Initial impressions were a bit negative - our tour group had been booked into the Crown Plaza until the Feb earthquake. The decor etc was not of the standard we had expected when we booked the holiday. However, you have to warm to a place that although considerably damaged by the earthquake (main entrance and restaurant unusable) manages to keep open by using a container as reception and a conference room for breakfast. Our bedroom was large and the beds very comfortable. The breakfast (they can only supply continental breakfast until the restaurant can be reopened) was fine, with good service. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance and the hotel is only a short drive from the airport, so the Elms makes a decent choice for an initial couple of nights.

Staff here were very nice and friendly. The bathroom door did not fit the frame and I got locked in it when the door handle fell off. The rooms were dated but clean and comfortable. I am sure it has just not been repaird since the earthquake. I slept fine and breakfast was good.

We had a good size standard double with two large double beds. Bathroom was large and clean. The beds were comfortable and the room was quiet. TV had no reception - and one had to brave polar conditions to use the internet on the computer located through a fire door in a stair well. Very friendly staff and lovely continental breakfasts served in upstairs conference room. Variety of eateries within comfortable walk and microwave and basic cutlery available for use in this room in the evenings. Well placed for shopping nearby and for the airport. We used it as our first stopping point in NZ after we arrived. No restaurant when we arrived as hotel had only just reopened after earthquakes.

We stayed in a twin room overnight at the Elms on Papanui Road in August 2011. I found the room to be a little dated, but clean and comfortable. Beds were comfortable however, and the room was quiet. The flat screen TV was possibly the smallest I have ever seen in a hotel room, but it did get about 7 Sky channels.

The hotel is one of the larger ones in the area, a ten minute drive from the airport, and only a five minute walk from the large Northmall shopping complex. There are a number of restaurants and cafes nearby.
This is currently important, as it's main reception and Papanui road restaurant are currently closed due to significant earthquake damage. The accommodation wing was in an adjoining but separate building and is thankfully undamaged and still fully operational. The reception is now operating from temporary facility in the carpark next to the accommodation wing.

The closure of the main reception and restaurant does mean that dinners and cooked breakfasts are currently not available, with only continental breakfast being offered in the alternative dining room on the 5th floor.
As mentioned, dinner can be obtained in a variety of restaurants within a few minutes walk. The reception staff are extremely friendly and helpful and won't hesitate to give you directions.