2 Bedroom Cottage (Self-contained) | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Reviews of Designer Cottage B&B

3 out of 5
Designer Cottage B&B
53 Hastings Street West, Sydenham, Christchurch

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 156 out of 236 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 65 out of 236 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 236 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 236 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 236 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice property. Very quaint heritage home. Liked the hosts and breakfast. Located close to the CBD, with an uber trip to the CBD costing about $11 (or a half hour walk if you prefer). The shared bathroom is a bit inconvenient for the price but otherwise good.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bryan

Travelled with partner
Friendly hosts! Great continental breakfast with Gluten free options available and fresh fruit from the garden! Comfortable bed and we had the on suite shower room which had everything you would need. Close to lots of shops and places to eat! Plenty on road parking in safe street!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mar

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Michael, Sandy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The house has a retro feel to it, which was fun but it was old, bed wasn’t too comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A comfortable private stay, very friendly & helpful
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Carole

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A quirky little place, very comfortable, did not get chance to try the breakfast owing to an early departure, but fruit, yoghurt and cereals left out for us
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deon

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoy our stay nice place
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Chet on 7 Sep 2023
Thank you Deon for the excellent review. We are enjoying hosting you at our humble BnB near Christchurch City. We looking forward to your stay again. Many thanks Chet & Steve.

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Was so excited that this property was just as pictured- excellent room- outside area-Steve, the owner was helpful as to attractions,food,and bus route- am a walker and all within center of attractions- great stay- would absolutely stay again
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shirley

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Home away from home. Stay there whenever I'm in Christchurch. Like staying with friends or (nice) relatives!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from Steve on 7 May 2023
Thank you, Shirley. We appreciate you staying at our humble bnb. See you guys' next time. Steve and Chet

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great start to NZ tour
My New Zealand trip was largely 1 night stays and a mix of B&Bs and motels. But I had 3 nights here in Christchurch. Great welcome from the host with loads of tips on what to do and where to go. Breakfast was another highlight with plentiful amounts of food and drink and the chance to chat with other guests. Plus a lift to the Tranzalpine train on my departure day. It was busy and my room only had a shared bathroom, a rare choice for me, but I coped and never had to wait more than a few minutes.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hosts and breakfasts
Response from Chet & Steve on 2 Jan 2023
Thank you so much for the outstanding review. We only can be a great hosts when comes with great guest. Thank you so much for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Chet and Steve were such great hosts. So welcoming and helpful. The B&B is a beautiful old house with easy access to downtown and other sites. Breakfast each morning was tasty and a good chance to meet other travelers. The area around the B&B is a quiet residential area. The gardens have won a couple of awards. I'd highly recommend staying here if you're visiting Christchurch.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Response from Chet & Steve on 2 Jan 2023
Thank you so much Andrew. Love all your kind words and the lovely promotion of the B&B. WE are so fortunate to having you staying with us, and we will welcome you back to this humble Christchurch B&B anytime. We sincerely thanking you again, and wishing you and your family a great 2023 New Year ahead. Warmest Regards Chet and Steve

10/10 Excellent

lynise

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Chet and Steve very helpful. The cottage is Ace. Absolutely everything you need. Breakfast room is wonderful. Tastefully decorated. Close to city. Will be staying again. Highly recommend this place.
Response from Chet & Steve on 2 Jan 2023
Thank you so much Lynise. Has been a great pleasure having you staying with us. Your stay making our hosting joyful, and we will welcome you back to Designer Cottage anytime. Many thanks again for the great stay with us. May 2023 a great year to you and your family. Many thanks Chet and Steve

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from Steve on 30 Oct 2022
Thank you Patrick for the perfect review. You were our perfect guest also. Steve and Chet

10/10 Excellent

Liz

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My room was nice and clean and exactly as advertised. Owners were friendly and very helpful. Thanks for the fantastic stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Response from Steve on 30 Oct 2022
Thank you Liz for the great review. We are pleased you enjoyed our stay and hopefully we will see you this way again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Hannah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely comfortable stay
Lovely 3 night stay. Very warm welcome on arrival. Very comfortable and clean room, reasonably spacious. Good WiFi. Nice kitchen area with great coffee. Pleasant atmosphere at breakfast chatting with the hosts and the other guests. Really appreciated all the tips, particularly on places to eat and drink in that area of Christchurch.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from Steve on 30 Oct 2022
We are very happy that you enjoyed your stay with us. Breakfast time was a pleasure, chatting over coffee and hearing about your adventures. See you again hopefully, Steve and Chet

