The Bealey Quarter (All Stars Inn)
by the TopOfHotel team
A genuinely private little property with full kitchens, a free BBQ, a movie room and a garden — and the prices are hard to argue with.
A genuinely private little property with full kitchens, a free BBQ, a movie room and a garden — and the prices are hard to argue with.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
The Bealey Quarter (formerly All Stars Inn on Bealey) splits its rooms into three types, and the differences matter. Studios Premium are compact and aimed at one or two people on a short stay; Courtyard Rooms open onto the garden and pull in good natural light; and the Lodge comes in both shared and private layouts for groups who want more room. Every unit has a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, a fridge, a kettle and free Wi-Fi, and there's a large shared kitchen for the rooms without their own. Guests single out the Courtyard Rooms for that garden light — they're the pick for couples who want something private and calm, while the Lodge makes more sense if you need the floor space.
Food and amenities
There's no restaurant here, and that's the point — this is a self-catering property built around its shared spaces. The outdoor BBQ is free to use, with picnic tables and a patch of garden, and the in-house movie room has a big screen for film nights. Add a pool table, free laundry and a shared kitchen kitted out with an electric hob and proper cookware, and you've got a place geared toward travelers who want something to do in the evening rather than just a room to sleep in. The Countdown supermarket in nearby Edgeware Village handles your grocery runs.
Location and getting there
The property sits in Edgeware, on Bealey Avenue, about 1.4 km from the CBD. That's a 15-to-20-minute walk, or you can jump on Metro bus route 1 for a cheap, easy ride into the city centre. The Christchurch Art Gallery is close, and Edgeware Village — with its supermarket, cafes and restaurants — is just a few minutes on foot. Christchurch Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive away. If you've got a car the CBD is about 5 minutes out, which is the most painless way to come and go.
Things to know before booking
The main trade-off is distance: at 1.4 km from the centre, you can walk it but most people will drive or bus. It's also a small property with only a handful of rooms, so it books out — reserve ahead, particularly over the December-to-February high season. And there's no pool, gym or on-site restaurant, so treat this as a relaxed self-catering base, not a full-service hotel. None of that is a dealbreaker for the right traveler; it's just worth knowing what you're getting.
Our take
The Bealey Quarter is the best fit for couples and small groups who want a genuine Kiwi home-stay feel instead of a soulless chain, and who'd rather keep the budget under NZ$190 a night. For that money you still get a BBQ, a movie room, a pool table and free laundry — extras that make a night in more fun and more complete than most hotels in the same price bracket. Skip it if you need to be in the thick of the CBD or want resort facilities; book it if a quiet, friendly, self-catering base sounds like your kind of trip.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A genuine boutique home atmosphere — the outdoor BBQ, garden, movie room and pool table are things you simply don't get at a chain hotel.
- Full in-room kitchens, free laundry and unlimited Wi-Fi, plus a large shared kitchen for the rooms that don't have a private one.
- Rates start around NZ$100 a night (roughly $60), making it the cheapest option on this list that's still a proper hotel rather than a hostel.
- Scored 8.5/10 overall, and couples rated the location 8.5 — a clear sign it works well for two.
- Three distinct room types let you match the stay to your trip: compact Studios Premium for short visits, light-filled Courtyard Rooms opening onto the garden, and roomier Lodge options for groups.
- It sits 1.4 km from the CBD — walkable in 15 to 20 minutes, but most guests will end up driving or catching the bus to get into town quickly.
- It's a small property with only a handful of rooms, so book ahead, especially over the December-to-February high season when Christchurch fills up.
- There's no pool, gym or restaurant on site, so this is a self-catering stay rather than a full-service hotel — you cook your own meals and head into Edgeware Village or the city for dining out.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
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Insider Tips
- The movie room is open to all guests without booking, but if you're a larger group, give the front desk a heads-up — some nights other guests want to use it too.
- Ask for a Courtyard Room facing the garden: they're the quietest and get the best natural light, and they suit couples better than the larger but dimmer Lodge rooms.
- Pick up groceries at the nearby Countdown supermarket in Edgeware Village and cook on the free BBQ — there are picnic tables and garden space, and it saves a fortune over eating out every night.