This was our last night in New Zealand and booking was done late so this was the only hotel available for our group. We had a room on the 4th floor facing the front and ti was a bit dated.. Noises from below was carried right up to the room all night and we could hear whole conversations quite clearly. we had to leave the windows open as it was rather warm and the only ventilation was through the windows. I did not find the beds comfortable. I give credit to the fact that have improvised due to the earthquake as the reception is located outdoors and they did a great job on that. Breakfast was average and with minimal options. I thought the staff at the breakfast area was rather curt when we turned up early. I would not stay here again.

Initial impressions were a bit negative - our tour group had been booked into the Crown Plaza until the Feb earthquake. The decor etc was not of the standard we had expected when we booked the holiday. However, you have to warm to a place that although considerably damaged by the earthquake (main entrance and restaurant unusable) manages to keep open by using a container as reception and a conference room for breakfast. Our bedroom was large and the beds very comfortable. The breakfast (they can only supply continental breakfast until the restaurant can be reopened) was fine, with good service. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance and the hotel is only a short drive from the airport, so the Elms makes a decent choice for an initial couple of nights.

Staff here were very nice and friendly. The bathroom door did not fit the frame and I got locked in it when the door handle fell off. The rooms were dated but clean and comfortable. I am sure it has just not been repaird since the earthquake. I slept fine and breakfast was good.

We had a good size standard double with two large double beds. Bathroom was large and clean. The beds were comfortable and the room was quiet. TV had no reception - and one had to brave polar conditions to use the internet on the computer located through a fire door in a stair well. Very friendly staff and lovely continental breakfasts served in upstairs conference room. Variety of eateries within comfortable walk and microwave and basic cutlery available for use in this room in the evenings. Well placed for shopping nearby and for the airport. We used it as our first stopping point in NZ after we arrived. No restaurant when we arrived as hotel had only just reopened after earthquakes.