Heritage Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand - Reviews and Hotel Information

This is a luxury four star hotel in the heart of the city, just some steps from the Cathedral. Although the tram passes in front of the doorstep noise from there should not be too bad as the tram only operates from 9am to 6pm in winter and until 9pm in summer. Also buses travel along the railway line but as there is very little car traffic it is not too loud. I can only imagine some singing revellers on Cathedral Square which BTW is rather deserted during weekday nights.

As the name indicates the hotel could be a heritage building. Indeed, a part of the premises are in the former Government Departmental Building which was built in 1909 in the style of an Italian High Renaissance palazzo. It was vacated in the 1980’s as it was considered being at risk of collapsing. In 1991 a demolition notice was issued but after many protests and efforts it was saved. This resulted in the purchase of the building by the City Council who in 1995 sold it to a developer. After major structural works and strenghtening the building was transformed into an apartment building with all the amenities you can enjoy now as a guest of The Heritage – boutiques, restaurant, swimming pool, gym, spa, and sauna.

The hotel occupies the former Government Departmental Building and a more modern Tower Wing (which gets somehow invisible beside the spectacular historic main building). You have the choice of several kinds of accommodation: normal rooms, apartments (one to three rooms) and suites.

The rack rate for a deluxe room is $ 380. If you book last minute in winter you get such a room for as “little” as $ 160, depending on the day. The rates go up to $ 637 for a family suite (down to 260/280 last minute in winter). All rates as June 2008.

I have not stayed at The Heritage – but my husband’s father had his office there as an architect employed by the Government when the building was still used as Government Departmental Building LOL (In the room behind the left-hand window on the first floor…)

Note:
I have only stayed at some few places in Christchurch as I moved in rather fast with my husband ;-) But as so many people want accommodation tips I have looked around quite thoroughly, so I can give you hints about location, rates, reputation, and how easily you reach it from the city centre. In some cases I have also talked to people who have stayed at the places I have listed. The only thing I cannot really check is the service and the friendliness of the hosts/staff.

Heritage Christchurch, Christchurch

Heritage Christchurch

Christchurch Hotels