10/10 Excellent

Liz

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved that it was warm on a very cold night. The hosts were extra cool. I enjoyed the other visitors as well.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Response from Steve on 12 Sep 2022
Thank you Elizabeth for your perfect review. It was our pleasure to host you both on your special trip to Christchurch. Don't work to hard on the farm and start planning your next visit to Christchurch (staying at our place we hope). All the best. Steve and Chet

8/10 Good

Matt

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Response from Steve on 5 Sep 2022
Thank you Matt for taking the time to provide a review.

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very likable owners, very friendly and helpful, very interested in people. They would do anything for you. This property has a lovely cottage feeling about it. Breakfast was very good, an ideal time to meet other guests and share experiences.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from Steve on 4 Sep 2022
Thank you Rosemary for your great review. It was our pleasure to host you and we look forward to your next visit to Christchurch. Steve and Chet

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Handy. Good kitchen.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from Steve on 7 Jun 2022
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Maxine

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice comfy B n B good hosts
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022
Response from Chet & Steve on 16 Feb 2022
Thank you Maxine for your great review. It was our pleasure to host you and we hope to see you again next time you are in Christchurch.

10/10 Excellent

Marjory

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
we loved out night there - perfect place for us - thank you
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
Response from Chet & Steve on 2 Feb 2022
Thank you so much for staying with us. We definitely enjoy your stay with us very much. Stay safe amd we are looking forward to your stay again. Many thanks from Designer Cottage Chet & Steve

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great. Clean. Very friendly. Got upgraded for no extra cost.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021
Response from Steve on 31 Oct 2021
It was our pleasure to meet and host you John on your visit to Christchurch. Thank you for the great review. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Steve

10/10 Excellent

Theresa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Response from Steve on 29 Jul 2020
Thank you Theresa for the great review. It was a pleasure meeting you and we are pleased you enjoyed the Cottage experience. All the best with your move back to Christchurch and we hope you enjoy your new house when finished. Steve and Chet

10/10 Excellent

Karen M

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A lovely old cottage. Very comfortable & handy to all amenities. Very friendly host. Bought our washing in for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Response from Steve on 21 Jul 2020
Dear Karen, Thank you for looking after the 1900 worker cottage during your stay. We will welcome you back here anytime in the near future. Many thanks again for the outstanding 10/10 review. Warmest Regards, Steve and the Designer Cottage team

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Slightly quirky but comfortable and close to shops
Chen and Steve were both very friendly and helpful. Our room was warm and comfortable and parking was convenient. We chose Designer Cottage because it was near to appointments that we had over two days in Christchurch and we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Response from Designer Cottage Team on 9 Jul 2020
Thanks for your quirky review David. We at Designer Cottage impose high standards on ourselves. especially with our customer service and guest experience. With your positive review and you not mentioning any negative experiences, we consider an 8/10 confusing. Without any constitutive feedback we are not sure how we could have improved your overall experience with us. Thanks again for the review. We would like to have the chance to improve our score, so, hopefully we will see you again when you are next in Christchurch. Regards Chen (Chet) and Steve

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020
Response from Chet & Steve and Cat Marmite on 14 Mar 2020
thank you so much for the Excellent review. We enjoyed your stay with us very much. Hope to see you again. you are the prefect 10 from us too.

10/10 Excellent

Brett, Sunshine Beach

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great position on the edge of the city. It’s a bit of a hike to the centre of the city but definite doable. Room was great and very quiet and comfortable. Private bathroom is on the small side but clean and shower was good. Breakfast was lovely. Juice, tea and coffee, cereals and yoghurt, fresh toast and freshly cooked eggs. Hosts Chet and Steve were wonderful. Very friendly and helpful with lots of suggestions on things to do. Highly recommended and would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from Chet & Steve on 28 Feb 2020
Thank you Brett for the lovely review. You are great guests for the enjoying hosting. We will welcome you back anytime to our humble B&B. Love from Designer Cottage

