Christchurch's largest hotel now fully open for business
The remodelling of Christchurch's newest and largest hotel is now complete and it's welcoming guests.
Making a bold, contemporary statement in the heart of the city, the 264-room Breakfree on Cashel Christchurch
incorporates a former office block/turned hotel, and has been transformed into a modern, tech-savvy, affordable place to
stay.
Guests are welcomed with modern design elements as soon as they enter the spacious lobby from Cashel Street that serves
as a combined reception, lounge, bar and restaurant. The hub of the hotel, it's a space where guests can connect with
colleagues, friends - and wi-fi.
The hotel's design embraces the city's history with the interior showcasing recycled timber salvaged from Christchurch
buildings demolished following the 2011 earthquakes, including timber from the old stands at the iconic Lancaster Park
sports stadium.
Breakfree on Cashel General Manager Graeme Back says, "Breakfree on Cashel adds vital room numbers to Christchurch's
accommodation offering, for both the leisure and business market. It's also boosted the local job market along the way
as well as now employing 80 staff in the hotel.
“The $30m project - which also sees the hotel reach a Grade A seismic rating - will undoubtedly revive what is arguably
the city’s most popular hotel by offering modern and vibrant, yet a highly affordable accommodation for the leisure and
tech-savvy business traveller."
The hotel incorporates some of the latest smart technology recognising the importance of technology for discerning
travellers. These include high-definition and interactive digital entertainment systems enabling guests to mirror their
smart phone on the TV screen for social media interaction, such as Facebook. Complimentary wireless key boards are
available for loan from reception.
There are plans for self check-in kiosks to be implemented in late 2015, which will further provide guests with
capabilities rarely experienced at such affordable levels.
BreakFree on Cashel is close to the revitalised Cashel Mall and many new and exciting projects currently underway; including the $140 million ‘The Crossing’ development due to
open in October 2016; the Justice Precinct; the Central Bus Interchange; the new sports stadium and the Convention
Centre.
Hotel facilities include unique ‘pod style rooms’ as well as the addition of high quality traditional hotel rooms
located on the top floor executive level. There is a contemporary interactive Café/Restaurant and Bar; breakfast room,
guest lounge; conference room catering for up to 80 people and 2 boardroom style meeting spaces with capacity for 20
people; 24-hour reception; internet kiosk; guest laundry and onsite parking.
The extensive refurbishment and redesign of the hotel has been underway since new owners – Auckland based Russell
Property Group and an investment partner – purchased the property in January 2014. Christchurch based Dalman
Architecture undertook the architectural and interior design elements.
ENDS