Luxury hotels Christchurch

 

This month, I was privileged to visit Hotel Montreal for the sixth time, one of the luxury hotels in Christchurch, New Zealand; a chic central city retreat that epitomizes understated elegance and offers good parking.  As a smaller hotel, it has a degree of privacy not afforded by some of the larger 5-star hotels in the central city. 

 

 

 

This boutique gem stands out not only for its sophisticated accommodation but also as a discreet hideaway favoured by celebrities and high-profile guests. While I was there, admiring the fashion of the cool gent hanging out by the outdoor fireplace, attired in trendy blazer, military cap, spanking new white sneakers with sweater casually draped over his shoulders, I failed to click that the gent was actually one of America’s sit com series stars.  The myriads of security guards dressed in black should have been my clue. Had he been in fact at the table next to me, with stick on beard in disguise?  

 

What makes the 5 star Hotel Montreal the epitome of cosmopolitan cool? 

There are a three newish 5-star hotels and one legacy hotel in central Christchurch that rival Hotel Montreal in star rating. Two of these are fairly cookie cutter, clean but a bit boxy and sterile. Another is an historic classic – lush and elegant but lacking a café or chef.  The other is another classic, renovated larger hotel that is certainly upmarket, but lacks a natural flow.  

 

 

Out of these five, Hotel Montreal feels more homely; touches of French country combined with British country feature a mix of linen, leather and velvet. The suites are roomy and elegant without being pretentious. The bedding looks so good you just want to dive in, and have that ultimate of life luxuries, a nap. 

Meticulously designed suites cater to the discerning traveller. Each room is very spacious, most offer balconies. Some suites like the Penthouse have full apartment facilities (and three bedrooms), while others such as the Junior Suites have more of a kitchenette. The Penthouse would be where the head honcho would stay, and potentially bring his/her family. The crew might be in The Tack Rooms or Junior Suites. The penthouse is also popular for brides, doubling as a honeymoon suite and room for bridesmaids to get prepped in. 

 

 

 

One of the cool features is the outdoor courtyard adjacent to the cafe. It’s dog friendly, sunny, and contemporary. When the weather isn’t conducive to being outdoors, the café/bar is ideal for executive lunches, a casual coffee, or pre-dinner theatre drinks with tapas (walking distance to Te Pae – the main convention centre).  A few tables are higher, and the platters make it a popular rendezvous point for a drink and natter. 

I returned to have lunch with two clients there last week. The food was of a very high standard; well-presented and delicious (and the gluten-free bread I requested was decadent rather than dry. It’s not too busy/noisy during the day. And unlike the other central 5 star hotels, one of which I find a ‘mare to get a park, Hotel Montreal has an easy access off-street car park (the entrance confuses some, as it’s off Kilmore Street rather than Montreal St).  

The competitor down the road also has an off-street car park, but I usually find it packed to the gummels with conference delegates which necessitates driving down a narrow side alley to squeeze into the back of house area near the rubbish bins. Awkward. 

I rate Hotel Montreal’s location; walking distance from Christchurch city centre and Te Pae, but far enough away from the hubbub to be a retreat without the disturbance of late-night partygoers from The Terrace disturbing the peace. It’s a short stroll to Hagley Park and the gardens.  

 

Why is Hotel Montreal a celebrity hideaway? 

Privacy is paramount at Hotel Montreal. Owned by three brothers, who each have hospitality in their veins, the emphasis on training is evident. Service is spot on. Staff have just the right combo of grace and attention, with that uncanny ability to make themselves invisible when you’re in deep conversation.  

You can see why Hotel Montreal is a preferred choice for celebrities and public figures with their entourages. They know not to star and most certainly not to spill the beans when a global rock star stays. 

The hotel’s design ensures discretion, with a private back entrance available for celebs. You can hire the whole shebang and restaurant if you’re super famous or super rich, and the doors can be locked to prevent fans from swarming. But the smaller nature of it helps famous faces to avoid the stares that larger hotels might attract.  

 

Long stay  

Off-peak, the luxury apartments offer long-stay rates, and are a magnet for wealthy families with children boarding at local private schools. Apparently, people having house renovations also decamp there with delight.  As do divorcees reluctantly leaving their spouse in the family home and couples whose house sale or purchase timing has been delayed. Hotel Montreal is indeed a luxe lifesaver for a week or three pending settlement. 

If you’re evaluating 5-star hotels, Christchurch’s Hotel Montreal in the CBD is a chic classic. Whether you’re shopping around for luxury hotels in Christchurch, looking for restaurants in Christchurch CBD for executive lunches, or planning your wedding day, I do recommend a visit. 

Reviewed: 31 July 2024