The Classic Villa

The Classic Villa is perfectly located for a stay in Christchurch: - easily accessible from the airport, - just opposite the famous Arts Centre with its historic buildings (we recommend a guided tour) and highly recommended eateries (Cellar Door for dinner, Bunsen for coffee and cake) - a few steps from the magnificent botanical gardens and - all the city's attractions a pleasant stroll away (e.g. Christ Church Cathedral, the Cardboard Cathedral, CoCA: Center of Contemporary Art, the Christchurch Art Gallery). The reception at the small but excellent hotel is very friendly and extremely attentive. The breakfast is generous and filling for the day. Our room was charmingly furnished and the bathroom and WC were generously equipped. The lounges were perfect for reading and daydreaming after a day out …. We will gladly return to The Classic Villa. Steve and Jackie are wonderful hosts.

Everything perfekt

The Classic Villa was simply amazing with regards to the actual property, room, location, but without a doubt the best part is Jackie & Steve!!!! They are just absolutely awesome and I ended up extending my stay in Christchurch because I didn't want to leave. Jackie & Steve were exceptional from my check-in and each morning were kind enough to help me maximize my time in town, including sightseeing and restaurants. If I ever head back to Christchurch and I certainly hope I am able to make it back, but I will definitely book at the Classic Villa again. The building itself is wonderful, its insanely clean, the kitchen is stocked, common area is open/cozy and the location is ideal for walking to city center. I had the opportunity to spend 30+ days across Austrailia & New Zealand and the Villa was hands down my favorite stop thanks to Jackie & Steve. Thank you both for going above and beyond! Cheers, Jason

I would not change anything!

We were warmly welcomed by Steve, the proprietor who made sure we were comfortable and everything we needed. Our room was tastefully decorated with antique furniture. I think every room was individually decorated. He made some great suggestions for dinner and the property is located a quick walk from great shops and restaurants of Christchurch. He showed us the fridge in the kitchen where we could store any food that needed to stay cold. It was also stocked with chilled wine available for check out on the honor system. We met Jackie, the other proprietor at breakfast. Both Steve and Jackie worked hard to serve us a delicious breakfast and to make sure our coffee cup was never empty. It was fun eating breakfast "family style" with the other guests to share our vacation experiences. We left a portable speaker in the room. Steve called me and even took the trouble to mail it to me at our next destination in Queenstown. That is service above and beyond!

Parking was tight

Classic Villa a small boutique hotel in what was is a former private home constructed in 1899. Situated in an idyllic location, it is essentially adjacent to the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. In addition to the original structure there are 4 upstairs rooms in a two-story modern add-on. Off-site parking is available for 6 vehicles, a challenge to your parking skills due to the cramped spaces. Coffee (French press) and tea are available at all hours, Breakfast is continental served from 0730 - 0930h. Bathroom in our upstairs two bed (very comfortable) Queen room had a shower, but no tub. Hot water and pressure highly satisfactory. High-speed wi-fi with easy sign on functioned well. Large common lounge area and an outside garden with BBQ possibilities. Efficient and friendly hosts checked us in. Access to the house after hours is via a keypad with code. Air Con in the room, worked well with a rapid cool down on a hot/humid day. Quiet after-hours location. City tram is just across the street and the active art center steps away. 10-minute walk to the CBD.

No notable negatives…a solid 9.0, highly recommended.

Location was amazing walkable to cathedral square and botanical gardens (we even wheelchaired). Two tram stops right outside the door. Two excellent restaurants within very easy walk. (One 100m across the road). Hotel is an old (1890’s) house converted to a hotel. Very attractive setting with private parking. Room was small for the price, bigger rooms available but more expensive so be prepared to pay more if you don’t like small room and bathroom. No coffee facility in room, available in dining room at all times.

Breakfast is included - but it’s not great. A few cereals, tined fruit (nothing fresh) toast and coffee/tea no fresh juice. Very sub standard in our experience. This was a disappointment for me because I love a good breakfast, and at no stage did the booking say continental breakfast.

What an exceptionally lovely spot, we felt instantly welcomed by Steve and Michelle. The Villa itself is impressive both in its grandeur and the intimacy of the rooms. The fixtures are all updated and the water pressure absolutely perfect while preserving the era of the building. We heard not a sound from any of the other residents at all. Breakfast was a communal event with an opportunity to chat with other travellers from many points in the world. The Classic Villa is also on the tram route which is incredibly convenient. We would happily return should we visit Christchurch again.

Nothing negative to report.

It’s like returning to a familiar home. We love the location in the central city with easy access to restaurants & cafés. We are very interested in the restoration work being done on the Arts Centre across the road. The breakfasts cater for gluten intolerant people. Steve & Jackie who were looking after the Classic Villa were ever so helpful and lovely to deal with. This time we did not have a rental car but we were able to get Ubers and we walked a lot. We enjoyed the complimentary glass of port from the stylish globe in the hallway and we slept extremely well in the comfortable bed. The room was very quiet and relaxing. The shower head did make a strange squealing sound when showering but there’s nothing really to criticise about the Classic Villa. We will definitely be back when we return to Christchurch.

There is nothing not to like. It is a perfect place to stay!

Our stay in Christchurch city couldn’t have been made any better. The welcoming entrance, dinner, reception area and the hosts Jackie and Steve were all above our expectations. The room was delightful. The location amazing. A light breakfast served with such friendliness it felt like we were staying with family.

Our original room at the lowest end of the budget was definitely a single persons room and I found a bit dark. But this was due to my selection. The hosts made us more than comfortable with allowing us to look at a superior room and change to it.

The location is excellent, between the city and the botanical gardens on a lovely street. The villa is a beautifully restored historic house and includes traditional rooms and a more modern extension. There is also a lovely communal lounge room which can be enjoyed, including local papers and jigsaw puzzle. The included breakfast of cereal and fruit was more than sufficient and was topped off by beautiful home-made bread, toasted by the super friendly hosts, Steve and Jackie. Coffee, tea and juice also included. It was lovely to meet some other guests in the breakfast room. Steve was also more than happy to organise a taxi for us and he was also organising a courier for other guests who left some belongings behind.

not applicable

We enjoyed the continental breakfast in a beautiful room .We liked the feeling of "home" because you can have some fruit and some coffee or tea any time you like.I enjoyed the jigsaw puzzle on the table and the fireplace in the lounge for a rainy day!And we foundthat Lucas and Florencia were very nice and efficient hosts!