Ilam Motel — Hotel in Christchurch

I originally booked this place at Brisbane airport, a rushed trip, flying into chch 5 hours later with the 24 hr check in and location to the Chinese embassy being my reasoning. What I have recieved has been what I think is fate as the new owner Carol completely treated me like a family member from the moment I arrived at 2 am in the morning! If your looking for a sterile Chain environment that lacks any kind of multi cultural nz that I for one am proud to be then maybe keep scrolling. Being a kiwi living in Australia I have come to love and appreciate our quirky ‘dated’ housing that is still our predominant way of living. Not a motel chain, just a beautiful family running a small business in an area that will delight any traveller and ensure your comfort by any means. Although a solo traveller the cheap room I booked was a 2 bedroom motel with everything I needed to live here if I wanted (and would!) Situated on Riccarton road, a busy main chch road but also meant I was a 10 min walk to Riccarton mall yet not so close to the crazy traffic that I experienced on my walk today as I got close to the mall area. I wouldn’t like to stay anywhere closer with a car for transportation. Had I wanted there was a bus stop out the front which took me there but why would I? Literally across the road is 4 different eateries to choose from with many more surrounding. This area embraces many cultures and needs and the motel especially emphasises this. Carol checked me in at 2 am, and was lovely enough to then drive me to the Chinese embassy the next morning, extend my stay and look after my luggage as I decided my next plan at moments notice. I cannot rave enough about this woman. You are paying for this awesome service more than the room which can be priceless for many travellers. Carols goal is not about bottom dollar room rates, rather a memorable experience and a lasting relationship for whenever you ever may need her again. The motel is u shaped which means you get to know those also staying. Tonight I was greeted by beautiful children with a traditional Egyptian dessert to try. An experience I will treasure. Some stay here long term others not. This is the treasure of this motel. The room itself has a modern aircon/heat pump, oven, fridge, sky tv (pay tv or Foxtel as some would call it) kitchen with utensils, 2 couches, dining table, bathroom and 2 rooms. There is also Car parking directly in front of room. Carol will provide whatever you need if you just ask, but understand this is a small business working so hard to rejuvenate an old motel complex and previous owners reputations. As a New Zealander I can say this motel is completely normal and a signature of our history. You won’t go cold, you won’t be without, it just isn’t built 10 years ago! As you can tell from this review there is too much to rave about this place but I imagine solo and family travellers or locals needing an unbiased welcoming space will not be disappointed. Love this...

Stayed one night- booked as it was close to an event we were attending!|Arrived & a man who hardly spoke English gave us our key & a small milk, then pointed to our room.|If we hadn't already paid we would have left immediately!|The room stank of cigarette smoke, was freezing cold & really worn!|Toilet smelled of old urine, had mould on the widow fittings (which didn't close properly) ;sink had cigarette burns in it,mould on the taps & an empty soap dispenser; floor coverings had hole by the toilet.|The lounge/ bedroom was totally dated with old table (also with burns on it) & chairs,chipped cups, bed with no headboard ( and bad roll- together). TV didn't work properly- kept flickering & wifi dropped out. The couch was filthy & just covered with a blanket!|The towels were old faded blue & no facecloth were supplied. The shower had soap & shampoo dispensers on the wall but neither worked. The carpet was stained & the vanity in the bathroom was falling apart!|Only positive was that the sheets looked like they were professionally cleaned.||Totally over priced...

We stayed one night after arriving in NZ from OZ. Booked online with Wotif - agreed price on booking confirmation was NZ$120 but we were charged NZ$140 when we checked in. Reception staff member did not have English as their first language, was difficult to understand and was preoccupied with using the computer (and apologising profusely) while we were attempting to contact a family member in NZ by phone. The phone system was abysmal - neither our phone nor the reception phone worked reliably (we continually got a message to try again later) and we ended up having to walk some distance down the road to the shopping centre to use the public phone. On the plus side, the room was basic but clean, and the separate bedroom was appreciated, and there is a dairy across the road. Wifi is free but...