Canterbury Court Christchurch: Your Budget-Friendly Oasis Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of [Hotel Name] – and trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. I'm talking the kind of review that leaves you feeling like you just had a really good (or maybe a slightly too good) cup of coffee. I'm gonna be brutally, beautifully honest. Let's get started!
First Impressions & Getting In (and Around):
Okay, so getting there… they've got airport transfer, which is a LIFESAVER. Because let's be real, after a long flight, the last thing you want is to wrestle with finding a taxi. Boom, done. Car park? Yep, free of charge! Score! They've also got valet parking, but who am I, a Rockefeller? Nah, I'm happy to park my own chariot, thanks. Accessibility? Now, this is a BIG one for me. Wheelchair accessible? I'm seeing it on paper! But, I can't fully give a thumbs up unless I've rolled around physically. And that's something that would need a separate investigation. BUT, I do see Elevator on the list, which is a huge plus. I think they also have facilities for disabled guests, which makes me hopeful, but I'll hold off until I can give a true verdict because I see NO information on how smoothly the access is designed. I have a problem with that! I am happy to see the listing does contain a CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, things that can help security. They seem like they're trying hard, from what I gather.
The Rooms: Your Little (Or Big) Bubble
The rooms! Okay, so let's be real here. The size of the room often dictates your mood for the entire trip. (Dramatic, yes, but true!) They've got air conditioning (Praise be!), blackout curtains (essential for avoiding those dreaded 5 AM sunrises!), and free Wi-Fi (hallelujah!). I am glad to see the term "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" because a paid Wi-Fi that is not up to par can be a killer! They also listed Internet access – LAN (for those who are old school and want a cable!), and Internet access – wireless (duh). I need all those choices! They also feature Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens! And, if you are a couple, you're extra lucky because they listed Couple's room. So all sorts of amenities. I am not even sure if the room is small or big, because there is no mention of a Balcony or Terrace.
Let's Talk Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, this is where things get interesting. They have Restaurants, including Vegetarian restaurant, and Asian cuisine in restaurant, which is good. I am also happy to see Western cuisine in restaurant. I hope that there are options for everything! But, the real test? The breakfast. They offer Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and Breakfast in room! Score! They also have Room service [24-hour] – perfect for those midnight cravings (or when you just don't want to leave the glorious comfort of your bed). They also include Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Dessert in restaurant, and Snack bar. I am impressed!
Pampering & Relaxation: My Happy Place
Alright, time to get spoiled! This place actually seems to have a lot to offer! Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Gym/fitness, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]! And, if you really want to relax, there is also the Spa. Okay, this is where things start sounding really good, I am not going to lie! Let's see what they have at the spa. Oh yes, they have Sauna, which is great for the blood flow! The Body scrub, Body wrap, and Massage sound great. I bet the pool with a view is awesome. I am also glad to see the Fitness center. I am impressed by the amount of relaxation options!
The Nitty Gritty (and the Good Stuff): Cleanliness & Safety
I am happy to see a lot of effort in hygiene and cleanliness. They include things that are important to the guests, such as Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. They even have Room sanitization opt-out available, which is important for people that don't want sanitization in the rooms for one reason or another. They are prepared. They also have First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call. I am happy to hear that they have prepared everything required
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Make It All Worth It
So many! Concierge, Currency exchange, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. They even have a Convenience store. That is one less thing to worry about.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
They claim to be Family/child friendly! If you are a parent or you have kids in your group, you will be extra happy to see they have Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. That is so important for those parents. You can relax a little more!
The Bottom Line (and My Honest Opinion):
Alright, so, [Hotel Name] has a LOT going for it. It's incredibly well-equipped on paper! The sheer number of amenities is impressive. You've got the conveniences covered, a bunch of options for everything.
Would I recommend it? Well, here's the deal. Based on the information provided, I'd say YES, with a massive asterisk. I need to see for myself. The real test will be the service, the quality of the food, and how seamlessly everything works together. But on paper? It paints a promising picture!
