European feel, Christchurch charm: Chateau on the Park
A neo-Gothic-style hotel, a moat full of goldfish and glossy aquatic plants, five acres of beautiful English-style gardens and even a suit of armour – that must be somewhere in Europe.
Instead, it is right here in Christchurch, the iconic Chateau on the Park, a DoubleTree by Hilton, where guests have enjoyed the range of facilities for decades. Designed by acclaimed New Zealand architect Peter Beaven at the time of the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games, the hotel celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year.
If you have not visited this true Christchurch landmark for a while, what better time to be reacquainted (or to make a first acquaintance) than during another Christchurch institution – Cup and Show Week? Just as its architecture and interior features are varied and interesting, so are the facilities offered within.
The light and airy Garden Court Brasserie is the perfect venue to catch up with friends for lunch or dinner during this celebratory week. The menu features timeless dishes, from classic favourites to innovative creations. If it’s a warm nor’west day, as it so often is at this time of the year, you can dine alfresco, perhaps beneath the sun-speckled shade of the elms or on the terrace surrounded by the fragrant rose gardens. “Sunset Sessions in the gardens return every Friday evening starting from November, with live music, wood fired pizza and drink specials all on offer,” the team says.
A drink with friends after work may be your celebration of choice. Enjoy the newly relaunched Little Red Fox, the hotel’s intimate lounge and bar. Its quaint, charming English pub ambience complemented by beautiful stained-glass windows exudes warmth and character. Of course, its menu features classics such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and the renowned Chateau club sandwich. Cocktails are a speciality, to be enjoyed from opening time at 3pm, seven days a week.
Although it causes a bit of a shudder to think about it, once Cup and Show Week is upon us, the end of the year is also fast approaching. So it may be high time to think about booking pre-Christmas functions. Chateau on the Park has a variety of versatile function spaces, from the Garden Court Brasserie to the larger dedicated event spaces such as the Great Hall, the Camelot Room, the Tower Room and the Ballantyne Room. Each caters for differing numbers of guests and styles of events.
Maybe you are coming from out of town into Christchurch for the races or the show. With so much on offer at the chateau and 192 guest rooms and four suites, what better place to stay? This hotel deserves its beloved status in our city.
