20 BEST Motels in Christchurch 🏘️ [2023]

Where to Find the Best Motels and Motor Lodges in Christchurch

Christchurch goes by a lot of names: “The Garden City”, “The Most English City Outside of England”, “That City with the Earthquakes”… Well, we’re calling it the “Motel City”, as the South Island city is teeming with them! If you’re looking for self-catering motel units or studios then you’re overwhelmed with choices in Christchurch. At least it makes your stay affordable, and there are a few gems worth discovering. We’ll go through some of our favourites in this list of the best motels in Christchurch.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Christchurch, as well as the 20 Best Things to Do in Christchurch.

1. Golden Star Motel – Riccarton Motel Near the Railway Station

Pulling out all of the stops (and all for your average and affordable motel rates), Golden Star Motel provides an upscale stay in the Riccarton suburb of Christchurch. Close to the train station, as well as Hagley Park and Riccarton House and Bush and with a bus stop right outside the motel, you’re well positioned for some of Christchurch’s top attractions. After a day’s exploration, your lavishly appointed studio or multi-bedroom apartment is awaiting with generous kitchen facilities, a fully tiled ensuite and a private patio with garden furniture.

Check Golden Star Motel out:

2. The Grange Motel – Motel in Christchurch City Centre

Certainly one of the most central motels in Christchurch, The Grange Motel is not only conveniently placed, but a damn nice motel. Exclusively for groups of up to two travellers per room, studios are superbly appointed and spill out into a central courtyard garden well in theme with the “Garden City”. Some units have cooking facilities, while others are limited to a microwave, kettle and fridge. Note that there are B&B rooms also available.

Check The Grange Motel out:

3. Bealey Plaza Motel – Christchurch Motel on Bealey Avenue

On the edge of Christchurch CBD, Bealey Plaza Motel is one of the many accommodations on Bealey Avenue. Yet, with the quality rooms combined with very reasonable prices, the Bealey Plaza Motel has to be one of the top contenders. This modern inner-city motor lodge boasts fully tiled bathrooms, a very functional kitchenette even in its lower tier of studios, and either a patio or balcony. Most studios sleep at least three guests, while multi-bedroom suites and interconnecting rooms are the ideal fit for larger groups.

Check Bealey Plaza Motel out:

4. 239 on Lincoln Motel – Christchurch Motel in Addington

If you need a place to stay in Addington, you certainly can’t go too far wrong with 239 on Lincoln Motel. Not only are rooms sleek and modernly appointed complete with a small kitchen, but most rooms can be interconnected so any group has a place here. Whether you’re here on business and need a conference venue or on honeymoon and would like a special turndown of your room, this motel can cater to an array of travel needs. Discover more stays for the discerning traveller in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check 239 on Lincoln Motel out:

5. Sumner Bay Motel – Motel at Sumner Beach

Escape to the beachside suburb of Sumner Beach! You’ll effortlessly transition to holiday mode with the tastefully inspired beach tones of Sumner Bay Motel‘s interiors. Just one block away from the beach and super close to the suburb’s top cafes and restaurants, the location is ideal. However, only some studios and apartments have cooking facilities, so be sure to carefully select your room if you plan to self-cater. Regardless of where you stay, you’ll have a smart TV with streaming services, access to a patio or private balcony and unlimited high-speed WiFi.

Check Sumner Bay Motel out:

6. Airport Palms Motel – Motel Near Christchurch Airport

One of the best motels near Christchurch Airport, Airport Palms Motel offers a welcoming introduction to the city. Offering a free airport shuttle (conditions apply), free laundry facilities and room layouts for a wide range of traveller types and groups, there are a fair few enticements for this motel. Combine those with impeccably presented rooms, a quiet residential area (yet close to restaurants) and some rooms with a spa bath, you couldn’t have an easier place to relax after a flight.

Check Airport Palms Motel out:

7. V Motel – Christchurch Motel in Papanui

One of the newest accommodations on the motel scene in Christchurch, V Motel boasts simplistic contemporary designs throughout all of its studios and apartments with fully tiled bathrooms and kitchenettes being just the beginning. There are various studios and apartments to choose from, some with the option of double beds that fold from the walls (yay, no sofa beds) allowing up to six guests per apartment. Be entertained by your large TV with streaming services and enjoy regular deals like free breakfasts. With the motel’s location in Papanui, it’s one of the closest options to the Main Northland Mall and supermarket.

Check V Motel out:

8. Adelphi Motel – Christchurch Motel Between St George’s Hospital and the CBD

Located on Papanui Road, minutes away from St George’s Hospital in one direction and the city centre in the other, Adelphi Motel offers an easy location for many. You’re settled on the cooking front, as all rooms feature a kitchen or kitchenette, all you have to do is choose one of the very affordable studios or the more luxurious and recently renovated units. The motel is family-owned and run by welcoming hosts who are eager to share their Christchurch knowledge with guests, so don’t be shy!

Check Adelphi Motel out:

9. Bellano Motel Suites – Motel in Christchurch CBD

Another stunner on Bealey Avenue, Bellano Motel Suites is a good go-to for affordable luxury in Christchurch city centre. Your home away from home comes with at least breakfast-making amenities if not a full kitchen, with some rooms boasting a spa bath and others interconnecting. Of course, free WiFi and TVs with streaming services are all part of the packages, while cosy extras like electric blankets and double-glazing are welcome to keep off the chill.

