Hotel Accomodation in Christchurch

HOLIDAY on AVON hotel in Christchurch may not be a five star hotel, but it comes pretty close.
It is not new, but the rooms are clean, tidy and very large.
The beds are comfortable and the pillow menu includes a lavender pillow, which was so delightful. The refrigerator WAS new and it was nice not to be wakened by its generator kicking in, like at some establishments.


The room we had opens on to a large courtyard with a garden setting where we had afternoon tea amidst the flowers, the fuchsias were blooming, the conifers and ducks that surround the water feature...



Bathroom was clean, well stocked with free bathroom necessities, a large bath/shower unit and hair dryer.


There is a free shuttle service to take you in to town, which is really just a taxi cab, but hey, what the hell, it is free. Otherwise, in good weather it is a really pleasant 20 minute stroll to the cathedral square.

The walk follows the river itself, and you pass by the tribute to the 9/11 disaster in New York. Plenty of ducks can be seen foraging for snails and other food along the river banks.




The hotel has an indoor heated swimming pool, which was a little cool in winter, although we weren't into heavy training laps, and a well equipped gym and wonderful Sauna... not a steam room, with water dripping on one's head but a traditional Finnish style sauna...it was wonderful, and but for a few guests, I had it all to myself.

Meals and Food at HOLIDAY on AVON
The breakfasts were included in our room price, but kids are free at breakfast anyhow. But I would recommend this buffest as it was especially generous. It is not necessary to book in advance, and you pay as you go.

A wide selection of fruit, cereals and yoghurt, about 6 choices of hot food, and nicely cooked eggs, loads of crispy bacon, croissants, muffins, pastries, and the best coffee machine. Attentive staff will assist you if you are unsure of the technology, but is really simple to use and makes great cappucinos, lattes and also hot chocolates and babycino. My daughter thought this was the best part.





One can help yourself as many times as you like to the full buffet breakfast or just go continental if you prefer.
The toaster was the only tricky part. It was slow large and cumbersome and only cooked one side at a time. They had a little automatic toaster beside it which turned out to be a lot faster and easier to use, especially for raisin toast.


We rolled out of there with our tummies full and no need for lunch..... I think the cost was around $15.00 per adult. So it was really worthwhile, and there was still adequate portions if you arrived at 8.30 am.

A further comment needs to be made about the staff. They were exceedingly friendly, and helpful, going out of their way to make one stay a pleasant one.

I could not recommend this hotel higher. Comparing it to some of the other Mercure resorts that I stayed in, it outshone them all, for facilities, and customer service. Well Done Holiday on Avon.

Four ticks of approval!!!!