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This cottage was everything we wanted but better! The host warmly greeted us as we were pulling in, then gave us a comprehensive "orientation" of the neighborhood and city center. He was always happy to answer our questions. The property's private garden was beautifully curated that it was an attraction in itself! I enjoyed admiring the landscape and reading in the backyard. The whole experience was made complete with a continental breakfast served every morning by the hosts—yummy, quality local produce. Could not recommend this place more!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019
Response from Chet, Steve and the funny cat Marmite on 10 Jan 2020
Thank you so much for staying with us, and sharing your outstanding Christchurch experience with us. We had a great time hosting you both, and the experience is totally mutual. You are the prefects guests for us to host at the B&B. We sincerely thanking you for the kinds words and great reviews. Many many Thanks from Designer Cottage B&B team Steve, Chet and the cat Marmite.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a lovely little quiet home away from home minutes away from the hustle and bustle thanks guys for a fun chat over a lovely breakfast too :)
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from Chet Steve and the cat marmite on 27 Dec 2019
Thank you for staying with us. We enjoyed your stay with us very much too. Breakfast good chat always great for us. Happy New Year to you and Great year in 2020. Warmest Wishes, Chet & Steve

2/10 Terrible

John

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice quiet little cottage with all that is required for the time that I was there.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019
Response from Chet & Steve Designer Cottage on 12 Nov 2019
Thank you Michael for the top review. We enjoy your stay with us very much too. Many thanks again, and hope to see you again.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Amenities
garden is well designed with leafy green hedges lending privacy, trees of different colour foliage and flowers spilling from window sills
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Response from Designer on 12 Nov 2019
Thank you for loving our garden.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautifully presented grounds host was amazing, friendly and nothing was a problem. Would recommend to anyone wanting to stay in chc
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Response from Chet Designer Cottage on 22 Sep 2019
Thank you so much for staying with us. We had a great time sharing the unique B&B experience with you. Many thanks again.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Steve on 7 Aug 2019
Thanks for your review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thoughtfulness of the owner. There was nothing that I did not like!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Response from Steve and Chet on 11 Jun 2019
Thank you for the great review. It is always our pleasure meeting and greeting our guests and sharing with them our local knowledge.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Response from haha Anonymous on 1 Apr 2019
Great !!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Friendly service from Chet who was very accommodating and welcoming. Ambiance suited our retro tastes and it was lovely to have the section of the accommodation all to ourselves. Was lovely to see the incorporation of suggestions from other guests reviews such as provisions of soaps etc. Truly speaks to Chet and his teams desire for guests to be comfortable. Some aspects were not yet completed but it is easy to see the direction the decor and renovation is heading. Chet I would encourage that the repair and completion of renovation be attended to in order for your paying guests to have a truly comfortable experience. I would encourage a little more research on what other B&B are offering and try to adjust your services to suit. The only real downside for us was the bed. Unfortunately the mattress was too hard and the springs too obvious for our tastes. B&B sends an expectation of soft and cozy. Bed may need some screws etc tightened. A bit squeaky. Otherwise we enjoyed our stay thoroughly.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Team Chet lol on 26 Mar 2019
Anyway thank you for making the reviews about our humble home for the last 18+ years that is still part of our living today with many personal items. We offer a home we are living in that is happy to share. We are grateful about many guests has been very kind to us, and continuously supporting us. I guess your suggestion are in good intention. on that note I am extremely grateful!

8/10 Good

Vicki, Essendon Victoria Australia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hosts were very helpful and friendly. The location was convenient to city centre.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Chet & Steve and the Cat Marmite on 22 Mar 2019
Thank you so much for the Stay and the review Vicki

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Chet & Steve and the Cat Marmite on 14 Mar 2019
Thank you for staying with us. We will welcome you here anytime again and again. Many thanks

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Chet on 7 Mar 2019
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good spot to stay
Good place to stay. A little out of the city centre but it’s an easy 30 minute walk in and out. Breakfast is nicely done with cereal, toast and eggs with tea/coffee and juice. Chet is a lovely welcoming host and will give plenty of information on what’s around and what’s on.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from Chet & Steve and the Cat Marmite on 25 Feb 2019
Thank you so much for staying with us. We will welcome you again back to the Designer Cottage anytime. Many thanks again

