hla

I've searched here and on Tripadvisor, but not a whole lot of information on these two hotels. Anyone have any experience with the hotels? Would you recommend staying there? Thank you!

stormbird

We actually stayed in Franz Josef instead of Fox Glacier. I was so glad that we chose that option. Fox Glacier is a very tiny township and there are more restaurants etc at Franz. Actually some really lovely restaurants.

It certainly is a personal thing for sure and it is just a short drive down to Fox but you feel like you're where the action is at Franz Josef.

We stayed in a Rainforest Studio room at Punga Grove Motel - got a super hot deal at Wotif.com - it was like heaven on a stick to me - thoroughly enjoyed it and we could simply walk to dinner every night and the tour company is also in the same vicinity.

We stayed at the Millenium Christchurch, again we scored another hot deal on Wotif.com and had a beautiful room and it is right in the Town Square - very good location.

But this is just my opinion for what it's worth, hla.

Lisa1224

I have to say, I would have to disagree with stormbird. We just returned from NZ 1 week ago (and am already trying to figure out how I can go back!!)

We first went to Franz and checked out the glacier and felt the city was a little to touristy for us. So we continued on that day and stayed in Fox. We did stay at the Fox Glacier Lodge and really enjoyed it. The lodge is new and clean. We had the chalet room which is a free standing room outside of the main lodge. It had a full kitchen with food for breakfast that is provided in the room rate. The location is really good, close to about 4-5 restaurants (all within about a 2-3 minute walk).

Stormbird is right, Fox is a much smaller town. That's actually what we liked about it. It feels more like a normal town than a tourist center. Fox was one of my favorite towns.

Fox glacier itself is easier to access, it is closer to the car park. I would check both of them out though.

Just an fyi, we are both 31 years old and do enjoy nightlife. Sometimes it's nice to have a relaxing stay in a beautiful town without all the other tourists.

Also, we only reserved the first night accomodation for our 2 week trip of the South Island. This was awesome and I highly recommend doing this. This way you can see the hotels and towns before you decided that that is where you want to stay. Also, there is no hurry to get to the next destination. You can take more time enjoying places you like or leave a place once you finished without being stuck due to existing hotel reservations. Just a suggestion.

I guess to each their own.

Hope this helps and I would more that happy to help with anything else. NZ is the best place we have been and have traveled extensively. We are acturally considering moving there someday.

CDJD

We actually stayed at both of these hotels in Feb 2006. I second the recommendation for both Fox Glacier and the Lodge. Very charming town and the lodge was great. Nice common breakfast area as well as nicely appointed rooms. We stayed in the lodge itself and would highly recommend it. Also check out nearby Lake Matheson and the heli-hike if you stay in the area.

As for the Copthorne Christchurch, it was fine but nothing special. Very similar to a standard Holiday Inn in the USA. It was good for the money and clean. Close to the trolley stop and the town center. The Vic & Whale restaurant next door was great.

hla

Thank you so much for your posts and information. Stormbird--I looked seriously at staying in Franz Josef, but we want to drive from the glaciers to Queenstown in one day during the winter, so thought just that extra head start from Fox Glacier would help a little. Thanks all for the positive notes on Fox Glacier Lodge; I'll be making our reservation. As for the Copthorne, we got a good price, so I may stick with that. It does seem that hotels right at Cathedral Square may provide a better location, though. Thanks again.