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The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, Cashel Mall and future Christchurch Convention Centre. The ten storey, 4.5 star Christchurch hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation with the latest technology including large, flat screen Smart TVs to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury’s vibrant attractions. Complementing this brand new accommodation are conference facilities catering up to 200 delegates. The stylish Gumption Restaurant & Bar, the perfect place to enjoy drinks and delicious cuisine with friends or colleagues.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Qualmark.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Charming
Languages Spoken
English
Location
14 Cathedral Square, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
251 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Distinction Christchurch Hotel garners praise for its friendly staff and spotless, spacious rooms, a highlight for guests who also appreciate the hotel's prime location close to the CBD and local dining spots. While many travelers enjoy the complimentary laundry services, opinions on the value proposition are mixed, with some citing the cost as a concern.
Despite the overall positive remarks on cleanliness and comfort, a few guests note the potential for noise and a wish for more in-room amenities, such as USB outlets.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Helpful
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Our family of five recently traveled New Zealand and stayed at nine different hotels, from mid-range chains to boutiques and cottages, from luxury to budget. Every one of us, considering the value, put this Distinction at the top of our list. The location is outstanding – we were able to walk to parks, including the gigantic Edge New Year’s Eve celebration at Hayley Park, the indoor market, the river, and the Quake Museum. Our room was absolutely humongous, with plenty of room for all five of us, and exceptionally comfortable. There was not one imaginable toiletry missing from the bathroom. It was really outstanding. Moreover they had a laundry room on the first floor. But what was truly exceptional was when we discovered we left a load of our laundry at the hotel, they neatly folded it and wrapped it and sent it to us at our last hotel stop to New Zealand. What service! My only minor complaint was that the morning after New Year’s Eve, they closed breakfast at 10 o’clock sharp. And I mean really sharp. That was difficult because the partying (noise) really didn’t stop in the city until about 1 AM so it was a little unrealistic to expect us all to get downstairs much earlier. A lot of people were dragging in late and staff was a bit irritated to serve even a limited menu. I would tweak that for next year if I were them. Otherwise an outstanding stay, for an amazing price, and the ONLY place we will stay in Christchurch.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ali Brown, Guest Services / Front Office at Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Responded Mar 3, 2020
Dear ready2wander03, Thank you for taking the time to review our hotel. I’m so happy to read your amazing comments about our hotel and team. I’m really glad to read that we could help you out when you needed it. So happy to read that you found our rooms humongous and you had plenty of room. We hope you enjoyed your time in our city and we look forward to welcoming you back to Distinction Christchurch again soon! Kind Regards, Ali Brown
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed two nights at the Distinction Hotel. From our twin bed superior room on the 10th floor we had a nice city view, down to the Cathedral directly underneath the window and far enough to see the Hagley Park fireworks.
The room was spacious and nicely furnished, the bathroom had a rain shower, the beds had firm mattresses, and despite the hotel's central location the room was quiet.
The hotel is popular with tour groups and the breakfast buffet can be busy. But the attentive staff provided for a quick refill whenever necessary and also cleared the tables promptly.
With lots of restaurants nearby we did not have dinner at the hotel. We went to the bar twice. It seems that they have live music occasionally...
Shops, museums and the Botanical Gardens are at walking distance. And there is a tram stop around the corner.
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from dchgsm, Manager at Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Responded Jan 12, 2020
Dear Hermann M, Thank you for taking the time to review our hotel. It’s great to read your positive comments about our rooms, location and breakfast. We hope you enjoyed your time in our city and we look forward to welcoming you back to Distinction Christchurch again soon! Kind Regards, Ali Brown
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My wife and I were on an organized tour of New Zealand. We stayed here for 1 night. The room #607 was spacious. We had separate double beds (no queens here). The beds were comfortable. We had a sitting area with 2 chairs and a round table. There was a small desk, and a long dresser with a large flatscreen TV. There were numerous electric outlets. There was a small closet and a low shelf in the hallway (the latter good for putting a suitcase on). There was a single sink in the bathroom and a combination shower/tub.
One excellent feature of this hotel was the laundry room. There were three washers and dryers--all of which were free to use. If you didn't bring your own liquid laundry detergent, then you could buy it at the front desk for 3 NZD per load.
The hotel was centrally located. I did walk to the Cardboard Cathedral. Other sights, I planned to explore when the tour returned to Christchurch on the last day of the organized tour (but the tour was cancelled before then, due to coronavirus travel restrictions).
