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Christchurch, NZ Welcomes Back First Hotel Since Earthquake

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 107 Hereford Street, Christchurch, New Zealand, 8011
September 7, 2012 at 9:22 AM | by | Comments (0)

Natural disasters, like earthquakes, can paralyze travel plans, sometimes months and even years later. The February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, which pretty much closed down the city to tourism, was no different. But we've got good news--things are bouncing back, including the September 4th re-opening of the Ibis Christchurch Hotel, which has been closed for two years.

The South Island city of Christchurch experienced a 6.3 magnitude quake that caused 185 deaths. Slowly, but surely, the city has been rebuilt and people are moving back to the region.

Ibis Hotels, the budget brand of the Accor Hotel Group, is designed for business travelers, yet comfortable for the leisure set, too.

The hotel has overhauled all 155 rooms and public areas as well as installed structural strengthening to meet the city’s new building codes. Although just four-years old when the quake hit, it is virtually a brand new property for the city. And just as the former Ibis did, this 'new hotel' also features a lobby bar, restaurant and meeting room.

Located steps from the iconic Cathedral Square and a few blocks away from a newly established shopping district, the central location will be a draw for not only tourists, but business travelers helping to rebuild the city to its former glory, a project that's already taken off with Project Re:Start which includes unique shopping mall.

The city has plans to be completely re-opened by the middle of 2013. Accor’s Novotel hotel is scheduled to also re-open at that time, while the future of the group’s two All Seasons hotels is yet to be determined due to restricted access to the hotels following the earthquake.

Rates at Ibis start at 119 NZD ($95) per night which are on par with the pre-disaster prices.

[Photo: Accor Hotels]

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