My Quirky Anecdote (Because Why Not?):
I once stayed at a hotel with a "pool with a view" that turned out to be a slightly elevated kiddie pool overlooking a parking lot. The picture on the website was extremely deceptive. I am hoping this hotel doesn't pull that nonsense. Seriously, don't catfish me with your pool views, people!
Call to Action (And My Ultimate Recommendation):
Book now. Seriously. If you're looking for a hotel with many options and convenience that seems to care about your comfort and experience, then [Hotel Name] is absolutely worth considering. And hey, if you're anything like me, the idea of a pool-with-a-view is just too tempting to resist. Just remember, manage your expectations a little bit, and prepare for a good time.
Unbelievable 9-Pax Condo Near TRX! KL Luxury Awaits
Econo Lodge Canterbury Court: My Epic Christchurch Adventure (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Breakfast Buffet)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average meticulously planned itinerary. This is experience. This is real life. This is…my diary, basically, disguised as a travel schedule for Christchurch, centered around the glorious, budget-friendly…well, let's just say "lodgings" at the Econo Lodge Canterbury Court. Prepare for tangents, oversharing, and probably a minor existential crisis or two.
Day 1: Arrival and Awkward Awakenings (AKA The Jetlag Jamboree)
Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (give or take a "what time is it, even?" moment)
Location: Econo Lodge Canterbury Court – CHECK IN.
Transportation: Flight got in to Christchurch International Airport (CIA). Seriously, the airport codes are always hilarious. Landed…ish. My internal clock is basically a gremlin at this point. The whole flight? A series of naps, questionable airplane food, and the crushing realization that my neck pillow deflated halfway through the journey.
Activity: Checked into the hotel. The front desk lady was bright and overly cheerful, which I'm pretty sure is illegal at 8 AM after a long, draining flight. "Welcome to Christchurch!" she chirped. "It's lovely weather we're having!" (It wasn't. It was grey, drizzly, and made me yearn for a hot cup of tea and a blank wall.) Finding the room? A minor miracle involving a poorly lit corridor, a potential spider situation (my spider senses were tingling, I'm sure), and a key card that took approximately 17 attempts to work. Success, I might add.
Emotion/Observation: First impression? "Functional." The room wasn't glamorous, but it smelled neutral, and after the flight… it felt like salvation. More than anything, I was just exhausted. I think I stared at the bed for a solid five minutes before collapsing. Jetlag is a cruel mistress.
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Econo Lodge, Room.
Transportation: A very slow, sluggish shuffle from the bed to the bathroom.
Activity: Shower. The water was hot, and that almost made everything perfect. Almost. Then tried to unpack after an hour for a failed result.
Emotion/Observation: The shower did a lot of work to make the day feel more bearable. The unpacking situation was a train wreck. I somehow managed to spill half my shampoo and then gave up halfway through. I'm starting to think I might actually need coffee.
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Econo Lodge - Breakfast Room.
Transportation: Slow, shuffling from the room to the "breakfast room" - the grand name for a room with a table covered in a stained tablecloth.
Activity: Breakfast. I'd heard rumors. Whispers of…a continental breakfast. I braced myself for the worst.
Emotion/Observation: Okay, first off, the coffee was surprisingly decent. And the breakfast? Well…let's just say it was an experience. The fruit selection consisted of a bruised apple and a banana that looked like it had seen better days, but then - BAM! - the bread selection. Toast, white, brown, English muffins, even little croissants. It wasn't a culinary masterpiece, it was a survival kit. My emotional state went from "despair" to "mildly satisfied" in under five minutes. I felt like I made a friend with an older couple who also looked profoundly tired.
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Transportation: I walked! (Which was a triumph considering my earlier state.)
Activity: Wandering around the Botanic Gardens. I was determined to combat the jetlag with fresh air and greenery.
Emotion/Observation: The Botanic Gardens…they were pretty. Seriously, really pretty. The flowers were vibrant, the paths were peaceful, and I even, for a brief moment, felt like a slightly improved version of myself. I did take many photos to remember it by. It was a welcome change from the grayness of the morning, like a deep breath in.
