Fri 25th Jul 2008
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Dorset House Backpackers (Hostels) -
1 Dorset Street PO Box 253508144 Christchurch New Zealand
 Internet Access Airport Pick Up Linen Included Towels Luggage Storage | Guest Kitchen Telephone/Fax Facilities Travel Desk/Travel Info Common Room Bike Parking | Free Carpark Breakfast Not Included WiFi in lobby Web access in lobby WiFi in room |
Recently refurbished, without losing its essential character, Dorset House is a unique and peaceful environment from which to enjoy all that Christchurch has to offer. Set among beautiful gardens, Dorset House is still steeped in the character of the early Christchurch pioneers. Built in 1871 as the home for the wealthy timber merchant, J B Way, it once featured 27 rooms and three Italian marble fireplaces. It has been lovingly maintained, and is a slice of Christchurch's past that we are proud to share with our guests.
Our rooms are comfortable, freshly cleaned, and bathed in afternoon sun. All rooms are within 3-7 metres of a bathroom. Dorset House has recently been upgraded and redecorated to cater for travellers who wish to experience up-market facilities at budget prices. There are no bunk beds here all beds are fully made with fresh linen. Extra blankets and electric blankets are fitted onto every bed to keep you warm in the colder months. We have a sunny, spotlessly clean kitchen available for guest use, and there's a full laundry here too.
The lounge - otherwise known as the 'Old Chapel' - is a very large room with plenty of comfortable couches and is a great space for relaxing and talking. Facilities included a free pool table, various board games and jigsaws, TV, DVD player (a selection of DVDs are available) Cable TV, a variety of books for exchange and a stereo. There are computers for guest use - offering internet access, word processing, spreadsheets, printing, SKYPE, USB ports and CD burning functions. WiFi is available if you have your own laptop.
Dorset House offers a full travel and information desk just ask at reception and let us organise your tours, day trips and onward travel. There's no charge for this, and if you're not sure where to go or what to do ask our staff, they're locals and can clue you in on some hidden gems.
From Dorset House, it's just a 15-minute stroll to Cathedral Square, the centre of Christchurch; or walk along beside the river to reach other city attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, museum, the popular Arts Centre, local art galleries, busy weekend markets and art-house cinemas.
Continental breakfast packs can be purchased at reception, and we are just two-minutes from some great cafes, bars and restaurants on Victoria St. There's plenty of options here, and fabulous coffee too (we may even point you to our favourite bakery!). Public transport is close too just five minutes walk to the airport bus service, or eight minutes to the free shopper's bus service that runs throughout the central city all day.
Late check-ins can be organised, and free luggage storage is available. We have a custom-built lock-up to keep your bike or skis safe, and free off-street car-parking is available behind the House.
Dorset House is ideally situated to provide a comfortable stay for budget travellers. We hope to see you here soon!
conditions: Please note that Dorset House is not suitable for children under 10 years of age. Check-in time: 2pm. Check-out time: 10am. If you arrive after reception closes at 6pm, please make sure you check your email for our door code. We will leave the key on reception for you with instructions on how to find your room.