The front desk staff was friendly and helpful.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had the pleasure of staying at the distinction hotel last week flying in from Sydney on Friday through till Monday. I found the staff very friendly and helpful at reception check in and the rooms were spotlessly clean. On the other hand I went to book a table in the restaurant on the Saturday 22nd and as there were 'many tables available' I thought we would try out gumptions. To my disarray the gentleman at the restaurant then told me that it would be better to eat later as it was busy? We found another place to eat that night. I did try the bar menu meal on The Sunday 23/2/20 and the prawn twisters were ok but were served soaking in a water glass with a portion of sweet type sauce that should have been served on the side in a small sauce dish and not a drink glass? Also I returned to the room late on the Friday night to order some (dry ginger ale that you mix with bourbon) & some ice and they sent me Ginger BEER, as it turned up and the gentleman said to me "please sign here" I explained to him that ginger beer was not "dry ginger ale". After my 3 nights I returned to stay again on the Friday 28th and found that Cloie at reception check-in was the best... As I had to leave My luggage in reception and I was too early to check-in she assisted me in directing me to the rental car location and said she would add me to an early check in list. After dropping the rental car off I dropped off another bag and it was then she informed me that there was a room ready to go.. Next day I checked out the same Cloie was friendly and helpful in letting me back up to the room as I had left my passport in the safe. I will be definitely staying at the Distinction again.. Cheers
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Location is right in the heart of Christchurch so good location however the rooms are really nothing special. My room was "tiny" although the bathroom was relatively big in comparison. My view was of the air con units at the back of another building. There were no air con controls in the room so I made use of the option to open the windows however to reach the top latch I had to climb up onto the desk. The bath robes and slippers were nice and the bed was very comfortable. They seem to be going for the old style opulent wood decor however they don't pull it off as when you open the drawers you can see the cheap wood in the interior - I think if you are going to do it, do it right. Overall not the worst place to stay but can think of other options close by that I would give preference to.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A warm welcome on our arrival and I was directed to a room on the first floor. I had a queen room booked and it was large in size with 2 queen beds. 2 armchairs provided and a large TV. Separate bathroom with over-the-bath shower. all clean, neat and tidy. Tea /coffee-making equipment in the room too. Very comfy beds. Hot fabulous hot water pressure in the shower. The showergel / shampoo/conditioner and soap were nciely packaged and included a sanitary kit /sewing kit too. Plenty of thick white fluffy towels. Room had airconditioning available and complimentary bathrobes to use. I was thrilled when opening the curtains the next morning to discover the Christchurch cathedral immediately opposite the hotel, we found the city centre a short level walk away. We ate dinner in the hotel restaurant the next night, I thought the menu was a little pricey but it was delicious. We were wlecomed and staff were polite and attentive. I will defintely stay here again !
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Date of stay: November 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled on business
Room Tip:Â Great views from higher floors
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had been pretty underwhelmed by the standard of hotels throughout our coach tour of New Zealand but this was one of the exceptions.
The rooms are extremely well appointed and the bed is very comfortable. Our room didn’t overlook the cathedral but it was nice and light. The bathroom was fresh with a nice selection of toiletries.
The lounge is not especially large but has a nice atmosphere and service at the bar was good. As a group we had a set menu dinner and this was enjoyable. They were serving 50 of us and food came up quickly and very presentable. Desserts were lovely.
If we ever get back to New Zealand this is one hotel we will definitely return to.
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I stayed here for MIQ in late 2021 and were really impressed by the quality, so we resolved to stay here when we were next in Christchurch. We stayed here two nights in late January, at the beginning and end of a Lake Tekapo holiday. We got a Superior King room on the 10th floor and it was great! The bathroom in particular was excellent – very modern, with both a rainfall and regular showerhead. The service was great from start to finish – the staff were very friendly and helpful and made us feel welcome. We used their valet service for $25 per night (roughly equivalent to or potentially cheaper than nearby parking). However, we didn't use the car much; as the hotel is located in the centre of the city, a lot is within easy walking distance. The price is reasonable for a hotel of this quality. There were cups and glasses; although bowls and small plates would have been useful in addition. Overall, we were once again delighted with our stay at Distinction Christchurch.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here for 3 nights on the 10th floor. Our first room was next to the lift and the noise of the lifts was a slight annoyance so decided to comment to reception on whether they could provide earplugs. They moved us later that day to another room which was amazing. The rooms are furnished to a very high standard and the friendliness and professionalism of the staff should be commended.We loved the location, easy walk to new Riverside market complex and surrounding area. Would highly recommend this hotel.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from dchgsm, Manager at Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Responded Jan 12, 2020
Dear nakiboys, Thank you for taking the time to review our hotel. I’m sorry to read that you were disturbed by noise from the lift, but I’m thrilled to read that our team were able to remedy this for you! Thank you also for your amazing comments about our rooms. We hope you enjoyed your time in our city and we look forward to welcoming you back to Distinction Christchurch again soon! Kind Regards, Ali Brown
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Our room on the 7th floor was massive and had views of the destroyed Christchurch Cathedral. It was a corner room with a king size bed and enough room to host a large party with two sofas, two chairs and a desk. The bathroom had plenty of counter space and plentiful hot water. We ate in their hotel restaurant and also had drinks at their bar and enjoyed the service received at both.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi There,
We have hairdryers and irons with boards available in every room. They are located inside the wardrobe for your convenience.
Kind Regards,
Ali
Auckland, New Zealand83 contributions27 helpful votes
About 10 mins walk down the road from the Distinction. come out of the door of the distinction turn left then then through the square and keep on walking it is on the right hand side of the road.
Christchurch, New Zealand6 contributions1 helpful vote
walk from the cathederal square down towards the arts centre, and its on the corner of hereford and the one way system of madras street. cant miss it, a huge glass museum! you can have lunch there as well, in the cafe.
There are more places to choose from in the Christchurch area.
PRICE RANGE
₱8,868 - ₱11,044 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Millennium Hotel
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandCanterbury RegionChristchurch
NUMBER OF ROOMS
179
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
