Rattray Rendezvous House

One thing that gets your attention when you first enter the house is the smell of freshly baked bread. Of course, the house itself is impressive - bedrooms are spacious and clean; bathrooms are spotless and have all you need; large, well equipped shared kitchen - there are several bottles of home-made jam in the fridge which is large enough to store your own food if you wish - milk is provided but you'll need to get your own fruits, eggs, yogurt, etc; little "alcove" with computer and printer; spacious shared living room with large TV; lovely patio in the back with barbecue. The free wifi was fast and reliable from anywhere in the house. The laundry room has a large top-loading washing machine with detergent provided. The dryer is coin operated but you can also use the clothes lines outside. I stayed here twice during my trip - two nights when I arrived in Christchurch and another two nights (after driving around the South Island) before leaving for Wellington. The first time I was in the room with two single beds and a couple of bunks. The second time was in the room with a double bed although I slept on a single roll-away bed. Both rooms were en suite and very comfortable. I'm used to firmer mattresses but was quite comfortable nevertheless. The location is very good especially if you have a car which I did and was provided with off-street parking. But you can easily manage on foot or by using the nearby public transportation. Westfield (formerly Riccarton) Shopping Centre is just an easy 10-minute walk away. The University of Canterbury and Hagley Park are both only about 1 km away. Rattray St is off Riccarton Rd where the airport bus traverses. And the city centre is no more than 15 minutes by bus. Perhaps most appealing about Rattray Rendezvous is Mary, the owner, who is a very friendly, helpful and accommodating host. I had communicated with her via email before arriving and she always responded very promptly and fully to any questions I had. We had several conversations during my stay and it was like talking with an old friend. If I happen to travel to Christchurch again, RR would be my first choice.