Novotel Christchurch Airport

The staff were helpful, and it was easy to catch a bus into town right outside. Breakfast had a good range, though the scrambled eggs were very runny. Our room looked over the runway, which was fun if you like seeing how an airport works. The toilet and shower were separate, with an open sink, a layout we thought was well planned.

We had an early flight, so the Novotel’s location worked well, with the international airport only a five-minute walk away. The room was spotless, comfortable and had the amenities we needed. I have dust allergies and really appreciated how clean it was. The bed and shower were both very comfortable. What spoiled things was arriving late and finding only an empty water container in the room. When I called for drinking water, I was told to take it to the restaurant to refill it. I asked if someone could bring water up, but the receptionist said she was the only staff member available and couldn’t leave her desk. After travelling, we were exhausted and just wanted to rest. For a hotel at this price, drinking water in the room feels like a basic expectation. The location, cleanliness, bed and shower were all good, but this made the stay less smooth and restful.

The restaurant on the top floor was the standout for me. The food was hands down the best I’ve ever tasted, and the friendly, attentive staff opened the blinds so we could watch the big planes take off. It was quite extraordinary. The room was lovely and overlooked the airport, and the hotel is within walking distance. There’s a filtered water machine on each floor that also serves sparkling water, which was a nice touch. A robot even brought a bucket of ice to our room. The only room drawback was the fridge, which was packed with minibar food and left little space for our own things. At check-in, they asked for the card I’d booked with and charged more than the Accor app had stated. When I queried it, I was told there was a surcharge for credit or debit card or cash, and I hadn’t been offered a different payment method. That was my only negative feedback.

The top-floor restaurant was the real highlight, with a well-presented dining room, a great atmosphere and lovely views of the airport runway. There were lots of food and cocktail choices, and it was hard to pick. The dishes arrived quickly and looked wonderful. The robot helping the waiter carry trays was amusing. Most of the staff were friendly, though I’d have liked someone to check in once or twice during the meal, since my water glass stayed empty most of the time. The rooms were modern, quiet and impressive all around. A bit pricey, though.