5-Star Hotels in Canterbury, New Zealand

Accomodation is in a great location. Plenty of restaurants and bars nearby. Second time staying, last visit was 5 years ago. This time we stayed with our 2 young children. Advertised as having ‘air-conditioning’ which one would assume was heating. There was nothing like an air-conditioning unit in our 2 bedroom apartment. A small fan heater plugged into the wall was all. Not ideal with small children. Dangerous and also our apartment was freezing - especially being June. Thankfully beds were warm and comfortable and an extra blanket was provided for both bedrooms. Door to bedroom 2 was locked with a key from the outside. Which meant we had to call reception after one of us shut the bedroom door and couldn’t get back in. Staff attended immediately which was great, they were able to unlock the door however door knob was jammed which meant you could not shut the bedroom door or you would be locked in or out again. Had to place a bag at the door to ensure it wouldn’t be shut. Otherwise it’s a convenient place to stay. If you care about aesthetics it’s a little dated and bathroom grout is a bit mouldy.

”I recently stayed at Mayfair Hotel and had a wonderful experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff was friendly and welcoming, and went out of their way to ensure that my stay was comfortable and enjoyable. The room was spacious, clean, and well-appointed, with all the amenities I needed for a comfortable stay. The bed was extremely comfortable, and I slept soundly throughout the night. The hotel's location was also ideal, with easy access to nearby attractions and restaurants. I particularly enjoyed the on-site restaurant, which served delicious food and had a great atmosphere. Overall, I would highly recommend Mayfair Hotel to anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient stay. The staff's hospitality and attention to detail truly made my visit memorable, and I look forward to returning in the future.”

The loveliest - particular thanks to Sam - front desk staff (and efficient too). Excellent location, only a short walk to the centre, and very pleasant if you go through the park. There is also a bus stop directly outside; it will take you to the centre, or go to the bus station and take a trip to Sumner or Lyttleton - both worth a visit. Rooms are spacious and clean, beds comfortable. For some reason though, complimentary water and crisps only appeared on our first day! Useful to have a guest laundry, but be warned there is only one machine for all floors... The kitchen area is fine, but not for those who want to cook up a storm - you need to ask for pots and pans. Not a problem for us as we preferred to eat out (try Rangoon Ruby nearby, good, if somewhat 'neutralized' flavours, as the waitress herself put it!) . Overall a really pleasant stay in a very interesting city.

I don’t usually write reviews but this is such a beautiful place that I have decided to! I decided to stay one night here before travelling home back down South. After googling new places, I chose The Observatory based in the beautiful William Morris decor! It is really a stunning place to stay if you like good design and architecture. Aside from those already great things, the room was beautiful and comfortable with great colours and design elements. The sitting room or library has the most incredible selection of books that it is worth staying here for those and having a relaxing evening in reading. The artwork along the corridors and in the room is exceptional. If you are a tea or coffee drinker then you will love choice of great quality tea or coffee. If you are a product lover then you will love the freshness of the bathroom products. Last but not least, the staff are friendly and professional and offer some of the best customer service I have come across in recent years. I cannot wait to go on another trip and stay here again. Thank you for creating such a beautiful place in a magically calm area.

The hotel is nice, the waiters are friendly, the rooms are big, and the balcony is nice. There is a bar below the hotel, and there are occasional performances during dinner time, which is very atmospheric, but it is very quiet after 9pm during the break.

We stayed the night after a long day driving. We wanted a good location as only staying overnight. We were warmly welcomed at reception. After settling in and freshen up - great bathroom and ammenities. We took a quick $7 uber to New Regent St (as raining) It was only a 10 min walk home. Slept well in our upgraded (premium) room. Enjoyed a morning walk in Botanical Gardens. Inclusive or parking made it easy for us to access our car for trip to airport the following morning. Definitely stay again

