This is a small boutique hotel with loads of atmosphere - it used to be an old Rectory. We had a lovely big room during our first two nights (room 1) – others are smaller and if you can get that room 1, I would recommend it. The rooms include a very big step-in shower.

The hotel has a big breakfast/coffee area and you can help yourself to tea and coffee whenever you want. The quality of the breakfast is brilliant. There is Madeira wine near the rooms that guests can help themselves to, which is a lovely touch.

We stayed altogether for 3 nights – 2 nights initially and then another night later on before we flew home from the airport. For most of the time an absolutely lovely lady “Nonni” looked after us (not sure if this is the right spelling of your name, Nonni). She couldn’t do enough for us and is so fascinating to talk to. A wonderful hostess.

There is one reason I can’t give this an excellent rating is that the owner Peter has not provided information that is desperately needed. After the earthquake and subsequent problems, the centre of Christchurch is in bad shape and many buildings have been “red stickered” which means they are considered unsafe. So many restaurants and shops have moved elsewhere. Also, many roads are closed and it appears this changes often. We had to fend for ourselves and Peter did not provide a list of restaurants and where they are and how to drive there. The only thing he did was when we asked him he suggested one restaurant. When we got there it was totally full and it took us nearly an hour to find another one which was open/had tables. It seems other hotels are providing lists of restaurants and how to get there and we strongly suggest that Peter does this.

For tourists going to Christchurch you should realise that not much is open in the centre. This hotel is opposite the arts Centre, which is closed and so is the art gallery. The Botanical Gardens are as beautiful as ever, but all the buildings within its precinct are closed.