Where to stay in Christchurch: The Muse Art Hotel review

Incredible views, the perfect city location and a boutique experience combine to create The Muse Art Hotel. Here, guests can get cosy inside beautifully designed and stylishly decorated rooms then head out to explore the city. Talented artists use the hotel as their canvas, infusing it with different elements from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The result is a modern and beautiful hotel that provides the perfect base for your Christchurch adventures. Here’s my full review of The Muse Art Hotel.

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Where is the hotel located?

You’ll find The Muse Art Hotel located on Manchester Street in central Christchurch, around 25 minutes drive from Christchurch Airport. The hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of town, allowing visitors to easily explore the city on foot. The Christchurch Tram has a stop right outside, so you can use it as a sightseeing adventure and mode of transport.

In the past, I’ve stayed outside the main city area and it didn’t go so well. I felt disconnected from Christchurch and struggled to experience the city properly. Staying in a central location allowed me to see, do and experience more and it was by far my best trip to Christchurch. From now on, I’ll be basing myself in the city.

How to get to Christchurch

Located in the South Island of New Zealand (Te Waipounamu), Christchurch is easily accessed by plane. I often take advantage of sale flights from Brisbane to Christchurch and find it a great starting point for a South Island road trip. On my most recent visit, I included Christchurch in a 3 1/2 week road trip itinerary through the north and south islands.

I visited Auckland, the Coromandel, the coastal Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo and Napier  with a plan to visit Wellington. Sadly, I had to cut my Wellington visit from the itinerary due to a change in local restrictions. I caught the ferry from Wellington to Picton then onto Christchurch, Tekapo and Aoraki, Wanaka and Queenstown.

If you’re on a road trip and plan to catch the ferry across the Cook Strait to the south island you must read our guide: How to catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton.

What are the rooms like?

I stayed in room 402, a Superior King Room and corner suite located on the hotel’s fourth floor. A boutique art hotel, each floor features works from an artist, allowing the hotel itself to transform into an immersive art gallery. On my floor, Kyla K pays tribute to the sensuality, style and swag of the 50’s and 60’s. In the hallway, James Bond and Marilyn Monroe pieces are splashed across the walls and, in my room, a nod to elegant cocktails and nostalgic mid-century glamour.

The first thing that caught my eye was the high ceilings and huge windows on two-sides of the room, providing stunning views over Christchurch and out to the mountains. In the afternoon, we loved sitting there watching the sky come alive in vibrant shades of orange, pink and purple. Sheer curtains provide a little privacy while heavy curtains block out the light entirely for a great night’s sleep.

A luxurious king-sized bed with cosy pillows was the perfect spot to curl up and unwind or watch a movie on the large screen TV. A single armchair in the corner offered a comfortable spot to sit with a cup of coffee and the desk and chair allowed me to catch up on emails while on the road. There’s also a wardrobe in the entry way for hanging coats and garments plus modern touches dotted throughout the room including complimentary WiFi, Bluetooth speaker and an espresso machine.

The bathroom made fantastic use of the space using white marble, dark tiles and clever lighting to create an elegant retreat. The rain shower is oh-so-good and the heated towel rack ensure your fluffy robe is ready to go when you step out. Another great modern touch in the bathroom was the heated mirror, allowing you to get all steamy without fogging things up.

What facilities does the hotel have?

If you’re visiting with a car, there’s affordable public parking available just across the road. You can pull up to reception to check-in, drop your bags off and then go park the car. Parking costs around NZD$10-15 per day. Inside the hotel, you’ll also find a gym and valet laundry service.

The Muse Art Hotel also happens to be home to Christchurch’s first roof top bar! The Pink Lady Rooftop Bar is an intimate spot boasting an incredible drinks list stacked with decadent cocktails, wines, craft beers and more. Head up there for the very best views of the Christchurch skyline and a drink or two. Be sure to check out the Modern Asian / Californian inspired bar menu with tasty bites like duck tacos, sticky rice mochi, panko fish burgers and salt and pepper squid.

Located on the ground floor of the hotel, The Residency is simply stunning to look at. Oozing with old-world hotel glamour, it’s your go-to spot for breakfast, brunch and coffee. Tuck into the beloved kiwi Flat White then sample unique creations like chardonnay and bay leaf poached eggs, truffle potato hash, miso mushrooms and hot smoked salmon.

Best things to do in Christchurch

I’ve visited Christchurch three times before and never fallen in love with the city or connected with it. This trip was different. I finally found myself enjoying each moment, eating at the right spots, connecting with locals and developing an understanding of and appreciation for Christchurch. All it took was the right itinerary. You can also read all about it and find more information and inspiration on Christchurch and the best things to do, here: Your Ultimate Guide to Christchurch: City and Snow

The verdict…

There’s no doubt, The Muse Art Hotel is easily the best place I have ever stayed in Christchurch. I absolutely loved the hotel’s central location and how accessible it made the city. I remember trying to study a map before I arrived, attempting to work out where the tram stop was. Turns out, it was right next to the hotel. Everything I wanted to see was so close, it gave me more time during the day to sightsee.

I also really enjoyed my room. I love staying at a boutique hotel and really appreciated the life and colour brought to each space by the artists. It was a wonderful reflection of the street art you see all around Christchurch and ties in with the city’s modern, artsy, ‘little Melbourne’ feel. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at The Muse Art Hotel and would happily stay there again.

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The Muse Art Hotel generously hosted my two-night stay. All opinions are, as always, authentically my own. 

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