The George Hotel, Christchurch: Definitely a Great Place to Stay
During my visit to Christchurch, I had decided to book a room at the beautiful, boutique George Hotel. The open layout and large windows of the hotel lobby made it seem very welcoming.
The floors sparkled and there were chairs in front of the reception desk. The hotel staff were very helpful and got me settled without any problems.
Just behind the lobby was a well-stocked bar. It was empty at the time. But I took a quick look around the area.
There were several seating areas around the lobby. Different groups of guests could comfortably sit on the sofas and chat for a few hours if they wanted to.
Just a few feet from the bar, I could see a certificate and award. I went to check it out, wanting to know more about the hotel.
The certificate said that The George Hotel had been awarded five stars and it was considered one of the best hotels in New Zealand (by the way, you can also read my articles about the other hotels I stayed here in New Zealand, Double Tree Hilton Hotel Christchurch with a review of its gym, laundry, and pool and Hermitage Hotel near Mount Cook).
The hotel had even set aside a seating area with a lot of interesting and abstract artwork. It looked like an art gallery.
The George had decorated their seating areas with bright cushions and paintings. Brown leather sofas took up a big space in one corner (and before I forget, they also have a gym and you can read my article about it here).
I followed the hotel staff in the direction of my room. The long corridor had rooms opening on both sides. A colorful carpet ran down the length of the corridor.
I had been given a key card to access my room. The card reader pinged as soon as I held out the card and the door opened without a problem.
The first thing that I noticed when I entered the room was the wardrobe in the entryway. It had a lot of storage space.
I pulled open the doors of the wardrobe and found a thick blanket tucked away on the top shelf. I would be able to use it in case I got cold at night.
Below that were all the necessary items, such as an iron, an ironing board and a small personal locker to store away any valuables.
Instructions on how to use the locker were neatly printed out on a card. The pictures made sure that everyone would be able to use the machine.
And the locker itself had written instructions on the door. I could use my own numerical combination to keep my money or passport safe.
The George had even provided items like shoe polish in case I needed it. A valet and laundry service was available at the hotel, if I wanted to wash my clothes.
Clothes hangers hung inside the wardrobe, in case I wanted to hang up my dresses, shirts and coats.
A warm bathrobe hung from one of the hangers. The George also gave me my own personal tote bag.
There was a small note from the staff telling me that I could use the tote bag whenever I wanted. I could even take it with me when I left for a fee of $20.
Finished with the wardrobe, I turned my attention towards the mini bar. I wanted to check out what food and drinks there was in the room.
I could use the electric kettle and the sachets of tea and coffee to prepare a hot drink. A couple of mugs, small plates and spoons were also available.
I was surprised to see some sachets of Milo along with the usual tea, coffee and creamer. There were more options than I would even be able to try in a day!
The George Hotel had also provided small cartons of Pringles, some chocolates, nuts and even some alcoholic beverages for the pleasure of the guests.
Since the hotel had provided so many food and drink options, they had also given me a menu card where the prices were printed.
The mini fridge was hidden inside the cupboard. I tugged the door open to take a look at the contents inside the fridge.
Alongside glass bottles of water were cans of beer and bottles of wine. Unlike the other alcoholic drinks, they needed to be kept cool.
The door of the fridge held rows of cans, from Coca Cola to Red Bull and tonic water. If people didn’t want beer or rum, they could choose lemonade or ginger beer.
The dressing area outside the bathroom had large mirrors. The space wasn’t very big but there was enough room to get dressed.
Opposite the bed was a large window. A desk and chair were placed under the window. I would easily be able to work there if I wanted to.
The wall behind the bed had a pretty design of leaves. There were bedside lamps that I could use to read and bedside tables on both sides.
I had booked a non-smoking room. The hotel had placed a small sign on the desk as a reminder.
The queen sized bed was perfect for one or two people and the mattress was thick and firm without being hard. There were enough pillows and cushions for the guests to be very comfortable.
The George had provided a note which guests could use to have their linens changed. It also reminded guests to be environmentally aware.
One of the things I liked best was that the hotel had provided a digital and alarm clock. The device, as you can see in the images above, was placed on the bedside table.
A telephone and intercom system could be used to get in touch with the reception or restaurant. The staff had left a nice note telling me the name of the person who had prepared my room.
The bathroom was a little small and there wasn’t a lot of room to move around in. But it was very clean and bright.
Large mirrors behind the washbasin were perfect for getting ready and doing make-up. The hotel had also provided dozens of products for the use of guests.
Fresh bath towels and hand towels hung from the rack just beside the shower area, within easy reach.
There were temperature controls within the bathroom. I didn’t have to go outside to turn the temperature up or down.
I washed my hands at the big white washbasin. I just had to turn the tap to get warm or cold water.
The bathroom shelves were stocked with extra supplies of toilet paper and towels. I wouldn’t need to call housekeeping if I wanted extras.
The hotel had their own bottles of products like hand wash. All the bottles were black in color and had been labelled with the name of the hotel.
On the counter, as you can see in the images above, a number of bathroom products had been neatly laid out. Cotton pads, make-up remover and toothbrushes were all available.
The shower was completely enclosed by a glass wall on one side so water would not spill outside. And the hand shower was extremely convenient.
The George had provided bottles of shampoo and conditioner with interesting names like “nourishing shampoo”, “restorative conditioner” and “soothing body wash”.
Finally, my curiosity made me open the drawer in the bedside table. Alongside the Holy Bible sat a torch and an eye mask. The hotel staff had really thought of everything! I knew that I would have a great stay.