Wow just mind blowin how great this place is. So accommodating for all the staff are lovely, room is modern except the couch definitely needs a upgrade but that's all I can fult the bathroom floor is super slippery when wet but this is a issue even in my own home. The bath is great it's huge seams bigger than other hotels and Deep which is amazing. The building next door has really bright lights that shine through the bedroom. I'll definitely be back I didn't want to leave wish this was my house because it's great. I love how there is a separate lounge to the room and this is the first time my baby has atcually stayed asleep. Well done team you have done well and I'd say this has to be the most affordable comfortable modern accommodation in chch thanks for our stay. Can't believe there are 2 tvs as well

We stayed at The Classic Villa for 3 nights during our holiday to New Zealand, and on arrival we were told that we had been 'upgraded' to the suite, which was a great suprise. The suite was superb. Very quiet, spotlessly clean, quiet, and comfortable. The main attractions in Christchurch were all a pleasant walk away. Jackie and her husband, were excellent, and very helpful, 'hosts' - it really felt more like a B and B than a hotel. Breakfast was very good, and we were absolutely delighted with everything about our stay. Highly recommended.

We stayed 2 nights in the deluxe spa suite and were moderately satisfied. Given the price of the room and coming from a 5 star hotel we expected better. the wallpaper was torn off in certain places and camouflaged by something, the mini bar was not complete. the instructions for the bathroom spa not super clear. The shower was also not completely waterproof. Too bad not to have real sheets for the cover. however, we enjoyed the view and the jacuzzi. comfortable bedding. for the breakfast option, not at all up to the standard of a 5 star, and that's a shame. also disappointed, the 2nd evening we wanted to order cocktails for happy hour, the bartender being present told us that the bar was closed for that evening and when we asked if we could have them in our room we were told said no you can order only food , why? while the bartender was present, is this laziness? The hotel spa amenities were all out of order as well. At this price and claiming 5 stars we were quite disappointed

We had spent the previous night in Lake Tekapo at a dreadful place (Tekapo1929 Lake Front Villa). Arriving at Settlers was a relief and an absolute delight. We were welcomed by a couple who are caretaking for the motel owners at present. They were friendly, welcoming, warm and hospitable. Our rooms (we booked one for us and one for our children) were perfect. Clean, tidy, and comfortable with beautiful decor. My partner and I even got upgraded! The smallest details often make a huge difference. Umbrella's beside every guest room door. Air freshener, plasters (band aids) and a jar of bath salts in the bathroom. Chocolates on our beds resting on mini pinecones. The grounds are very tidy and well manicured. All of this within a very short walk to the hot springs, bars and restaurants. We paid $348 for 1 night for 2 x rooms. Excellent value for money. Will definately stay here on any return trip to Hanmer.

Accomodation is in a great location. Plenty of restaurants and bars nearby. Second time staying, last visit was 5 years ago. This time we stayed with our 2 young children. Advertised as having ‘air-conditioning’ which one would assume was heating. There was nothing like an air-conditioning unit in our 2 bedroom apartment. A small fan heater plugged into the wall was all. Not ideal with small children. Dangerous and also our apartment was freezing - especially being June. Thankfully beds were warm and comfortable and an extra blanket was provided for both bedrooms. Door to bedroom 2 was locked with a key from the outside. Which meant we had to call reception after one of us shut the bedroom door and couldn’t get back in. Staff attended immediately which was great, they were able to unlock the door however door knob was jammed which meant you could not shut the bedroom door or you would be locked in or out again. Had to place a bag at the door to ensure it wouldn’t be shut. Otherwise it’s a convenient place to stay. If you care about aesthetics it’s a little dated and bathroom grout is a bit mouldy.

”I recently stayed at Mayfair Hotel and had a wonderful experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff was friendly and welcoming, and went out of their way to ensure that my stay was comfortable and enjoyable. The room was spacious, clean, and well-appointed, with all the amenities I needed for a comfortable stay. The bed was extremely comfortable, and I slept soundly throughout the night. The hotel's location was also ideal, with easy access to nearby attractions and restaurants. I particularly enjoyed the on-site restaurant, which served delicious food and had a great atmosphere. Overall, I would highly recommend Mayfair Hotel to anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient stay. The staff's hospitality and attention to detail truly made my visit memorable, and I look forward to returning in the future.”

