Jailhouse Accommodation

Ronald Fortuna

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March 07, 2026

A fun place to stay. Rooms are actual prison cells. Facilities are great if you are used to hostels. Communal areas are quiet after 9pm. Kitchen area is well equipped. Pleasant 2km walk to the city centre. Wide range of restaurants nearby.

Ethan Meng

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April 11, 2026

0/5 experience. I've stayed in a lot of hostels and I'm genuinely not a demanding guest. But my experience at Jailhouse didn't meet even the basic standard of hospitality, especially compared to other places in New Zealand. I had let them know that my arrival would be in the early evening but was never sent any check-in information or late check-in information: only payment confirmation and a email saying to look for check-in information. So no building code, no instructions, even after triple checking, refreshing, checking spam, etc. I arrived in early evening just before dark (not late in the night by any means) with no parking spots and no way to get in. Ended up knocking on a lobby window to get a guest to let me in after around 10 minutes waiting outside alone in an unfamiliar city after dark. When I finally got to reception, the staff member seemed frustrated that I needed help. No acknowledgment that the information was never sent. No apology for me waiting outside. Parking was full that night and they told me my only option was street parking a few blocks away in an area I didn't feel comfortable leaving my car or some of my belongings in. Parked there anyway, and the whole check in process took almost an hour+ from when I arrived to when I put my belongings in my room and parked my car. Was looking forward to the unique accommodation but genuinely do not feel like my personal safety, comfort, and overall experience was a priority. Would not recommend. Edit: I understand third-party systems sometimes drop emails. What I didn’t experience was any acknowledgment of that from the staff, or a genuine apology. A few things the security footage might not show: I had pulled in earlier, left because there was no parking, no clear way to get in, signage that threatened that I would get towed if I parked in any of the spots nearby the accomodation, and needed to find a restroom after driving from Tekapo. Came back still unsure where to go with no phone call capabilities and no clarity on who/how to contact. That's great that you're available via phone, but it may be helpful to realize that phone numbers are only helpful if people have a way to find them....and have a phone that can make calls in NZ. I appreciate the response but do believe it still minimizes my experience and continues to prioritize the Jailhouse image over the guest experience. There should be better systems or at least signage for guests. I have changed the "Rooms" rating to include my opinion of the reception experience. Take care.

Fleur Bull

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March 13, 2026

Returned around 4:30p.m. and found out, that door to the room was OPEN. One of the staffs wearing a particular type of clogs seemed rather irritated when I asked something about freezer/fridge, However, surprisingly she was happier chatting with one of her colleagues,hence I stopped asking any questions. Yes, I felt it was very much living in a prison, physically and mentally. I am too worried being crucified leaving my honest reviews after hearing some conversation between manager and duty person. It was a head to toe feeling being under tighten leash sort of management. What an experience-will not return nor recommend.

Guillaume Parlier

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March 18, 2026

Very good accommodation in Christchurch and very original also ! We served our time for 2 night there. Room are not the biggest but enough for 2 - toilets and showers (shared) were really clean same for the kitchen Staff is nice which helps Would recommend to anyone in Christchurch !

Pixie Martin

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January 17, 2026

Great place to stay, about 15 minutes walk from Wolfbrook Arena. Basic facilities and small rooms (they were jail cells once 😂). Plenty of shared spaces to chill, clean and tidy. Friendly staff and cool memorabilia. Would happily stay again. Would recommend earplugs if you are sensitive to noise at night.