Frequently Asked Questions

Checking in/out

Q: What is the earliest time I can Check-in?
A: Please inform us of your estimated arrival time if you anticipate an earlier check-in. We suggest you book your room from the night before if you require the room well before 2pm, since we cannot guarantee an early check-in. However, we are happy to store your belongings until your room is available.

Q: Can I arrive late?
A: Reception is open from 8:00am Monday to Friday, and 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday. Reception typically is open till 9pm. If you are arriving outside these hours please contact us and we are happy to make arrangements for you. If you know in advance you are going to be late, a courtesy phone call is always appreciated.

Q: Are your rooms non-smoking?
A: Yes, all rooms at Alpha Motel are non-smoking. We allow to smoking at outdoor areas.

Q: How close are you to restaurants?
A: There are many restaurants around with short walking distance. We are also within 2-5 minutes by car of number of restaurants and fast food outlets including BurgerFuel, Lone Star, Subway, Chinese, Indian, Thai and Mexican. Please visit Google Maps for a detailed list

Q: Do you have wireless internet in guest rooms?
A: Yes, we provide free Wi-Fi and cable internet access to all of our rooms.

Q: How close are you to the shops?
A: 2 minutes by car to Countdown super market and Bush Inn Shopping Centre.

Q: What is your Cancellation Policy?
A: Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours prior to check in date and time, the full amount of the first changed or cancelled night will be charged.

Q: How much does a taxi cost to the Airport?
A: A super shuttle car to the Airport for 2 people is about $30.

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Motel and Room Facilities

Q: What is a kitchenette?
A: A Kitchenette consists of: An electric hob, microwave, kettle, fridge/freezer and toaster. Along with all the required cutlery.

Q: Do you charge for infants?
A: Free charge to infants/children under 2 years old, crib available. 

Q: Do you have cots/highchairs?
A: We provide both cots and highchairs free of charge, subject to demand. 

Q: Being on a main road, is it noisy?
A: Whilst we may be on a main road, the units are set back from the road, and are also shielded by the manager's residence. All units are also soundproofed and double-glazed, so you should be able to get a good night’s rest without worrying about the noise.

Q: Will my room be serviced during my stay?
A: Yes, we will service your room everyday providing new towels and a general cleanup.

Q: Can I bring my pets with me?
A: Generally the answer is no, absolutely no animals are permitted within any of our units. However feel free to contact us to discuss your situation.

Q: Do you have wifi?
A: Yes, we provide free and unlimited wifi, it is available in all rooms and around the general motel location. 

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Reservations

Q: How do I cancel my reservation?
A: This depends on whom you booked with.Third party sites (Booking.com, Bookit, Expedia, Rates to Go, Information Centres and I Sites, etc.) will require you to contact them directly to cancel your reservation. Refer to the documentation provided to you at the time of booking. Booked over the phone or through our own website, then simply contact us directly to cancel your reservation.

Q: Do you need a credit card for bookings?
A: Reservations made directly with us, are only confirmed once a valid credit card has been provided. If you do not provide a valid credit card, your reservation will be deleted, and your room released for sale. Reservation modifications - If you need to change something contact ASAP and we will do our best to help you, please note that cancellation policies are in full effect if you 'accidentally' booked the wrong night, or something similar.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Single reservations cancelled within 72 hours of arrival will be charged the first nights accommodation. Further more any consecutive nights accommodation will be automatically cancelled. Group reservations (more than one reservation on the same night) cancelled within 96 hours of arrival will be charged the first nights accommodation. Further more any consecutive nights accommodation will be automatically cancelled. Please note these cancellation policies apply to all reservations regardless of the circumstances surrounding your either cancellation or no show. Flight cancellations whilst not common, do happen and we will charge your account if you are unable to stay for this or any other reason. We encourage ALL our guests to take out travel insurance. If you are unable to arrive for whatever reason, we always appreciate a phone call or email to indicate this fact.

Q: What is your payment policy?
A: Credit card details required for confirmation of reservation. Payment for accommodation costs is expected upon arrival. Authorization is given for the motel to charge the guest's credit card for any unpaid charges left unpaid, any damages or theft from the unit(s)/motel during occupation.
Your credit card is not charged until arrival, though may be pre-authorized.

Q: Do you charge extra for credit cards?
A: Bookings made directly through us are not charged any credit card surcharges.

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Miscellaneous

Q: I left something at your motel, how do I go about getting it back?
A: Simply give us a call or email us to enquire if we have your lost article. If we do, we are more than happy to send it to you, a small postage fee applies of course.

Q: How do I get to your motel?
If you arrive by taxi, please tell the driver to take you to Alpha Motel, on 338 Blenheim Road, Upper Riccarton.

Drive yourself from Christchurch International Airport
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053

Route for Shortest distance: 14 min (7.9 km), via Memorial Ave and Waimairi Rd (14 min without traffic)
1)  Take Durey Rd to Memorial Ave, drive 1.4 km
2)  Follow Memorial Ave to Waimairi Rd in Ilam, drive 4.4 km
3)  Follow Waimairi Rd and Hansons Ln to Blenheim Rd in Upper Riccarton, drive 1.8 km
4)  Turn left onto Blenheim Rd, in 300m arrive at Alpha Motel on your left

Route for Quickest time: 15 min (9.5 km), via SH 1 and SH 73 (13 min without traffic)
1)  Head west on Durey Rd, drive 750 m
2)  At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Memorial Ave, drive 600 m
3)  At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto SH 1 (Russley Road) heading to Hornby/Timaru, drive 3.3 km
4)  Turn left onto SH 73 (Yaldhurst Road), drive 3.0 km
5)  Take Hansons Ln to Blenheim Rd in Upper Riccarton, drive 1.3 km
6)  Turn left onto Blenheim Rd, Alpha Motel will be on the left in 350 m
338 Blenheim Rd, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8041


If you arrive by public bus from the International Airport, Walk to Stop 47222, catch P Purple Line to Sumner, get off at Stop 37745, Riccarton Rd near Field Tce, walk to 338 Blenheim Road.

For more, please take a look at http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/en/parking-and-transport/