We stayed in a twin room overnight at the Elms on Papanui Road in August 2011. I found the room to be a little dated, but clean and comfortable. Beds were comfortable however, and the room was quiet. The flat screen TV was possibly the smallest I have ever seen in a hotel room, but it did get about 7 Sky channels.

The hotel is one of the larger ones in the area, a ten minute drive from the airport, and only a five minute walk from the large Northmall shopping complex. There are a number of restaurants and cafes nearby.
This is currently important, as it's main reception and Papanui road restaurant are currently closed due to significant earthquake damage. The accommodation wing was in an adjoining but separate building and is thankfully undamaged and still fully operational. The reception is now operating from temporary facility in the carpark next to the accommodation wing.

The closure of the main reception and restaurant does mean that dinners and cooked breakfasts are currently not available, with only continental breakfast being offered in the alternative dining room on the 5th floor.
As mentioned, dinner can be obtained in a variety of restaurants within a few minutes walk. The reception staff are extremely friendly and helpful and won't hesitate to give you directions.

We have used The Elms in the past, and again this year for a tour group of 25. Meals were excellent, staff very accomodating and helpful. Facilities clean and adequate. Only downside was a very noicy touring group that came in late the first night. Maybe they could have been instructed to respect others already in bed.

Nice setting, set back from the road so reasonably quiet. Clean room, beds a little saggy but o.k. We got a very cheap room rate so were happy with what we got for the price.
Reception staff were very frosty did not make us feel welcome, more like a bother to be there really. Good location for airport and city centre if you have a car.

this place reminds me so much of home. quiet, and friendly. it is located around 15min drives from christchurch international airport and and 10min drives to the city centre. it is very close to a big shopping mall and also, a smaller mall (merivale mall). its all within walking distance. i wont recommend it to anyone who wish to stay in town area but its a perfect for tourist who travels by own car. they do offer free car park for all the traveler. the room is clean and odorless as they dont allow smoking in their rooms. you should also try their restaurant breakfast. i love their scrambled eggs. best scramble egg i ever tasted.