even book a guided art tour with the hotel.

10. The Observatory Hotel

One of the most unique Christchurch hotels, The Observatory Hotel is packed full of character and charm. Everywhere you look, bright pops of color, enchanting textiles, and mesmerizing artwork compete for your attention. Plus, one of the best things about this hotel is that each room is entirely unique – and a work of art itself!

Whichever room you find yourself in, you’ll be surrounded by top-quality furniture made by experts in Canterbury, beautiful fittings sourced from Aotearoa, and breathtaking artwork created by skilled people in the local community. 

As well as the gorgeous and well-equipped rooms, the hotel also offers a modern gym, the Bijou Bar – where you’ll find all kinds of innovative cocktails named after old Christchurch cinemas – and Bunsen, which offers every single kind of coffee you could imagine. 

Throw into the mix Cellar Door which serves wine-tasting flights, Frances Nation Grocer with takeaway options, the Fudge Cottage with loads of sweet treats, The Rolling Om food truck with healthy wraps, and the Zen Sushi & Dumplings bar, and you’ll find you never have to even leave the hotel if you don’t want to!

11. Eliza’s Manor Boutique Hotel

Built way back in 1861 when Christchurch was originally founded, Eliza’s Manor Boutique Hotel has a rich and colorful past that guests are invited to get to know. During its time, the building has been everything from a private residence to a hospital. Today it’s a luxury 5-star boutique hotel that will instantly win you over as soon as you arrive. 

This unique hotel is named after Eliza Doolittle from the movie “My Fair Lady” and exudes charm from every corner. Take a look around and you’ll discover a fine dining restaurant, a sophisticated bar, a beautiful courtyard bar, a charming beer garden, and gorgeous boutique rooms.

There are just eight rooms here, so you can be guaranteed peace and tranquility. Whichever one you opt for, you’ll be rewarded with a smart TV, pillow menu, Nespresso coffee machine, Harney and Sons fine tea, a complimentary minibar, a nightly turndown service, and luxurious Ashley and Co toiletries. 

The is one of the best luxury hotels in Christchurch, so expect an elegant high tea to be served each afternoon in the sunny courtyard. And if you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, there’s a cute cedar barrel sauna where you can unwind or warm up in the colder months. 

12. Sudima Christchurch City

One of the newest boutique hotels to pop up in Christchurch, Sudima Christchurch City is a 5-star property conveniently located on Victoria Street. Step outside and you’ll find you’re spoiled for choice with bars, restaurants, cafes, and shopping opportunities. It’s also just a short trip away from the city center and the sprawling Hagley Park.

The rooms are superb if you’re spending just a few days in Christchurch. But if you’re staying a week or longer, we recommend booking one of the apartments. They’re much more spacious and come with all the convenient extras of the other rooms, including smart TVs with Chromecasts and on-demand movies, Wi-Fi access, king-size beds, Amazon Echoes, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. 

The highlight of the hotel is the spa, which offers a huge menu of treatments and massages. If you’re traveling with others, the hotel can even arrange private spa parties for you and your travel buddies. If you’d rather treat your taste buds, there’s a modern bistro that specializes in dishes created using local Canterbury ingredients in a relaxed, cozy setting. 

That completes our list of the 12 best Christchurch hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Christchurch? Comment below so we can add them to the list! 

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