Pavilions Hotel

Getting around the wheelchair accessible room wasn’t easy. My husband had to move the bed and help me in and out. The staff were polite and listened to what was wrong. They checked that I was okay and gave us both meals for free. I appreciated being heard, thank you.

We arrived after the restaurant had closed and hadn’t eaten, so having room service for small meals and snacks available 24/7 was really handy. The breakfast selection was excellent too. Our room had cooking facilities, including a fridge, microwave, elements, plates and other basics.

We moved rooms, and the arrangement was handled badly and communicated poorly. That was entirely the hotel’s fault. The hotel also seems bafflingly far from the standard its four-star rating suggests, in mindset, service, and care for guests. The constant noise from teenage sports teams was unbelievably excessive, especially in a room facing the pool. We raised it with the duty manager, as did several other guests. At first, we were told to expect noise because there was a swimming pool. The manager also brushed it off with “teens are just being teens.” Their claimed action was to politely ask the group to be quiet, which achieved nothing. There was a balcony party, loud music, and offensive language that we could clearly hear, including our young children. I travel for work around 100 nights a year and have done so for the past 3-4 years. This was the worst hotel experience I’ve had. Even holiday parks and campsites manage noise better, with someone stepping in after dark to encourage basic courtesy. The hotel manager’s attitude felt like it wasn’t their problem or concern. Management seems to have little ability or interest in making sure guests can rest. If you’re visiting Christchurch for a holiday, travelling on business, or staying with family, I’d avoid this place. Looking for professionalism, accountability, or basic respect? Look elsewhere. I wouldn’t give it a star if that were an option.

We arrived last Saturday for a one-night stay and found ants all over the kitchen counter and stove. Reception sent the manager to take a look. He asked, “do you live locally? Do you not have a problem with ants yourself?” I thought that was rude. We were paying guests, and the room should have been checked before we arrived. They were fully booked, so moving us wasn’t possible. They could at least have offered a free drink at the bar. Later, we had to call reception at 2am because music was playing next door all night.