"Just south of Merivale and perched at the edge of sprawling Hagley Park, this sleek and stylish five-star hotel makes a posh impression with a very good minimalist design—everything felt modern and clean. The rooms are bright and feature a flat-screen TV, minibar, desk, coffee/tea maker, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower plus excellent soundproofing; some rooms even have stunning views over the nearby mountains (try to get one of those). There’s a bar and café on-site, and while breakfast isn’t included, it’s delicious and includes lots of fresh, local food." - Matthew Kepnes