BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

We got a lot for the price here, and I’d stay again. The room was tiny, but clean, practical and more comfortable than I expected. Restaurants, shops and the bus terminal were an easy walk away, and there’s a luggage room for departure day. When we wanted more room, the lobby had a lounge area as well as a restaurant, bar and coffee shop. There was a gym with dumbbells, treadmill, bike and elliptical, plus a vending machine on our floor. The room also had a mini fridge, coffee, decaf and tea.

The breakfast spread had plenty of choice. I liked that there were vegan pancakes, though they were a little dry. The eggs, bacon, mushrooms, hash browns, pastries, sausage and apple juice were very good. Our room was clean and compact, and the bed was really comfortable. The air con hummed, which isn't unusual, but two of the three lights wouldn't turn off. The window faced the building next door, number 444.

We were six in the family, and the room gave us a comfortable place to rest, with a separate room of two bunk beds that worked brilliantly for the kids. The beds and pillows were incredibly comfortable. The location was right in town and very close to my daughter’s school, Ara. We’d happily come back.

At $329.00 a night, this room wasn't worth the price. We paid for a standard queen room with breakfast included, according to the BreakFree website, but when we asked, staff said it wasn't on our reservation. I pointed to the website, and the manager just argued with me. Service was below par. There was nowhere to put suitcases or hang clothes, and our window looked out onto industrial buildings. I wouldn't recommend it.