Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and a great place to be for a lot of activity.  It is the gateway for the region and a city travelers often find themselves using as a base to explore the Canterbury region.  Christchurch took a huge hit with back to back earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.  Even today, 6 years after the first big earthquake of recent times, construction is still happening in the CBD (Central Business District also known as the downtown).  In Christchurch itself, there are not many choices for luxury hotels.  Fortunately, what does exist is lovely.

I had a very quick, one night stay at The George.  I have had clients stay at the property and have been very keen for quite some time to visit.  And Christchurch itself has had me curious for some time as well to see what it was really like.

I would have liked to stay here for a couple nights, but it ended up being a really short stay.  I had taken the train from Greymouth to Christchurch and it ended up being late.  I needed to go pick up a rental car and when all the details were taken care of it was close to 7:30 pm before I even checked in.  I was really hungry, so I did a quick bag drop and walked to Mexicano’s (more on this another day) for a quick bite to eat.  I didn’t really settle into the hotel until close to 9 pm.  I needed to leave by 10 am so I could get to Kaikoura in time to go whale watching. All in all, it was a really short visit.

I was in room 316, one of the Park Suites.  This room was amazing.  I instantly fell in love when I walked in and that was before noticing many little (awesome) details.  The room is very high tech too, but easy for anyone to figure out.  It all started with the welcome notes:

In all fairness, anytime someone leaves me macarons as a welcome amenity, they have pretty much sealed the deal with me loving them.

The beverage offerings were vast – a nespresso machine with multiple blends, Milo, several teas, etc.  The kitchette area was great.  One of the details I was referring to earlier is the trash can.  I know, bare with me.  I am a conservationist at heart and try to recycle where I can.  Hotels always kill me with the lack of recycling.  But not at The George!

The room is was huge.  The above photo shows the front door and walking in through the kitchenette area.  Next is the living room, with a sofa, TV, and sitting area.  The windows all have giant shades.  When open, I had views of the park.  The room is very technology advanced – the window shades and lights were all on a touch panel and very easy to use.  The living room and the bedroom can be separated by doors.

The bed was fantastic – I slept great.  They have a true turn down service – bottle of water, chocolates, turning the bed back, setting out a robe and slippers and the best yet, a little Georgie bear!

I really hate having to hunt for the electrical outlets in a room.  This room had plenty and they were easy to find.  The walk in closet was just off the bed.

The bathroom was great and one easy to share with another person.  The shower had dual shower heads and two sets of amenities, the floor and towel rack were heated, and the soaking tub jetted.

More views:

Breakfast is a buffet with hot items ordered off the menu.  I had porridge and a flat white with no complaints.

The George Hotel is so conveniently located.  It is about 20 minutes from the airport, in the CBD, and right across the street from the park.  I highly recommend the property when wanting to stay in Christchurch.