The loveliest - particular thanks to Sam - front desk staff (and efficient too). Excellent location, only a short walk to the centre, and very pleasant if you go through the park. There is also a bus stop directly outside; it will take you to the centre, or go to the bus station and take a trip to Sumner or Lyttleton - both worth a visit. Rooms are spacious and clean, beds comfortable. For some reason though, complimentary water and crisps only appeared on our first day! Useful to have a guest laundry, but be warned there is only one machine for all floors... The kitchen area is fine, but not for those who want to cook up a storm - you need to ask for pots and pans. Not a problem for us as we preferred to eat out (try Rangoon Ruby nearby, good, if somewhat 'neutralized' flavours, as the waitress herself put it!) . Overall a really pleasant stay in a very interesting city.

I don’t usually write reviews but this is such a beautiful place that I have decided to! I decided to stay one night here before travelling home back down South. After googling new places, I chose The Observatory based in the beautiful William Morris decor! It is really a stunning place to stay if you like good design and architecture. Aside from those already great things, the room was beautiful and comfortable with great colours and design elements. The sitting room or library has the most incredible selection of books that it is worth staying here for those and having a relaxing evening in reading. The artwork along the corridors and in the room is exceptional. If you are a tea or coffee drinker then you will love choice of great quality tea or coffee. If you are a product lover then you will love the freshness of the bathroom products. Last but not least, the staff are friendly and professional and offer some of the best customer service I have come across in recent years. I cannot wait to go on another trip and stay here again. Thank you for creating such a beautiful place in a magically calm area.

The hotel is nice, the waiters are friendly, the rooms are big, and the balcony is nice. There is a bar below the hotel, and there are occasional performances during dinner time, which is very atmospheric, but it is very quiet after 9pm during the break.

We stayed the night after a long day driving. We wanted a good location as only staying overnight. We were warmly welcomed at reception. After settling in and freshen up - great bathroom and ammenities. We took a quick $7 uber to New Regent St (as raining) It was only a 10 min walk home. Slept well in our upgraded (premium) room. Enjoyed a morning walk in Botanical Gardens. Inclusive or parking made it easy for us to access our car for trip to airport the following morning. Definitely stay again

Wow just mind blowin how great this place is. So accommodating for all the staff are lovely, room is modern except the couch definitely needs a upgrade but that's all I can fult the bathroom floor is super slippery when wet but this is a issue even in my own home. The bath is great it's huge seams bigger than other hotels and Deep which is amazing. The building next door has really bright lights that shine through the bedroom. I'll definitely be back I didn't want to leave wish this was my house because it's great. I love how there is a separate lounge to the room and this is the first time my baby has atcually stayed asleep. Well done team you have done well and I'd say this has to be the most affordable comfortable modern accommodation in chch thanks for our stay. Can't believe there are 2 tvs as well

We stayed at The Classic Villa for 3 nights during our holiday to New Zealand, and on arrival we were told that we had been 'upgraded' to the suite, which was a great suprise. The suite was superb. Very quiet, spotlessly clean, quiet, and comfortable. The main attractions in Christchurch were all a pleasant walk away. Jackie and her husband, were excellent, and very helpful, 'hosts' - it really felt more like a B and B than a hotel. Breakfast was very good, and we were absolutely delighted with everything about our stay. Highly recommended.

