Crowne Plaza has made its return to Christchurch, promising to be the largest upscale hotel in the CBD with 204 modern rooms, a new café, bar and restaurant and four modern event spaces.

The return of the brand to the city is a significant milestone for the current owners of the former office building, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism.

Building co-owner Shane Le Compte of local investment and development company MC Christchurch Holdings says the former Crowne Plaza Christchurch had a loyal following amongst Cantabrians.