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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Reception
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Meeting facility

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Housekeeping
$172
includes taxes & fees
Dec 14 - Dec 15

Explore the area

View in a map
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013
  • Place, Hagley Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Christchurch Public Hospital
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Riverside Market
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Observatory Deluxe Room

Observatory Deluxe Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Observatory Deluxe Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(41 reviews)
  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Skylight Room

Prestige Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Prestige Skylight Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Royal Skylight Room

Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Royal Skylight Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 560 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Room

Prestige Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Prestige Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About this property

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5-star hotel in Christchurch City Centre
A 24-hour fitness center, coffee/tea in a common area, and conference space are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include self parking, concierge services, and dry cleaning.
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch offers 33 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and espresso makers. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 49-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels and Netflix. Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch features a 24-hour fitness center, a library, and tour/ticket assistance. Event facilities measuring 269 square feet (25 square meters) include conference space. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. This Victorian hotel also offers coffee/tea in a common area, concierge services, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Limited onsite parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis (surcharge). A total renovation of this property was completed in May 2022.

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is a smoke-free property.

Continental breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Uncovered self parking on site (NZD 30 per day)
  • Limited onsite parking (max 1 space per unit)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: NZD 30 for adults and NZD 30 for children
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Art gallery
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Books
  • Concerts/live shows
  • Library

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 269 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Spa

  • Couples treatment rooms

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Height-adjustable showerhead
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1896
  • Communal living room
  • Renovated entire property - May 2022
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 49-inch smart TV with digital channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 percent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately NZD 30 for adults and NZD 30 for children
  • Uncovered self parking fee: NZD 30 per day
  • A late check-out fee will be charged
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 percent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

We should mention

Parking height restrictions apply
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

The Observatory Christchurch
Observatory Hotel Christchurch
Observatorty Hotel Christchurch
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Hotel
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Christchurch
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Hotel Christchurch

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 254 out of 282 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 282 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 282 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 282 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 282 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Henry

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Laid back atmosphere, also great lounge to relax in and have tea.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a slice of luxury in a beautiful setting. Sadly only one night but it was fantastic.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent Christchurch Destination

We were truly delighted by our stay at the Observatory. In addition to being centrally located, the hotel is part of an arts center that has been reconstructed/renovated from the Christchurch earthquakes. The history is fascinating! We were treated well and felt welcome. Falling int the feather bed was like a dream after a long trip! The hotel is in walking distance of a variety of restaurants with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The really beautiful Botanical Gardens are also within walking distance of the Observatory, a serene and peaceful place to wander. Overall we could not have been more happy with our stay, only wish we stayed longer!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great boutique hotel. My only negative would be the bed could have been better
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely hotel in a beautiful building

Excellent staff, very welcoming and helpful. Lovely room with comfortable bed and superb building. Great place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

James

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The most comfortable bed ever!

We had a lovely stay at this gorgeous hotel - the bed was a cloud, we slept so well. The setting is lovely.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Coffee, restaurants, tram, and park right at your doorstep.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an excellent hotel with luxurious amenities within easy walking distance to dining, culture, and all that Christchurch has to offer. The staff is first rate, good communicators and thoughtful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Kate, APO

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beware. I booked and prepaid for a Prestige Skylight Room but was given a small, standard room on arrival. Something seemed off but I was too tired from traveling. The next morning, I asked and after some deliberation, they said I was given the wrong room but they could not move me because the right room wasn't available. They told me they would refund NZ$400 to my credit card, and reassured me of this when I checked out. They never did. I reached out after getting home and they didn't respond. The smallness of the room ended up mattering because I was in it for 2 days fighting off an illness. It was not great. They have no dinner on site but thankfully they have a "snacks" room service for lunch which saved me. The vegan pie arrived frozen in the middle but the other things I tried in those 2 days -- pizza, corn fritters, falafel fried -- were pretty good. The breakfast was nice. They gave me some macarons as an apology for the room snafu and comped my ~NZ$50 in room service, but the lack of communication and broken trust leave a very sour taste. Overall, while the facility is nice, the service was amateur and untrustworthy. I won't stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Joanna

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teck Kee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice hotel but it’s hard to get a warmer and comfortable temperature in the room, especially the bathroom.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

David, Auckland

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Warm hospitality in a beautiful boutique hotel

Had a lovely stay at The Observatory Hotel. From the moment I checked in, the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating—especially the gentleman who handled both check-in and check-out with such professionalism and kindness. I had requested for the king bed to be split into two singles, and the team sorted it out without any fuss. The hotel itself is stylish and peaceful, with a unique charm that sets it apart from the usual chain experience. Would happily stay again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tamara, Olympia

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
A beautiful hotel in a great location. A great coffee shop right in the former university complex, art, music, and across from the botanical gardens.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic staff,location and design
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edwin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yihong

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice room, kind staff, and a lovely lounge
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Wonderful historical renovation and location.

Wonderful refurbished historical property. Nice unexpected extra touch of a chocolate Easter egg to celebrate the holiday. Only “complaint” would be the closet and storage space of the rooms, but to be fair understandable given the historic building limitations. Check out (10:00 am) could also be a bit more generous. And $30+ per day for parking seemed steep- but I understand parking in Christchurch is expensive. Location is great!
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nanda

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an 1800s University converted to a hotel so has a history to it. Settings are very artistic. Room was nice and spacious. Beautiful art area outside.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property. Lovely location with lots of dining and shopping options close by. Lots of little details. We got a lovely Easter treat. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025