Time: 4:00 PM – Onward
Location: Econo Lodge, Room, and local pub (if energy permits. Emphasis on if).
Transportation: Depending on energy levels will dictate.
Activity: A nap. A massive one. Then…dinner. The pub idea sounds good, but I'm not making any promises. May be a takeaway and a Netflix binge.
Emotion/Observation: The day is winding down. I'm tired. The room feels more welcoming now, despite its (lack of) charm. The thought of the pub is tempting. But a giant duvet and the soothing sounds of absolutely nothing might win out. Sleep. I need sleep. And maybe a good book.
Day 2: City Exploration and Cathedral Chaos (or, How I Accidentally Became a History Nerd)
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Location: Econo Lodge - Breakfast Room (again).
Transportation: Internal willpower (and the lure of potentially slightly better breakfast).
Activity: Breakfast, again. The breakfast is actually growing on me. I even attempted to make my own toast.
Emotion/Observation: This time, I came for seconds. The croissants were a slight improvement which felt like a victory. I swear I saw the same elderly couple from yesterday. We exchanged nods of weary solidarity.
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Christchurch City Centre
Transportation: Bus. My first experience on public transport. The bus map looks more complex than the human genome, but I eventually figured it out.
Activity: Christchurch City Centre. It's a city in transition since the 2011 earthquake, which is evident through its history.
Emotion/Observation: The City Centre is very much a work in progress. There are these incredible historic buildings, some still standing, some being rebuilt, and others that are just…gone. The earthquake's impact is visible. It's a poignant reminder of resilience. I found myself getting lost in the history.
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Christchurch Cathedral
Transportation: Walking
Activity: The Christchurch Cathedral. I looked at the rubble. The remains. The history. The tragedy.
Emotion/Observation: The Cathedral, wow. Words fail. The damage… it's staggering. The feeling of walking through such a space, seeing the scars of the earthquake… it's intense. It's a powerful experience, and it’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe and sadness at the same time. I also managed to completely zone out on the church tour! It was almost like being transported to another time, and I felt like I could feel and imagine the events of the time.
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Riverside Market
Transportation: Walking.
Activity: Riverside Market. I'm looking towards food. Needed to treat myself.
Emotion/Observation: This was a delightful change of pace. Lots of delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere. I may have spent a little too much money on a gourmet pie. No regrets. The best pie ever, if I was honest!
Time: 2:30 PM - Onward
Location: Econo Lodge - Room.
Transportation: Bus and feet
Activity: Rest, recover, reflect, and catch up with any chores I have.
Emotion/Observation: I'm still processing today. Christchurch is… a lot. But in a good way. I will allow myself to be sentimental for a little while, maybe another book and some coffee. This is starting to feel less like a vacation and more like a journey.
Day 3: The Banks Peninsula and Beyond (or, Maybe I Should Have Rented a Car?)
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Location: Econo Lodge - Breakfast Room.
Transportation: Internal willpower
Activity: Breakfast. This could be the day where I attempt the scrambled eggs.
Emotion/Observation: The scrambled eggs. Avoided. This day will be another great day and I'd better be ready.
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Banks Peninsula (via public transportation - send help!)
Transportation: Bus, train. I'm attempting this "scenic drive" to the area of
Okay, so... What *is* this whole FAQ thing about anyway?
Right, good question! Honestly? I have no idea. Well, I *kinda* do. It's supposed to be a helpful guide, I think. A bunch of questions and answers, all neatly packaged. But that's not how my brain works, so prepare for tangents. Think of it as a mental rummage sale where I’m trying to sell you the contents of my skull. You might find a gem, you might find a dust bunny. Maybe both.
What are we even *talking* about? Is this about… everything?
Ideally, yes. Everything. Because, you know, why limit yourself? But practically? Ha! We'll probably veer into topics that interest *me*. Like, how utterly bizarre it is that squirrels exist, or how I once spent three hours trying to assemble a bookshelf that defeated me. That damn bookshelf. It’ll probably come up. Sorry in advance.
