Welcome to The Classic Villa

Welcome to The Classic Villa
Luxury accommodation in the heart of Christchurch

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About The Classic Villa 

Built in 1899 The Classic Villa is a beautifully appointed Italian style Historic home erected on part of the land chosen in the early settlement of Christchurch by the Reverend John Raven and known as Ravens Paddock, opposite the then Christchurch Boys High School and Canterbury College where Lord Rutherford studied.

The Classic Villa has recently been lovingly restored, renovated, extended, and tastefully refurbished to provide some of the finest Qualmark 5-Star boutique hotel accommodation available in central city Christchurch, New Zealand.

The tasteful refurbishment has been recognised by the Christchurch City Council, awarding it a Heritage Award the year the hotel opened in 2006.

This luxury boutique hotel is situated on a quiet one way pedestrian boulevard, directly opposite the Christchurch Arts Centre in the most central,  quietest part of Christchurch City, only steps away from The Christchurch Art Gallery, The Christchurch Museum, The Christchurch world renowned Botanical Gardens, The new Convention Centre and Library, the Avon river, Cathedral Square,  Movie theatres,  Golf course, Tram, Central City shops, Cafés and Restaurants.

Wake up to a sumptuous complimentary Continental Breakfast, a walk in the botanical gardens, a tram ride followed by a refreshing coffee in one of our colourful cafés, or, take a leisurely stroll to the Riverside Markets, the Christchurch Town hall, Convention Centre, Casino, punting on the Avon river and many other attractions.

Take a short stroll to the Terraces with a choice of dozens of restaurants overlooking the beautiful Avon River or watch the sunset from a  rooftop bar.

If you prefer you can purchase a glass of wine or a beer from our bar and relax and mingle in our beautiful outdoor courtyard or luxurious  lounge.

Complimentary tea, coffee, cookies and fresh fruit are available  to make your stay more memorable and enjoyable.

Locally owned and operated, its excellent hospitality has been recognised with the following awards:
Annually on Expedia Insiders’ Select List – 2009 1st in NZ
2006 – 2021 – 5 Star Qualmark Boutique & Lodge – *****
2019 Qualmark Enviro – Gold
11-TIME WINNER 2011-2021 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE.

9.6 Excxeptional from Hotels.com 2021


2006 HANZ National finalist – Best new/redeveloped accommodation hotel.
2006 Civic Trust Award for promoting higher environmental standards.
2008 Finalist Champion Canterbury Awards-Champion Host-Small Enterprise: Celebrating Business Excellence, Passion & Success.

But most of all the Classic Villa is proud of our hospitality. We want to ensure every guest has a comfortable stay. At The Classic Villa, the boutique accommodation has a personal touch, from the charming refurbishment, to the carefully appointed rooms to the genuine service.

Our Rooms

Our Highlights and Features

GOLD ENVIRO AWARD

The Classic Villa is rated Qualmark 5-Star Accommodation and also has a Gold Enviro Award.

Outdoor courtyard

Guests are invited to enjoy our beautiful lounge and outdoor courtyard areas at their leisure.

Warm yourself by our fireplace and enjoy a glass of wine.

Secure Parking

We have six on-site car parking spaces, subject to availability. In addition, there is free on-street parking from 6pm until 9am. 

Amazing Breakfast

A scrumptious continental breakfast is included with every booking. Tea and Coffee facilities are also available 24/7. We can cater for any dietary needs, please tell us in advance!

Great Location

Boasting the best location in central city Christchurch! 

The Classic Villa is only steps away from the Arts Centre & Market, Art Gallery, Museum, Botanical Gardens, Cathedral Square, Historic Tram, Punting on the Avon River, Golf Course, Theatres, Restaurants, New Farmer’s Market, The Terrace Restaurants, Cafes & Central City Shopping. A short 3 minute walk to Christchurch Hospital, Law Courts and CBD makes The Classic Villa suitable for both short and long-term business and holiday stays.

Free Fibre WiFi

Unlimited free high-speed (Fibre) WiFi in every corner of the hotel, for all your facebook and streaming needs. Chromecasts and Flat-Screen LCD TVs are available in every room. Guest computer and laser printer is also available in the lounge area. 

Like what you see? Check our rates here

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What my clients say

  • A great time in a perfect location

    Breakfast was great. Hosts very friendly and accommodating in all respects. They allowed us all the freedom we needed and more

    Denis
  • High Quality & Charming Accommodation in a Perfect Location

    "I recently stayed 3 nights at The Classic Villa in Christchurch and was made to feel incredibly welcome... My room was very cosy and comfortable and the included Mediterranean Breakfast was fresh, provided a wide variety and was plentiful - I particularly appreciated the great coffee! The ability to make use of the lounge and living area was an added bonus as my first day saw me having to complete a few hours of work that I hadn't managed to knock on the head before arriving in NZ so to be able to sit in the lounge for a few hours, working away and sipping on a coffee was really appreciated. I highly recommend this property to anyone visiting Christchurch for either work or pleasure as the location is fabulous (recommend Cellar Door across the road in the Arts Centre which offered a very good menu along with curated wine flights and for those seeking workout facilities, the YMCA gym around the corner offers a 24 hour pass for $12NZD which I thought was great value as I was able to squeeze in 2 visits."

    Alison B
  • Excellent start to our NZ trip

    Excellent location - within walking distance of the centre of Chch and also the Botanical Gardens/Park in the opposite direction. Very friendly, welcoming & easy to talk to owners. We only stayed 1 night alas but it was a great place from which to begin our NZ tour. Not the cheapest accommodation maybe but an excellent one!

    pd7
  • An elegant, beautifully furnished B&B right downtown.

    We spent two pleasant nights here in early Jan. 2020. It's within easy walking distance of the Botanic Garden, the cathedral being repaired after the 2011 earthquake, stops on the tram tour, etc. The "continental" breakfast is a great deal more than the term suggests, with fresh fruit, granola, baked goods, etc... Highly recommended

    David S
  • Excellent location and quality

    This boutique hotel is in a great location near central Christchurch. The botanic gardens are 2 minutes walk and the city centre less than 10. The room was comfortable and spotless. Owners and staff were very welcoming and friendly. The breakfast was fantastic

    tgmcdonald
  • Great little hotel at the heart of Christchurch

    "We stayed three nights, just as the Coronavirus clouds were beginning to darken the skies of NZ. We got a friendly, easygoing welcome and a lovely front room, comfortable and pleasantly appointed. Tea, coffee and biscuits available throughout the day, and the continental breakfast was varied and generous. The Classic Villa is superbly situated a short walk either way to the beautiful botanical gardens or the city centre, and right next to the Arts Centre and tourism info point as well as the exciting new Gallery of Modern Art."

    Christian L
  • FANTASTIC

    Stayed for 2 nights in one of the front rooms was spacious and very comfortable. It is close to everything and easy walk to the city centre, Despina and Costa were the perfect host, nothing was a problem , Highly recommend, we will return. Thank you Despina

    375davidm