Check Bellano Motel Suites out:

10. Aalton Motel – Christchurch Motel with a Swimming Pool

Stay in well-appointed and affordable units on the edge of the city’s famous Hagley Park. Aalton Motel‘s idyllic location means that couples, friends and family can wake up and enjoy strolls through the park and the Botanic Gardens in between retreating to their own private space with kitchen facilities, an ensuite and Sky TV. Enjoy evenings in the motel’s private spa pool or scout out the nearby award-winning cafes and restaurants – we’ve listed a few in The Foodie Guide to Christchurch: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Check Aalton Motel out:

11. Lorenzo Motor Lodge – Motel in Christchurch with Spa Baths

Located on the western end of Hagley Park and near Mona Vale – some of the 10 Beautiful Gardens & Parks in Christchurch, Lorenzo Motor Lodge is a hugely popular choice in Christchurch. The very well-presented suites and apartments offer some fantastic options for families with the two-bedroom apartment sleeping five and the one-bedroom suites sleeping three. Of course, there are also studios for couples and solo travellers to escape to. Either way, you’ll be treated to luxuries like a spa bath in the ensuite and at least breakfast-making facilities to kickstart your day.

Check Lorenzo Motor Lodge out:

12. Tuscana Motor Lodge – Self-Contained Motel in Christchurch

A popular option for travellers wanting to mostly make their own meals, Tuscana Motor Lodge provides excellent self-catering accommodation for solo travellers, couples and families. Stay in a “Studio”, “1-Bedroom Suite”, “1-Bedroom Spa Suite” or a “2-Bedroom Family Suite”. Or make your stay more like a bed & breakfast by ordering continental breakfast. Find this motel on Bealey Avenue in the city.

Check Tuscana Motor Lodge out:

13. Centrepoint on Colombo – Popular Motel in Christchurch for Couples

What we love about the Centrepoint on Colombo are the affordable room rates, central location and tranquillity. The “Deluxe Studio” and “Mini Studio” with spa baths are a no-brainer for couples, while the “Standard Studio”, “Deluxe Studio” and “One-Bedroom Apartment” provide a comfortable stay for busy travellers. The motel has a tranquil charm about it thanks to only two of the motel’s 12 rooms allowing children in them. See more couple-centric stays like this in the 12 Best Romantic Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check Centrepoint on Colombo out:

14. Camelot Motor Lodge – Self-Catering Motel in Christchurch

How can you not love the medieval theme of the Camelot Motor Lodge?! Camelot Motor Lodge, in Christchurch city centre, offers everything from compact “Studio Rooms” to a complete private “Lodge” with four bedrooms and two bathrooms! Whatever you choose, you’ll have access to facilities such as a kitchen, TV, spa pool and free in-house movies. See more self-catering accommodations like this in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check Camelot Motor Lodge out:

15. 53 Southern Comfort Motel – Cheap Motel in Christchurch

This iconic motel, easily identified by the brass sculpture of a knight going into battle, wins the hearts of couples, business travellers and families time and time again. The 53 Southern Comfort Motel in central Christchurch offers private self-contained accommodation with kitchen facilities. The options include affordable “Studio Units” or the relaxing “Superior Studio Spa Unit” with a corner spa bath. Find 53 Southern Comfort Motel located on Bealey Avenue, a short walk from the city centre. For more cheap options, check out the 12 Best Budget Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check 53 Southern Comfort Motel out:

16. Country Glen Lodge – Family-Friendly Motel in Christchurch

Keeping in theme with the “most English city outside of England”, Country Glen Lodge boasts English charm and an affordable stay, especially for families. Their “2-Bedroom Family Motel Units” offers ample space for groups: one room has a king bed while the other has either a queen or two singles. Either way, you’ll have your home-away-from-home experience that’s ideal and affordable for a family getaway thanks to the fully-equipped kitchen. The location is ideally centralised too, being a short walk from Hagley Park and the city centre. See more motels in Christchurch like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check Country Glen Lodge out:

17. Airport Gateway Motor Lodge – Cheap Motel Near Christchurch Airport

The Airport Gateway Motor Lodge is a popular choice near Christchurch Airport and books up fast! There are two wings to the accommodation: the “Economy Wing” with affordable studios to three-bedroom units with kitchens, and the “Business Wing” with more luxurious versions of these rooms. Each room at least has a TV, ensuite and free WiFi. Plus, the hotel also offers a 24-hour complimentary shuttle service to the airport, an on-site bar and restaurant, and a “Late Room Service” should you be getting off a midnight flight.

Check Airport Gateway Motor Lodge out:

18. Garden City Motel – Pet-Friendly Motel in Christchurch

Boasting an alternative location in the city in Papanui between the airport and the city, the Garden City Motel offers a great range of affordable accommodations. Choose from basic queen and king studios and one- or two-bedroom units sleeping up to five with self-contained facilities. The motel has wheelchair-friendly units, pet-friendly units and more to complete your home-away-from-home experience. See more like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check Garden City Motel out:

19. The Towers on the Park – Motel Near Hagley Park

Another excellent and unique accommodation bordering Hagley Park, The Towers on the Park is certainly unique with its castle-like architecture. Make your stay at The Towers your own by choosing one of the circular-shaped “Executive Suites” with a large lounge and electric bedding. The “Spa Bath Suite” is the perfect option for travellers looking to unwind. Alternatively, cook your own meals in the “Standard Studio” with a kitchenette.

Check The Towers on the Park out:

20. Belle Bonne Motel – Cheap Christchurch Airport Motel

Another motel-style accommodation located near Christchurch Airport, Belle Bonne Motel is super popular with families. The motel has 10 units, six of which have two bedrooms sleeping up to seven people. Belle Bonne Motel allows you to save on the cost of food thanks to each unit’s fully-equipped kitchen. Other than that, the accommodation is simple yet comfortable.

Check Belle Bonne Motel out:

More About Motels in Christchurch

That’s it for our list of the best motels in Christchurch, but it’s by no means the end of our travel tips! Get more stellar travel advice from the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Christchurch.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page