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Cottage is 120 years old. Living room is equipped with old furniture that are showing a lot of wear. Bathroom is very small w/ an extremely tiny sink and a not properly functioning shower facility ( water temperature is not controllable, changing consistently from warm to hot and cold with very low water pressure ). Bedrooms are o.k. but are not equipped with AC and wardrobes. Kitchen is poorly equipped. Landlord requires signature up-front on an agreement to provide reimbursement if kitchen is not in same condition as at start of stay. WiFi signal is unstable, limited to 2 GB. Overall not a good value for money.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Response from Chet on 17 Feb 2019
Good luck to your future holiday stay. As you pointed out that the house is 120 years old cottage. The cottage do need a different angle of appreciation. Sorry that we can't fulfill your first world expectation.

10/10 Excellent

RAD

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A little out of the way but a delightful stay. The owner/manager is a kind and helpful soul (who once lived in Seattle!). Good night's sleep and a nice breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Response from Chet & Steve and the Cat Marmite on 11 Feb 2019
thank you for staying with us at the humble bed and breakfast. Love having you any time, and thank you for the great review. Hope to see you again. Travel safe. Warmest Regards, Chet

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
the B&B experience was new for me, the hosts Chet and Steve were great hosts, my room was fine with all the essentials and the bed was very comfortable. For me the only thing lacking as a business traveller was a desk in the room, but was able to use the kitchen table or go around the corner to maccas. I also had breakfast and it was very nicely set out and serviced by steve. I did enjoy mixing with other guests. My experience confirmed all the positive comments place by other users. The negative comment I read was not relevant at all. If I needed anything all I had to do was ask. Thanks I will bring my wife next time.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2019
Response from Chet & Steve and the Cat Marmite on 10 Feb 2019
Thank you so much for staying with us, and sharing your unique Christchurch experience with us at our humble B&B. We always love nice visitor like yourself, very nice and understanding. You will be prefect guest for us to be hosting too. Many thanks again.

8/10 Good

Lee

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We only stayed one night and left very early. We liked it because it was not a hotel and served breakfast. They were nice enough to serve us our breakfast early as we had to leave early. The room was private in the back garden and cute. The bed was a bit soft for my back’s liking but my husband thought it comfortable. The bathroom was suitable for only one person at a time but the shower had great pressure. It is located within walking distance of a number of restaurants. You are welcome to use the kitchen area in the cottage as the hosts live next door. We would recommend staying here and enjoyed the quiet and charming surroundings.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from Chet on 10 Feb 2019
Thank You

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Chet is a remarkable host. We loved everything about our stay at the Cottage: the chat the friendly social atmosphere with all the guests, the accommodation and Chef's gardens. We landed in Christchurch after a long flight from the UK and we were instantly made welcome by Chet. Thank you Chet.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Response from Chet & Steve and the Cat Marmite on 7 Feb 2019
Thank you so much for the wonderful review. You are welcome to stay at the B&B at anytime. We surely enjoy your stay with us, and will be missing the lovely breakfast conversation. Many thanks again for sharing your lovely Christchurch stay with us. Warmest regards. Chet

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a pleasure to stay with Chet, Stece and Marmite. Very friendly and happy people, with a great sense of humour. Their communication prior to arrival was excellent. Thanks to their own website we recived many helpul informations about things we could do closeby. We have no hesitation in recommending them to other users.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Response from Chet & Steve and the Cat Marmite on 5 Feb 2019
Thank you for staying with us. We really enjoy your stay with us. Many thanks again for sharing your Christchurch stay with us.

10/10 Excellent

April

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cosy, Comfortable and Highly Recommended
We had a wonderful stay at Designer Cottage. We had lots of contact with Steve and Chet and they had lots of great information of things to do in the local area. The room was clean and very comfortable and the breakfast was great! I would highly recommend Designer Cottage.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from Chet & Steve and the Cat Marmite on 7 Jan 2019
Thank you so much for staying with us at the Christchurch B&B. We have enjoyable time too during the breakfast, We thank you again for such a great comment, and we will host you again anytime. Have a great New Year in 2019. Warmest Wishes, Chet, Steve and Marmite (the cat)