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Diplomat Motel

3.0 star property
Travelers find a peaceful nature retreat with staff who know how to make a vacation effortless at this welcoming Merivale property

Choose dates to view prices

The Diplomat Motel in Merivale offers a quiet garden where guests can relax after a day of exploring. Free WiFi keeps everyone connected, while the helpful staff provides express check-in and assistance with booking local tours and tickets for a smoother travel experience.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$137
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms

View all photos for Studio

Studio | Bathroom

Studio

7.6 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Garden
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Free cots/infant beds
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Balcony
Garden
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Free cots/infant beds
  • 64 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Single Beds OR 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds
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About the area

Located in Merivale neighbourhood, Diplomat Motel is connected to a shopping centre. While the natural beauty of New Brighton Beach and Sumner Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Lyttelton Harbour. The Arts Centre and Christchurch Botanic Gardens are also worth visiting. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing. Visit our Christchurch travel guide
View more Motels in Christchurch
Map
127 Papanui Road, Christchurch, 8014

What's nearby

  • Botanic Gardens in Christchurch City
    Hagley Park
    10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Papanui Road
    1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Merivale Mall
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Bealey Avenue
    8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • St George's Hostpital
    8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • McDonald's
    6 min walk
  • Okioki
    10 min walk
  • Majestic At Mayfair
    11 min walk
  • Café On Caledonian
    15 min walk
  • Pedro's House of Lamb
    7 min walk

About this property

Diplomat Motel

Motel located in Merivale
Diplomat Motel provides amenities, such as a garden and dry cleaning/laundry services. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
  • Free self-parking
  • Continental breakfast (surcharge), express check-out and express check-in
  • Tour/ticket information, a reception hall and a front desk safe
Room features
All rooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as premium bedding, as well as perks such as free WiFi and safes.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Select Comfort beds and down duvets
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • 32-inch TVs with premium channels and DVD players
  • Balconies, kitchens and fridges

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  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
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8.2 out of 10, Very good, 620 reviews
The price is AU$130
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

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

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 8 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 lift
  • 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
  • Hob
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator

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
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets are allowed for an extra charge of NZD 20 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay), plus a one-off cleaning fee of NZD 20
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
1 total (up to 15 kg per pet)
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property on the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: from approximately NZD 15.00 per person
  • Pet fee: NZD 20 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay) plus a one-off NZD20 cleaning fee
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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-authorise 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool or hot tub without adult supervision

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities and services.

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

Is Diplomat Motel pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 15 kg per pet. There's a fee of NZD 20 per accommodation, per week. A cleaning fee of NZD 20 also applies. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much does it cost to stay at Diplomat Motel?

As of 9 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Diplomat Motel on 23 Mar 2026 start from AU$137, including 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.

How much is parking at Diplomat Motel?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Diplomat Motel?

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

What time is check-out at Diplomat Motel?

Checkout is at 10 AM.

Where is Diplomat Motel located?

Located in Merivale, this motel is steps away from Papanui Road and St. Mary's Merivale. Merivale Mall and Bealey Avenue are also within 15 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Diplomat Motel Reviews

7.8

Good

8.2

Cleanliness

8.2

Location

8.4

Staff & service

7.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 131 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 47 out of 131 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 131 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 131 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 131 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Graeme

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice stay, rooms where tidy and being upgraded. Bed comfortable and helpful staff
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Ongelique

Liked: Cleanliness
The staff were extremely helpful and kind which we appreciated
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Josh

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

10/10 Excellent

Eve

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

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

6/10 Okay

John

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

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

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

6/10 Okay

Joanna

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

8/10 Good

hugh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Dog friendly
Stayed 1 night in Aug 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

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay

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

10/10 Excellent

Leonie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was the right size for my needs. The service at the front counter was very professional and polite. The service staff were very polite and efficient. Highly recommended this motel
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

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

6/10 Okay

A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Spacious room but facilities showing its age.

Older complex, age showing in places.Spacious room. warm and comfortable, quiet given its main road location.friendly helpful assistant
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

4/10 Poor

Daniel

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Needs upgrading. Photos online are misleading.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My go to place while visiting my mother. Lots of space and able to prepare my own meals. Will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

maureen

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We particlarly enjoyed the spaciousness of our room and the comfortable kingsize bed. Great shower too. We had chosen Dilomat for is proximity to Southern Eye Hospital so the above factors were definitely a bonus
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Sounded like the neighbour was throwing cans at the wall! Is this an emergency hosing facility???
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice location and a great price.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
The property is in a good location and the hosts were welcoming and pleasant. The apartment we stayed in needs some TLC and could have been cleaned more throughly.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

4/10 Poor

Andrea

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Disappointing

The motel room was very dated and was dark and dingy. The room appeared not to have been cleaned for a long time. There was a large spider web on the window in one room, food in the cutlery draw and thick dust all over the surfaces. The window in the main bedroom did not close. The bathroom needs to be renovated. A good clean and update to the bathroom would improve this accomodation.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021