Exclusive: inside Crowne Plaza Christchurch, one of the South Island’s leading hotels
I really like the design of the hotel, from when you enter the lobby right through to the rooms and F&B areas. The designers have done an amazing job, everything is well thought through, and I think it is nice that we are not your typical hotel. Every area has a story and a local connection.
We are nine years old now, but the quality of the product has been well designed and thought through, the end delivery of our rooms and fit out is of high quality and we still get comments that the hotel looks new or just refurbished.
This is a huge testament to the fit out but also our housekeeping and maintenance teams who keep the property in a fantastic condition.
In our rooms I love the window seats, they are just so clever and a notable feature of our rooms.
Our rooms and suites are designed to feel effortlessly stylish and deeply comfortable modern spaces that make the most of our incredible city views.
Every room is light filled, with large windows overlooking Victoria Square, the Port Hills or the Southern Alps. The design blends soft, neutral tones with touches of warmth and texture creating a calm, contemporary space to unwind in.
Guests love the thoughtful details the luxurious bedding, smart workspace, and spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers and premium amenities. A big favourite is the window seats and funny enough the little shelf in every room by the door as you enter to leave your keys wallet or phone is a nice touch.
Our Food and beverage offering is one of the real highlights at Crowne Plaza Christchurch we are immensely proud to offer some of the city’s best dining experiences, all under one roof.
Market Place Restaurant celebrates the flavours of Canterbury with seasonal menus that showcase fresh, local ingredients. It is refined but relaxed perfect for everything from breakfast meetings to elegant evening dining.
The Social Wine Bar is a favourite with both guests and locals stylish, warm, and vibrant, with an exceptional wine list, craft cocktails, and small plates designed for sharing. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger. Our Espresso Martinis are a hit with the locals as well as our guests.
Whether it is a quiet drink, a working lunch, or a special dinner, our food and beverage team can cater and create great unique experiences for everyone and not just hotel guests but we also have a significant local following.
At Crowne Plaza Christchurch, I would say that our X-factor isn’t just a thing it is a feeling our Team create. It is the pride, warmth, and professionalism that guests feel from the moment they walk through our doors.
We get great guest reviews and feedback and whilst we have a great product and brand, the thing that always stands out is our team.
That is something I am really passionate about and proud of, we have created a culture and environment where everyone works well together and want to deliver a wonderful experience for our guest but also in the workplace for each other. We are a diverse team who care deeply about each other and the experience we create together.
Each team member is trusted to be themselves and deliver a great guest experience. We celebrate initiative and creativity, whether that’s a thoughtful gesture for a returning guest or a simple moment of empathy that turns a challenge into a win.
I am so proud to see that our commitment to excellence is evident in the genuine guest love we continue to inspire. Our monthly guest feedback and scores are some of the highest in the region and the team are the ones that make that happen.
Loyalty is absolutely vital to us it is at the heart of how we build lasting relationships with our guests. The IHG One Rewards programme is one of the most recognised globally, and we see that strength reflected every day here at Crowne Plaza Christchurch.
What makes it powerful is not just the points and perks it is the sense of belonging. Guests know that wherever they travel in the world, they will be recognised and cared for in a consistent, personal way. That trust and connection are what keep people coming back.
For us, loyalty goes beyond the programme itself. It’s about creating experiences worth returning for warm service, genuine recognition, and a sense of familiarity that turns guests into regulars and regulars into advocates for not only Crowne Plaza Christchurch but IHG.
We know that genuine care and exceptional service at every touchpoint create lasting connections and drives loyalty something we’re proud to see reflected in our many returning guests.
I am a runner, and I love running through Hagley Park which is only about 900 meters from the hotel and quite large for a city park. In the weekends I often go for a run in the Port Hills or Sumner which has a beach and great walking, cycling and indeed running tracks.
Christchurch is really up and coming, it has been a long time since the earthquakes, but it is really a great city to visit.
A few other things to do, the Tram is a great way to see the city (a loop is about 1 hour), Botanical Gardens are beautiful, and a visit to Riverside Market is a must.
Of course, we are extremely excited for our new stadium to open next year, and I can’t wait to host the many teams that will be visiting Christchurch and attend the concerts and events over the coming years.
Qantas’ popular Boeing 737-800 Business Class cabin
Qantas flies to Christchurch, New Zealand from across Australia, with flights operated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft that feature the airline’s popular Business Class cabin that includes comfortable seats, fantastic meals, premium Australian wines and enjoyable programming on the in-flight entertainment system.