Management was discreet but the author has it on good authority Bruce Springsteen stayed at The George when he was in town. Photo / Supplied
Management was discreet but the author has it on good authority Bruce Springsteen stayed at The George when he was in town. Photo / Supplied
Greg Fleming stays at an award-winning boutique hotel in Canterbury
Location: Excellent — overlooks the Avon River, across the road from Hagley Park. It's a short stroll to good bars and eateries (try Mexicano's, just stop before you get to the taco cheesecake). The George has been voted NewZealand's Leading Boutique Hotel six years in a row.
There's also The Residence, which is connected internally to the hotel. This is home to the royals when they are in town; rock royalty too — management was discreet but I have it on good authority Bruce Springsteen stayed here when he was in town.
In the hotel there are 53 rooms over five levels and a one-to-one ratio of staff to guests — if you call the concierge or room service, they're up in the blink of an eye. Some nice touches too — bowls of apples in the hallways; a lobby full of art from local artists (the hotel has an enviable art collection including pieces by Ralph Hotere, John Pule and Bill Hammond).
Room: Room 211 on the second floor — a premium executive room — very comfortable king-size bed and a window that opens! You get George-branded chocolate squares each evening and a small teddy bear too — free to take away. Complimentary Wi-Fi. In-room Les Mills video workouts are available for a fee.
Facilities: Two on-site restaurants: 50 Bistro and the award-winning Pescatore, a fine-dining venue. This is a much vaunted two-hat restaurant — NZ's equivalent of Michelin stars. Both are open to the public. There's also a slew of business and conference facilities. No gym but you can get access to one nearby. There's even a Tesla battery-charging station in the carpark.
Breakfasts: From 6.30am in the bistro — good barista coffee and your usual range of options but the toaster takes a while and they could do with more fresh fruit.
Bathroom: Modern and clean. My room had a bath and shower and bespoke bath products. Like many eco-conscious hotels, if you want your towels changed, leave them on the floor, if you want your linen changed, leave a pre-printed card on your pillow.
Noise: Whisper quiet, even with the window open. You'd never know the big rebuild is taking place just a kilometre away.
What's in the neighbourhood? Hagley Park, the Avon River, Mexicano's, Canterbury Museum, Botanic Gardens, the Arts Centre and the very impressive Christchurch Art Gallery. A short walk to the tram tours.
Perfect for: Business or pleasure.
Would I stay again? The George is considered the best in Christchurch and I'd agree. Good service, clean, modern rooms and small enough to keep a sophisticated, boutique feel.
CHECKLIST
The George is at 50 Park Terrace, Christchurch. Phone: (03) 379 4560.
