After an overnight stop in Picton, following our Interislander Ferries crossing on the Aratere from Wellington, we made our way to Christchurch, a city known for its charm, rich history, and ongoing rebuild since a 2011 earthquake. Our accommodation for the night was the Sudima Hotel Christchurch City, chosen for its central location and accessibility features.
Prime Location & Accessibility Considerations
One of the biggest factors in choosing a hotel in a central city location is parking, especially when travelling with a high-top van and essential assistive equipment. Every night, we unload a shower commode, mobile hoist, specialised chair, sleep system, continence products, tube-feeding equipment, supplements, and medication, before even considering luggage for a family of four! So, secure, on-site parking is a must.
At Sudima Hotel Christchurch, mobility parking was available right near the entrance, making unloading much easier. However, parking in city hotels often comes at an additional cost, and here it was $35 per day. While not ideal, it was a necessary expense to ensure convenience and accessibility.
Warm Welcome & Thoughtful Design
From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and supported. The friendly reception team was more than happy to assist with our luggage. The reception desk had a lowered counter for wheelchair access, and a beautifully designed accessible toilet was located nearby. They also had courtesy wheelchairs available close by.
Navigating the hotel was seamless. The lift took us directly to our floor, where our king-accessible room was conveniently located near the elevator. A consistent feature across all five floors of the hotel is that each one has an accessible king room in the same location, a thoughtful and practical layout.
Another standout feature was the interconnected adjoining room. This meant we had a twin-bed room attached, perfect for families or extra guests. Having that additional space made the stay even more comfortable. All king-accessible rooms in the hotel have the same adjoining room setup, ensuring a consistent and convenient option for those travelling in groups.
Inside the Accessible Room: Smart & Inclusive Features
The accessible room was spacious and well-designed, featuring a king-size bed with a mattress-to-floor height of 62cm. However, this is higher than the ideal transfer height for many wheelchair users in New Zealand, which typically ranges between 45cm and 55cm. Additionally, there is no clearance under the bed for the feet of a hoist, so bed raisers are needed if a hoist is required. It’s great to see that the hotel is open to improving accessibility and has taken note of providing a courtesy room setup with bed raisers upon request.
Another highlight of our stay was the amazing in-room restaurant service. After a long day exploring Christchurch, being able to order a delicious meal straight to our room was a huge convenience. The menu had a great selection, and the service was prompt and friendly. It’s always a bonus when a hotel makes dining easy and accessible, especially when travelling with additional mobility needs.
The lowered kitchen benches provide ample clearance underneath, making it easy for wheelchair users to roll up and access the sink and amenities without obstruction.
Moving through the room was effortless, thanks to the wide space around the bed, allowing flexibility in which side to transfer from.
The king-size bed was complemented by a pillow menu, ensuring guests could choose just the right pillow for a comfortable night’s sleep.
For added convenience, a telephone with large dials sat beside the bed, featuring picture indicators for different hotel services, an intuitive touch for guests with visual or cognitive impairments.
Modern technology was also incorporated, with an Alexa Echo alarm, which could be used to control the lights, check the time, set your alarm or play music with just a voice command.
Security and accessibility were priorities in the design. A lowered in-room peephole made it easy for wheelchair users to check who was at the door, while dimmable lights could be adjusted directly from the bedside for convenience. In case of an emergency, a visual alarm system flashes brightly, an essential feature for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. It also serves as a discreet notification for room service, flashing to let you know when your order has arrived at the door
Spacious & Stylish Wet-Floor Bathroom
The wet-floor bathroom was not just accessible but also beautifully designed. While some accessible bathrooms can feel clinical, this one had a modern, stylish feel while maintaining practicality and safety. There was ample space for maneuvering, and all fixtures were positioned for easy reach and use.
While the bathroom was well-equipped, I am looking forward to New Zealand embracing two accessibility considerations that I’ve noticed are becoming standard in Australian hotels. One is the pull-down lever in the shower, which allows guests sitting on the shower bench seat to lower the shower hose independently if it has been left too high. The other is the backrest on toilets, which adds both comfort and support. Small design choices like these can make a big difference in independence and ease of use.
Beyond the bathroom, other accessible hotel features I appreciate include easy-pour kettles and pull-down wardrobe levers, which make it easier for wheelchair users to access clothes while seated. It would be fantastic to see more New Zealand hotels adopting these thoughtful additions in the future.
Exploring Christchurch
With the Sudima Hotel being so central, we were within walking distance of some great Christchurch attractions:
- Christchurch Casino
- Punting on the Avon
- Christchurch Tram
- Margaret Mahy Family Playground – a fantastic, inclusive space designed with input from the disability community, ensuring it was accessible for all.
Final Thoughts
Our stay at Sudima Hotel Christchurch City was a positive experience, both in terms of accessibility and comfort. The staff’s helpful attitude, well-thought-out accessible features, and prime location made it a great choice for travellers with mobility needs. What stood out even more was their willingness to improve accessibility further, they even took note of offering a courtesy room setup with bed raisers for guests who may require it.
If you’re looking for an accessible, centrally located hotel in Christchurch, the Sudima Hotel is definitely worth considering. You will find it at 47 Salisbury Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Have you stayed in an accessible hotel that impressed you? Share your experiences in the comments!
thank you so much for this great commentary. Just what we needed, Christchurch sorted!
Wonderful! Enjoy its an awesome City.