I had spent ages googling “ Luxury Christchurch Accommodation”, and time and time again, Dyers House came up. We booked the garden room. Check in was warm and easy - Barry and Angela met us at the front door, and instantly made us feel like very special guests. As we were shown to our room, the scent of fresh flowers wafted thru the house. This historic home has been renovated with no expense spared, and so many special touches, I’m sure I will forget to mention some. Our room and bathroom were HUGE! The bedroom had elegant and exquisite furnishings, a bed that was divine, and a terrace straight off it where we had afternoon tea as we watched the birds flying around their divine garden ( a garden filled with lilacs, rhododendrons, bearded iris, cherry trees etc.) Beyond the garden lies sweeping views over Christchurch. Back to our room - our bathroom was incredible….everything heated, including the floor. Massive walk in shower, fluffy and soft bath towels, exquisite decor. Breakfast - this literally blew our minds - pastries, muffins, variety of yoghurts, fruit, including rare and exotic…cheeses, cold meats, the list went on and on. Barry made us piping hot coffee, while Angela spoilt us rotten! The hosts - Barry and Angela just love hosting people from around the world, and love spoiling them too. Both have had interesting careers that have taken them all over the globe - they have amazing stories to share, we found them to be caring, thoughtful hosts that could not do enough to make your stay as perfect as possible. The scenic location is worth the stay alone, but given the close proximity down the hill of great restaurants to chose from for dinner, added to the fact your room is divine, the hosts just lovely, and the magnificent breakfast - make this your first and only choice for Christchurch. Oh - and did I mention the afternoon tea? We sat on a private terrace, covered in roses, and ate the most divine gateaux and sweet treats. Shame I can only give them 10/10, they deserve more!

We stayed 2 nights in the deluxe spa suite and were moderately satisfied. Given the price of the room and coming from a 5 star hotel we expected better. the wallpaper was torn off in certain places and camouflaged by something, the mini bar was not complete. the instructions for the bathroom spa not super clear. The shower was also not completely waterproof. Too bad not to have real sheets for the cover. however, we enjoyed the view and the jacuzzi. comfortable bedding. for the breakfast option, not at all up to the standard of a 5 star, and that's a shame. also disappointed, the 2nd evening we wanted to order cocktails for happy hour, the bartender being present told us that the bar was closed for that evening and when we asked if we could have them in our room we were told said no you can order only food , why? while the bartender was present, is this laziness? The hotel spa amenities were all out of order as well. At this price and claiming 5 stars we were quite disappointed

We had spent the previous night in Lake Tekapo at a dreadful place (Tekapo1929 Lake Front Villa). Arriving at Settlers was a relief and an absolute delight. We were welcomed by a couple who are caretaking for the motel owners at present. They were friendly, welcoming, warm and hospitable. Our rooms (we booked one for us and one for our children) were perfect. Clean, tidy, and comfortable with beautiful decor. My partner and I even got upgraded! The smallest details often make a huge difference. Umbrella's beside every guest room door. Air freshener, plasters (band aids) and a jar of bath salts in the bathroom. Chocolates on our beds resting on mini pinecones. The grounds are very tidy and well manicured. All of this within a very short walk to the hot springs, bars and restaurants. We paid $348 for 1 night for 2 x rooms. Excellent value for money. Will definately stay here on any return trip to Hanmer.

Our well needed break we decided to stay once again at Clearidge Apartments. We stayed 5 nights and the weather gods shone on us. We decided to stay here after our last visit and we were not disappointed. It was a relaxing stay in an apartment rather than a motel room. Plenty of space and great amenities. The amount of space helped us relax even more. We loved the place so much we booked again for a 6 night stay in February 2024. The apartments are perfectly positioned for the pools,restaurants and activities in Hanmer. The availability of washing machine and tumble dryer was great for our many visits to the Pools. The bathroom is great but I am currently waiting for a double half knee replacement and the bath/spa/shower although great was a challenge as it was tall although the handrail solved any issues I had but this is more for information. Rosie and Steve were available and helpful for any needs we had. Love the place, a home away from home;

Modern, clean and very comfortable, we were glad we booked here. Easy walking to the town and the springs if you are going. In particular the lady running the property during our stay was incredibly personable and helpful. Only minor point of criticism is the notice on fines for leaving any strong cooking smells in the room - I totally appreciate the point but perhaps the lack of any extractor fan over the stovetop is also part of the issue here.

The room is very big and very good, just like a large flat floor, with its own jacuzzi, the balcony is to see the golf course, the only bad thing is that the hot water has a limit of one time ~ can use 260L, it takes an hour to use it.