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Diplomat Motel

3.0 star property
Pet-friendly motel with free parking connected to a shopping center in Christchurch

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Photo gallery for Diplomat Motel

Outdoor dining
Reception
Interior
Studio | Bathroom | Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Property grounds

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Pet friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
127 Papanui Road, Christchurch, 8014
  • Place, Papanui Road
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Hagley Park
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Christchurch Casino
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Studio

Studio | Bathroom | Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Studio

7.6 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Premium bedding, down comforters, Select Comfort beds, in-room safe

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • 689 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Twin Beds OR 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Christchurch

Located in Merivale, Diplomat Motel is adjacent to Papanui Road and within a 5-minute walk of Merivale Mall. The 16 rooms at this motel include kitchens, balconies, and refrigerators. Centrally located in Christchurch, the motel is connected to a shopping center, and a short walk from Bealey Avenue and Hagley Park.
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What's nearby

  • Papanui Road - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Hagley Park - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Christchurch Casino - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Riccarton Road - 4 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Christchurch Public Hospital - 6 min drive - 2.1 miles

Getting around

  • Christchurch Railway Station - 6 min drive
  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Sprig & Fern Merivale - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Burger King - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Pedro's House of Lamb - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Le Panier Boulangerie - ‬13 min walk

About this property

Diplomat Motel

Pet-friendly motel with free parking connected to a shopping center in Christchurch
Diplomat Motel features free WiFi in public areas, express check-in, and express check-out. Free parking is included with your stay. Front-desk staff can assist with securing valuables, luggage storage, and tours or tickets. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, barbecue grills, and a vending machine.
32-inch TVs come with digital channels and DVD players, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and Select Comfort beds with premium bedding and down comforters ensure a restful night. Other amenities include kitchens, balconies, and refrigerators.

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  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 27 reviews
$107 nightly
The price is $124
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Onsite parking options include a carport

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: NZD 15 per person

Things to do

  • Books

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • In-room kitchen
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Built in 1970
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Reception hall

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding
  • Select Comfort mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with premium digital channels
  • DVD player

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop

More

  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for NZD 20 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay), plus a one-time cleaning fee of NZD 20
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 1 total (33 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Certain rooms only
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately NZD 15.00 per person
  • Pet fee: NZD 20 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay) plus NZD 20 one-time cleaning fee
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-8:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

Property is also known as

Diplomat Christchurch
Diplomat Motel Christchurch
Diplomat Motel
Diplomat Motel Motel
Diplomat Motel Christchurch
Diplomat Motel Motel Christchurch

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Diplomat Motel?

Diplomat Motel provides free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Diplomat Motel?

As of Nov 11, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Diplomat Motel on Nov 27, 2025 start from $59.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do near Diplomat Motel?

This motel is situated in Merivale within a 10-minute walk of Papanui Road and Merivale Mall. You'll also find Bealey Avenue and Hagley Park less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Diplomat Motel?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the motel.

Does Diplomat Motel include a casino at the property?

No, Diplomat Motel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Diplomat Motel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Diplomat Motel?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a comfy mattress and a kitchen as well as a garden.

Are there hot tubs at Diplomat Motel?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Diplomat Motel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Diplomat Motel offers continental breakfast each morning for a surcharge though there is no restaurant.

Will Diplomat Motel allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at Diplomat Motel for a fee of NZD 20 per accommodation, per week.

Does Diplomat Motel have connecting rooms?

Yes, this motel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

How close is the airport from Diplomat Motel?

The closest major airport to Diplomat Motel is Christchurch International Airport (CHC), which is 5.3 mi away (11 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Diplomat Motel?

Yes, every guestroom at Diplomat Motel comes with a balcony with some featuring city views.

Diplomat Motel Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 128 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 46 out of 128 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 128 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 128 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 128 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

DAVID

Traveled with family
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Judy

We stayed at the Diplomat many many years ago, and I don’t think anything had changed. Looked very out dated.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Room cold, towels damp. Dog barking from inside room next door, unclear whether our room was a dog room.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eve

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such lovely staff!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dated but value for money
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Joanna

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Whilst the room was clean this is a very basic budget hotel. It is not a 3 star more like a 1-2 star. The room was very dated and shabby with 60s vanity in the bathroom and shower curtain. The room smelt a bit but this improved when airing. If you just want somewhere to base yourself then it’s fine but if you want some comforts stay elsewhere. Great location though
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Handy position in Christchurch but motel quite run down. Needs renovating and made more welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well the older everything was well kept functional and the net was well-stocked sheets and linens were clean and that was very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Diplomat OK

Quiet and comfortable. Room a bit dated, but clean. No air-con in room, and it was very hot. However they provided us with a very good fan on request.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Nicholas

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronald

Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I have stayed here multiple times over the last 10 years but this was the first time in the last 5 years. Although the rooms could have a refresh, the motel has everything I need. Easy access to a supermarket, restaurants, and shopping, Each room has a kitchen to cook meals (microwave and oven) and the rooms are spacious. A nice touch in winter is the electric blankets on the beds.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Josh

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Ideal pet friendly reasonable pricing easy to deal with staff
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Graham

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

2/10 Terrible

Bevan

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Regret booking to stay 10 - 13 March (3 x nights). Only very basic service provided each day and communication from the staff was difficult. The motel feels in many areas like it has not been upgraded since it was originally built in the 1970s. Carpet was also lifting in some areas presenting a trip risk / hazard. Request for at least 1 x night refund for my inconvenience / poor experience.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Happy with stay, basic but clean & tidy. Comfortable sleeping arrangements. My kids loved the pool, would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Candice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

kathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Kelly

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hayden

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Bill

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
People talking outside room all night No security locks on windows. Curtains damaged. No sky tv Would never stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Kazlo

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023