Novotel Christchurch opening Nov 2019?

[Denali]

Hi and wondering its worth taking a risk and booking a Dec 2019 stay? (VA triple point promo).

Novotel Christchurch Airport

Perfect for layovers or leisure guests Novotel Christchurch Airport Hotel is located outside both terminals at Christchurch airport and offers 4 star comfort.

www.accorhotels.com

cheers,

 

[bPeteb]

All the glass was in couple of weeks ago so you never know...

 

[Denali]

FYI, it finally opened on the weekend Inside Christchurch's new Airport Novotel

I have a very late arrival booking on the 18th Dec and then another one on the 27th so will post pics.

 

[Denali]

First night, arrived after midnight to friendly front desk and room 340. Will take outdoor shots tomorrow but out the door and to your left and about 100 steps. Something very enjoyable about fresh mattress/room that only opened a couple of weeks ago.

But check out the open plan basin. If you are going to shave, you do it sideways from the basin.



Breakfast buffet was a bit chaotic with very young/new staff but they do eggs to order so will do on next breakfast (which is tomorrow).

Check out was met with 3 staff at desk and wasn't even asked if we enjoyed our stay. Found them a bit cold and unfriendly.

Level 6 restaurant/bar



Returned today and 3pm arrival. Super friendly and helpful porter took bags to our room, found check in staff cold and impersonal again.

We scored suite but at far end/not overlooking tower.





No idea whatsoever what the clear glass sliding door is for between bedroom and bathroom. Its not sealed for sound, it's clear so no privacy.

 

[Denali]

Hallway look



There's a Cafe downstairs and restaurant and bar on 6. We had dinner there tonight and it was all good. Nothing spectacular but food consistently good. Young waiter was very, very nervous but we were super friendly and he relaxed.

But, table wobbles. They've only been open a few weeks, why are the tables wobbling?

 

[Denali]

Both bedside tables have easy access power points and usb but just noticed the clock also has usbs.



Breakfast was again a bit of a shambles but this time because of wait staff with attitude and our room number not being on the list (our booking included breakfast). She wanted to charge us and "you can sort it out downstairs later"

I pulled out my booking on my phone which clearly has breakfast included, only then she phoned downstairs. Told her we'll go have breakfast while she does that, she wasn't happy and she wanted me to sign the charge slip, which I refused. Then another staff member came up and said she would seat us while its being fixed. I'm guessing it was confirmed but no one approached to advise its fixed or apologise.

Made to order poached eggs were good and only took a couple of mins.

 

[Denali]

Bathroom design. Unlike the standard room, which has a basin (refer above post photo), the suite has a bath "room" but trying to find the power points meant searching under the bench and moving towels

Also, not a single hook to be found so while they want us to conserve water and cost by housekeeping not replacing our towels today, where exactly do I put our used towels?





Shower head are either water saving or flow is very weak but I do like the tiles

 

[UP4014]

Thorough report, thanks.

 

[Denali]

Hotel looks like the Auckland Novotel



Terminal is about 100 steps


Some lobby shots

 

[Denali]

6am checkout and again staffing issues so after about 15mins of the desk staff clicking on the screen and still not resolved, I walked away and now waiting for the my invoice via email to review.

I'm also wondering why I was hearing the person above footsteps and showering. I've heard the occasional squeaky bed getting a workout over the years but it sounded like a Merriton apartment.

Overall, for an airport hotel at Christchurch, it's the closest but not the best. Staff need training and confidence but nothing beats location for late arrival or early departure so would stay again. The room and bed was very comfortable and no airport noise.