Fodor's Expert Review Jurys Inn Christchurch

A budget chain hotel that's a cut above the norm because of its choice location opposite Christ Church Cathedral, giving some rooms lovely views. Staff are also friendly and welcoming, and prices can be very affordable, particularly considering the location, within walking distance of all the main sights, and the fact that all rooms can accommodate three adults or two adults and two children.

YOU SHOULD KNOW While the hotel offers parking, it's at a cost - a 50% discount on the public car park nearby.

room

The big but somewhat spartan rooms are decorated in bright colors and have utilitarian furniture. The windows are triple glazed to keep the noise out, and beds are comfortable, with options for hard or soft pillows and feather quilts.

Ask for a room at the front for a view over the cathedral.

bathroom

Bathrooms are also a reasonable size, with small white tiles and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Most have showers over baths.

lobby

The lobby has a pretty standard, slightly corporate feel, but staff are competent.

dining

The Kitchen restaurant offers standard hotel-style dishes - salads, pizzas, burgers - and a reasonable breakfast that's not always included in the rate. It has a pleasant outlook onto a planted garden.

The hotel's restaurant is family-friendly, with filling choices, a relaxed feel and an affordable kid's menu that also has puzzles and facts on it to keep the little ones entertained.

drinking

The hotel bar, with its purple and black chairs, is a bit more inspiring than the average hotel chain bar in part because of its outlook onto the cathedral through floor-to-ceiling windows. It has Costa coffee in the day and a reasonable selection of alcoholic drinks at night.