Jurys Inn Christchurch

The Jurys Inn, for the uninitiated, is a hotel chain with 31 properties in Ireland, the UK and the Czech Republic. The three-star Jurys Inn Christ Church occupies a modern, flashy brick building with a big, light-filled reception area. As much as we favor small mom-and-pop hotels, there is often something comforting about the standardization of a chain hotel, and this Jurys Inn is no exception.

The 182 rooms at the Jurys Inn Christ Church are kitted out in appealing wines and browns. (This is one chain that has gotten the message that restrained colors stand a better chance of remaining aesthetically bearable than do bright, flashy tones.) Rooms offer plenty of space, with wide desks, a decent sweep around the beds and neat cubby spaces for electric kettles and other coffee and tea paraphernalia. All are equipped with a television, phone and clean private bathroom.

The downsides: Breakfast costs extra and Wi-Fi is free only in the lobby (use in rooms is available at a charge).

We recommend avoiding Jurys Inn Christ Church during events, when double room rates soar from south of €70 to north of €200. Note: Christ Church Place is a surprisingly busy thoroughfare, so a room a few floors up (though still facing the church) may be preferable.