One of a Kind – The George Hotel
For over 30 years The George hotel has stood proudly on the edge of Hagley Park, providing a beautiful, boutique offering for accommodation, dining and events.
The George Hotel has never been your average run-of-the-mill accommodation option. In fact, some of you may be surprised to learn it is not simply an accommodation destination. Named after Sir George Seymour, one of the first four ships to arrive in Canterbury in 1850, the hotel has become an iconic destination for the discerning traveller and those with a love of culinary delights.
Growing up in Christchurch, many special occasions were celebrated at The George, with mouth-watering food at one of their restaurants. In fact, we spent our first two nights as a married couple staying here, and nearly a decade on still talk about the croque monsieur we enjoyed not once, but twice!
Boasting award-winning modern New Zealand cuisine, their Executive Chef Chanaka Jayabahu is passionate about designing seasonal menus with local flavour at their heart. Innovative collaborations between local wine makers and food producers are often on the cards, and allow guests the perfect opportunity to sample some of New Zealand’s best.
While the hotel offers 52 rooms for accommodation, dining is not limited to those staying in-house. Spanning three inter-connecting rooms, 50 Bistro (aptly named to reflect the hotel’s residence at 50 Park Terrace) offers an intimate place to dine, celebrate and enjoy with friends – at any time of the day: brunch, coffee, cocktails or a meal.
Offering Cantabrians a beautiful dining option on the edge of the park has been a driving factor for The George team who delight in sharing their fare with local diners, and more recently the success of their High Tea offering. Ideal for special occasions – ranging from father-daughter dates to proposals, bridal showers, birthdays and anniversaries, the impressive high-tea stands are an elegant indulgence.
While foodies will delight in a visit, so too will art lovers. The George’s substantial collection of innovative New Zealand art has been selected and refined since the early 1990s by curator Stephen Gleeson. Curated with a long-term view, the collection has continually developed and offers a rare insight into some of our most evocative artistic minds, while reflecting and recording the blend of cultures, modern politics and events that have helped shape our nation.
Boasting the largest private collection of Ralph Hotere works in New Zealand along with six pieces by renowned Christchurch artist Bill Hammond, I cannot recommend wandering the hallways enough. For those wanting to know a little more, art tours are available by prior appointment.
Nestled in the private gardens of the hotel is The Residence, a striking three-bedroom character villa renovated in the hotel’s iconic classic elegant style, perfectly suited to offer accommodation alongside their conference and event facilities. With six separate function rooms there is plenty of scope on offer for cocktail parties, private dinners, presentations, seminars and product launches, while the romance of the private gardens works beautifully for weddings.
The emphasis on luxury and service is evident from the moment you step inside the door; The George is simply hard to go past, whatever your reason for visiting.
