Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Conference hotels in Christchurch

I have an upcoming conference in Christchurch and am trying to sort my accomodation options.

I'd prefer to stay in an offical conference hotel, but not necessarily if there's a better option.

I have PC (no status anymore) so HI/CP does hold attraction, but its not the be all and end all.

So here are my choices, but like I said if theres something better off the list I'll consider it. The conference is at the convention centre, and I'll need to stay there for maybe 6 nights. Plus, unfortunately my co-workers and friends from other places won't be joining me this time so I need slightly more comfortable than just a bed (such as somewhere to get chow). I'm a fit guy so a walk each way to conv centre doesn't faze me (as long as its not too far!).

Its hardly a great selection I know. Unfortunately pricing is an issue, I'd prefer to spend (NZ)~$100-120 a night but I may be able to stretch it to $160 or so, still have to work out the funding situation.

Hotel SO
HI on Avon - probably the preferred so far for points reasons
Ibis (about $30 more than both of above)

More expensive options (about 60-70 a night more expensive than HI/SO):
Copthorne Central
Copthorne Durham
Crowne Plaza - preferred if I get extra funding seeing its right there and PC points.

Like I said, those are the 'official' hotels, but if theres something better close in (HI Central?) I'll take a look.

Are there any reasons not to take one of those?
The HI Avon seems one of the more comfortable of the cheap options and a 15 min walk isn't too much problem (but is as far as I'd be willing). Hotel SO looks pretty funky but rooms are apparently tiny-as, is a 5-min walk to conv centre. Of the more expensive options the CP is the preferred. Cos I still have to work out the kind of budget I have for this can you please give a recommendation for each.



Cheers ^

The Crowne Plaza is pretty much the best hotel in CHC but not special. I usually stay there. As for distance, everything is 5 min walk (it is a small town), not sure that you can walk for 15 min without running out of town.

HI Avon would be a good 10 minute walk into town. I did this walk every day for a week in 2006. HI City Centre is obviously in the heart of CHC.

Hotel SO is part of the Livingspace group, AFAIK they are a upmarket backpackers type of lodging.

CP CHC is (as number_6 has stated) the nicest hotel in CHC.

Ibis CHC is so so - I guess that's my personal opinion as I'm not a fan of anything below ACCOR's premium product. Even then, I don't believe any Sofitel's are on par with the other big 4 (Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, Starwood).

If it were me I would stay at CP CHC if funds were not an issue then HI CC if the budget were tighter.

cheers guys^

So the consensus seems to be the HI City Centre is the better bet than on Avon?
(apart from the longer walk from Avon)

the search on this site brings up mainly City Centre which I suppose is a bit of an indication ;)

obviously CP will be my first choice if I can swing it past the boss-man ;)

Ben, not sure when your conference is, but Holiday Inn On Avon & Holiday Inn City Centre both have either apartments or townhouses which could work for you for a long stay, and they do weekly rates. Both also have good size accommodation rooms and the city has fully refurbished all standard rooms. There is also a shuttle bus at the Avon into town so your not too far away from things. - hope helps

A quick welcome to FT to dessertsfirst.

To Ben Ell I'd make the following observations.

The CP is nice, but if you're in-conference all day, and intend to eat out in the evenings, you'll be paying the premium there for nothing more - literally - than a place to lay your head.

IMHO, the choice between HI CC and HI on Avon needs to be all about any desire you might have to stretch your legs.

If you're genuinely happy to keep your own company, be away from the what little in CHC passes for a crowd, and like walking, the HI on Avon would be a good choice. The walk 'into town' is really quite pleasant, as it follows the river, including passing by the CHC Fire Service tribute to 9/11 - which is a sculpture of some actual wreckage from ground zero - "if that's your bag, baby." The hotel is a sprawling two level affair, somewhat dated, but well away from any hustle and bustle - including away from most places to eat. Your daily walk could involve hotel to convention centre in the morning, convention centre to hotel post-conference, hotel to town for dinner, and town to hotel to end the day. If that was me it would probably be 10-15 minutes somewhat enthused in the morning, 15-20 minutes bored witless at 5pm, 30-40 minutes people watching and bar / restaurant shopping at 7pm, and 20-25 minutes (10 steps forward, a couple to each side) any time from 8pm until ... well ... quite late, to get my head down. When I was there last month the front-desk staff were polite, professional on the side of casual, and helpful.

At the HI CC you're no more than a couple of minutes from at least a couple of dozen places to eat and / or socialise. It's a multi-level tower-block of a hotel. There was a really good barista in the lobby bar when I was there earlier this year, her name was "trainee". It must be French. Except for her the staff were professional on the side of abrupt, and otherwise next to useless.

p.s. As I type this, HI on Avon is on the pointbreaks list. If you have the points and are facing budget grief from your boss you could maybe split your stay between a couple of 5,000 point nights there and putting the dollar savings towards affording the CP.