Will this actually be *helpful*? Because, honestly… I'm a mess.
Helpful? Oh, honey, I am the MESS. If you're looking for pristine advice, go find a guru on a mountaintop. Me? I'm more of a "misery loves company" kind of gal. However, maybe, just *maybe*, my chaotic approach might shed some light. Or at least entertain you while you're scrolling aimlessly at 2 AM. No promises, though. I'm winging it. Big time.
Okay, fine. But *why* are you doing this? Is there, like, a point?
The point? Hmm. Let’s be honest, I'm probably avoiding something else I *should* be doing. Procrastination? Oh, it's my middle name. Also, I'm hoping to make myself laugh. And if it somehow resonates with someone else? A bonus! But seriously, I'm probably just trying to organize the utter chaos that is my brain. It's like spring cleaning, except instead of dust bunnies, it's existential dread and a deep-seated fear of clowns.
Let's get down to specifics! What's your *biggest* regret? C'mon, spill!
Oh, choosing just *one*? That’s cruel. Okay, alright… Probably not starting that pottery class back in college. I was so terrified of messing up, of looking foolish, that I chickened out. Now? I'm staring at perfectly functional, mass-produced mugs and feeling the slow burn of what-ifs. I could be a renowned potter by now, churning out wonky, slightly off-kilter masterpieces! Instead, I'm stuck with a career in… well, this. (Gestures vaguely toward the screen). See! I'm spiraling already. Pottery. Regret. It’s a whole *thing*. Don't be like me. Take the pottery class. Or the tap-dancing class. Or whatever the hell you’ve been putting off. Seriously. Don't let your potential ceramics career die a slow, mug-shaped death. And now, I'm off to buy some clay...
What are you *most* proud of? (Aside from, you know, this...)
Okay, tough one. My go-to used to be surviving that awful break-up, or finally, actually, finishing that book I was writing. But, honestly? Right now? I’m proud that I'm relatively good at remembering birthdays. I mean, I don’t always *send* cards, but I usually remember the day. My friends can attest to this: they’ve gotten a birthday text at midnight, even when I was overseas. So, yeah, my memory. It's a keeper.
What's your *biggest* pet peeve? (Besides badly assembled bookshelves)
Oh, God. Clutter. Physical, mental, emotional… It's like the bane of my existence. I'm constantly at war with the overflowing junk drawer, the tsunami of unread emails, and the incessant stream of "shoulds" in my head. It’s all a bit much. It gives me this… this *itch*. I wish I could just grab all of it and throw it into a black hole. I would get rid of it all, if I could.
What’s something you *love* that most people probably don’t get?
The pure, unadulterated joy of a perfect nap. Not one of those rushed, midday catnaps. A full-blown, decadent, guilt-free slumber. The kind where you close your eyes and the world just… fades away. I think I love naps more than I love puppies, and I *really* love puppies. Most people are too busy or too stressed to appreciate a good nap. They’re missing out! Seriously. Go nap. Right now. I'll wait.
What’s the weirdest thing that's ever happened to you?
Okay, so, I once got lost in a Costco. I know, I know, it's not *that* weird. But it was a *huge* Costco. And I had somehow wandered into the frozen food section. I was there, I tell you, trapped in a polar vortex of frozen peas and pizza rolls. I literally wandered around for a good half an hour, totally disoriented, surrounded by pallets of frozen mango chunks. I eventually bumped into a very helpful employee who looked at me like I was a escaped zoo animal and guided me towards the exit. I still don't know how I got in there in the first place. To this day, I still avoid that section.
What's your advice for someone dealing with… anything?
Breathe. Seriously. Just breathe. And maybe eat a cookie. Or a whole tub of ice cream. Whatever helps you get through it. Life is a messy, unpredictable, often hilarious train wreck. And that's *okay*. Be kind to yourself. And for God's sake, don’t build a bookshelf. Just order takeout. Trust me.
Where To Sleep In
