Opposite Hagley Park and a lovely willow-shaded stretch of the Avon River, 500 m from the casino, this hotel lies a pleasant 10-minute walk northwest from Cathedral Square and the art gallery. Purpose-built 30 years ago, this unique boutique-hotel is considered to be the watermark of style and substance in Christchurch. Not a single hotel can compete with the unique personality and personal service here.
The attractive fountained entrance gives way to a warm inviting lobby—a sleek, understated space featuring cream leather furniture, timber parquet flooring and artworks by some of New Zealand's leading artists. Instead of a formal reception desk, the hotel offers sit-down registration. The personal attention lavished on guests here is truly outstanding. This hotel has one of the largest staff-to-guest ratios in the country and accordingly made the 2007 Conde Naste Gold List for Best Service in Australasia. It was also voted Conde
Naste 2007 New Zealand Hotel of the Year.
Pescatore, the hotel's famed restaurant, continues its life at the top of the heap. It is generally recognized as one of the best restaurants in New Zealand, thanks to its innovative tasting menu and sensational seafood dishes. The second restaurant, 50 on Park, offers a contemporary menu and alfresco dining, and the cozy cocktail bar is a popular spot for locals and guests.
A covered walkway leads to the adjacent 1930s property, The Residence, which was added to the hotel facilities 10 years ago. It features a lovely downstairs lounge and private dining room, along with two stylish upstairs suites and a studio with views of the garden and a spectacular oak tree.
The energetic take advantage of the all-weather tennis court. Golf equipment can be rented, and mountain bikes are complimentary. A gym, pool and spa are lacking.
Function capacity is 90 people, and complimentary Internet access and business services are available. Parking is plentiful and free.
The comfortable guest rooms fill three floors, with most showing updated soft goods in stylish black and beige thanks to recent and ongoing refurbishments. All are well-maintained, but the best picks are the two south-facing units on either side of the corridor on all three floors for their garden views. Light contemporary furniture, original art and small, cozy sitting areas with breakfast tables lend the rooms a home-away-from-home feel. Amenities include phones with data ports, wireless bridge facilities, minibars, coffeemakers 
and safes. Alarm-clock radios ensure appointments are kept. TVs have movies and an innovative guest-link service, which allows guests to order room service, make restaurant reservations and room bookings, and check out via remote control. Whirlpool tubs, hair dryers and robes are in small but elegant marble and tile baths.
Premium rooms add large desks and balconies. Guests in the four suites have use of a lounge with a big-screen TV, and complimentary sherry, port, tea and coffee await them in their quarters. All rooms are smoke-free, and one is wheelchair accessible.
The helpful management and staff win high marks. This property is the most sophisticated in town.
